Routers can be a serious source of frustration for woodworkers. I designed this series of videos to explain the solutions to common router problems that I’ve identified. I’ve specified pattern bits because pattern, or template, routing is a very common usage of routers in the guitar maker’s shop. We use pattern bits to route such […]
Category: Tools
The One Tool that I Carry Everywhere
This episode features the one tool that I keep on my person at all times in the shop: The Gerber EAB Lite utility knife. I also give tips for maintaining flat surfaces by trimming the ends on your sanding blocks and my ideas on keeping the right tools within reach. Want more of this? Subscribe […]
Variable Pitch Bandsaw Blades: A No-Brainer for Resaw Work
This past summer I spent some time and money improving my setup for resaw work, specifically for resawing tops and back and side sets. I want to share a simple alteration that had a pretty significant impact on the quality of my cuts: That is; purchasing a variable pitch bandsaw blade as opposed to a […]
“Knives” for Removal of Fretboards and Bridges
Well, in this case they are not really “knives.” My favorites are all kitchen spatulas modified for removing glue joints. In this episode of DIY Guitarmaking, I discuss my favorite implements for bridge and fretboard removal and for removing double stick tape on templates. Questions on this topic or anything else related to acoustic instrument […]
Making the Most out of the Robert O’Brien Mortise and Tenon Jig
Episode #37 is an excerpt from The Online Guitar Building School. This video is about a jig that I absolutely love! The Robert O’brien Mortise and Tenon Jig (AKA Neck Angle Jig). There are alot of things about using this jig, however, that trip a lot of people up. So with this episode, I’m going to […]
Creating a Headstock Template
In this excerpt from the Online Course, I demonstrate a practical method for creating a headstock template, whether copying your peghead design from plans or designing your own. Creating a simple Martin style paddle shape certainly simplifies things. However, I demonstrate a more interesting design incorporating long symmetrical curves. Was this useful? I would love […]
Chisel Sharpening
I discuss hand sharpening and honing chisels with sandpaper and a granite block, and sharpening using a powered system with dry abrasives: the worksharp 3000. This is an excerpt from The Online Guitar Building School course “Building an OM Acoustic”
Using Magnets to Repair Side Splits
This Martin 000-15 came into my shop with a long split in the sides on the treble side. The owner told me that the guitar was never dropped or bumped into anything. It never experienced any kind of trauma to cause the split. Furthermore, the guitar had been repaired previously for splits in the sides, also […]
Making Guitar Mold Spreaders
For this episode I am using an excerpt of The Online Guitar Building School’s Building an OM Acoustic series. This video walks you through the construction of upper, waist, and lower bout spreaders to fit your guitar mold. Was this useful? I would love to hear your questions or comments! I try to answer every e-mail […]
Tools – Eric Schaefer Guitars – Online Guitar Building School
Eric Schaefer Guitars’ Online Guitar Building School This is a free video from the “Building an OM Acoustic” Course. Click here for more free video tutorials. In this lesson we will discuss various tools around my shop. This is just to get the gears turning in your head. This is not meant to be […]