New Build Day.. Black Korina Double Cut FINISHED (with quick demo)

Rabs

AustrianJohn said:

 

We love this sort of stuff - keep it coming. Every build is different.

Ok cool.. good to know..   Cheers 

paulnb57

Not boring at all, I look forward to each update....great work!

eldarvanyar

Loving the build. My one will be very slow compared to this. What is the weight like on yours so far? 

I am learning lots from your build. 

For mine I am thinking of a Gibson  Les Paul DC type guitar body. 

This is the wood of bought from Ian on Ebay.

One piece of Korina I bought is heavy over 6kgs.
I bought a white Curly Korina block for the neck.  





Keep up the good work 

Danielsguitars

Damn that's heavy

I got boards off Ian and just jointed for a 2 piece, my single cut special is about 6.8lb strung up no pickups 

I have had really heavy black limba off him too but that's a chambered job and cap

Let me know the size and weight of that blank for future reference, dare i say I'll probably get more from him at some point

Rabs

eldarvanyar said:

Loving the build. My one will be very slow compared to this. What is the weight like on yours so far? 

I am learning lots from your build. 

For mine I am thinking of a Gibson  Les Paul DC type guitar body. 

This is the wood of bought from Ian on Ebay.

One piece of Korina I bought is heavy over 6kgs.
I bought a white Curly Korina block for the neck.  

Keep up the good work 

Cheers...  And its funny you say that (and this is not too show off) but I think mine has been slow.. Over the last couple of weeks ive just been kept busy with other things..  If not for that this build would be being oiled right now...

I also really want it ready to take to the Birmingham Guitar Show so anyone who goes can get to see it and play it (if you like) in person. 

Well mines a double cut shape too and before I did the carve it was 6.5lbs... 49mm think I believe..

I will have to weigh it again once ive routed and drilled all the holes..

Rabs

Heres a better shot on the before and after where I have smoothed the curve out a bit at the back end of the bodymaking it a bit less pronounced  BUT left some of the more pronounced carve from the middle down to the horns...  if you see what I mean.. A subtle difference..

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0131_zps8sbgn90t.jpg

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0091_zps9gfldrcr.jpg

Rabs

Hello and back to this build again....   And yet again not as much done as I want..  But in the next two days I will have that neck glued to that body 

So, todays job was to get the control cavity done...  For this I first need to design (using that word lightly ) a shape for it and then make a template..  And actually this is the first time ive done this since I started building since before this all of my guitars have had the same controls which are similar to whats on a Gibson DC Special and I just copied what I knew...

So this is the layout

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0104_zpsaykntrhj.jpg

I then get a bit of paper under the pots so I can mark out the positions of everything and get a shape around it

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0105_zpsi1iyilck.jpg

I measure the distance between each component (60mm)

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0107_zpsbjlslvdt.jpg

And draw a rough shape so I know what size the hole should be

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0108_zps1oi8gzzx.jpg

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0109_zps4gdqhcrx.jpg

Then I draw lines on each end and take that line to the back of the body so I know exactly where to position it

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0110_zpss3krzlxf.jpg

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0111_zps9fekgymb.jpg

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0114_zpsnw9yosd8.jpg

Then I go for a shape...  I know its not the most symmetrical but im ok with it and I will actually do the fine shaping by hand when I get the template made.

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0115_zpslodcifxc.jpg

Its also good to think about where the input jack is going to sit in all this and make sure it doesn't hit one of the pots or anything silly like that (you really must think these things through)

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0117_zpscn63o1fv.jpg

Then, well with the way I do it, you have to make an inner rim for the back plate to sit on.. Also the way I do it I need some extra humps in the rim so that there is plenty of room to put the screws in.

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0118_zpsescwntsn.jpg

And then check it all fits in

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0119_zpsgvvx1k4i.jpg

So then I get a bit of MDF and mark the shape out and go at it with a router

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0121_zpshtsnuvzz.jpg

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0122_zpsixezsxdy.jpg

I do this free hand knowing it wont quite be straight but I will tidy that up with some files and or sandpaper

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0123_zpseqny4wtr.jpg

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0124_zpsz5m8hgrn.jpg

All smoothed out

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0126_zpsncyqmcr8.jpg

Then I need the template for the rim

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0128_zpsxzlip9a2.jpg

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0132_zpscza6qmgc.jpg

Then I mark out the position on the body to make sure I know where to place the template exactly when I clamp it down (it does tend to move when you clamp it)

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0134_zpspedh40nh.jpg

The body is 40mm thick.. The pots I use have a 6.5mm shaft... So I know that I need to make the cavity 34.5mm deep so that the pots fit through the body and have enough thread to screw the nut on.

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0138_zpssw7eltnf.jpg

Then I mark the inner template which I do first and off I go

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0139_zps4oob4kb3.jpg

Using a template router bit with a bearing at the top.. that follows the inside of the template perfectly

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0140_zpsoqibqc29.jpg

Then once I have done the first 15mm or so I can remove the template and use the hole that's now there to guide the bit

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0141_zpsf8gdqnta.jpg

Almost there another 6mm  to go

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0144_zpspnj7vbse.jpg

Sorted 

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0145_zpsmtyiucho.jpg

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0146_zpsohdchjox.jpg

And then even though I know it will fit, I try it out anyway just to be sure

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0151_zpssm71fyxp.jpg

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0153_zpskcyaby7n.jpg

So there we are, cavity done..  Just need to drill the holes and do a back plate for which I have the template now so shouldn't take me to long

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0155_zps9sciafrm.jpg

Then for fun to look at the grain and also a good way to clean the body down and spot any scratches or marks that may need removing I wet the body (very lightly)

Hubba Hubba 

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0159_zps4vmjddlc.jpg

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0166_zpssexhpwqa.jpg

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0170_zpsz2dnonw5.jpg

More tomorrow 

 

Nomad

Rabs said:

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0159_zps4vmjddlc.jpg

That's looking rather nice. Are you planning to stain it?

Rabs

Nomad said:

Rabs said:

That's looking rather nice. Are you planning to stain it?

No..  I think that would be a sin to cover such naturally beautiful wood.. I may do some tests on the off cuts soon.. But I doubt it...  Also because im going to use tru oil as you may know its has a slight amber tint which usually goes really well with natural wood colours...

But that's why we test.. If I do I will post it on here

Andyjr1515

Looking nice, @Rabs

Rabs

Andyjr1515 said:

Looking nice, @Rabs

Cheers man..  I am excited about this build.. Even though its going much more slowly than I wanted...  But it shouldn't be too long now..  Tomorrow I should be able to spend a good amount of time on this build (assuming nothing else unexpected turns up)..    I will get the neck finished and hopefully Friday I will glue the neck and body together..  Cant wait 

Rabs

Today I got some more done.  

First was to start shaping the headstock a bit.. So I cut the end off making it square with the top..

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0103_zpsmdgb3y75.jpg

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0104_zpsoby5fbq6.jpg

Then I cut the bottom of the headstock so I have my basic shape.. Im doing this now because by the end of today I want to glue the wings on and its easier to cut to shape when the wood is thinner. And I will make the wings from the off cuts

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0105_zpsfppwb53w.jpg

Heres my template as you can see it need the wings

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0106_zpsmw2z7jcl.jpg

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0108_zpsnkaajuqb.jpg

Now what I do is mark out where the heal is so I can cut the tenon out

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0110_zps9pa344bh.jpg

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0115_zps5lcvcvtq.jpg

To know how long the tenon should be I mark the inside of the pickup ring ...

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0119_zpsjyoes3e4.jpg

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0121_zpss4etrwsb.jpg

Then I mark out how wide it should be

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0123_zpswlyvojq4.jpg

And transfer that to the neck using the centre line (you need your centre lines a lot )

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0124_zpsiya71soe.jpg

And this is the way I cut it.. I put the neck on its side and go almost up to the heal line and then finish with chisels

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0131_zps2ofkkfcx.jpg

Next I get the neck to size by using my router and running the bearing bit along the side of the fretboard (which is the right size)

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0143_zpsimytuksl.jpg

Then I glue the wings on

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0144_zpstu8u7z93.jpg

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0154_zps3rxzpwro.jpg

So tomorrow I will shape the headstock, finish the bottom of the tenon, fret the board and hopefully get the body routing done too.. and if im lucky and get enough time I will get to glue the body and neck together..  Now that will be cool

Nomad

Rabs said:

Nomad said:

That's looking rather nice. Are you planning to stain it?

No..  I think that would be a sin to cover such naturally beautiful wood.. I may do some tests on the off cuts soon.. But I doubt it...  Also because im going to use tru oil as you may know its has a slight amber tint which usually goes really well with natural wood colours...

But that's why we test.. If I do I will post it on here

Well, I wasn't meaning purple or anything.

Amber is a pass in my book. I like the grain to be visible as well.

Rabs

All I can say is ARRRRgggggggggghhhhhh...... All I will say is that it was down to mechanical failure....  It happens occasionally. The issue isn't huge but it needs to be right....  Kind of embarrassing since this is my first build thread on here but as I say..  It happens (usually when one of my tools is about to die)

This pic will say it all (which is what ive been doing today) 

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0106_zpsdwf0d20o.jpg

And that will mean that rather than looking like this

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/Imoihohjgage3_zpsl10chcgi.jpg

It will now look like this (well roughly)

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/Imoihohjgage1_zpsaa3rbyq0.jpg

And on a positive note that new neck actually has much nicer grain than the previous one.  By the time I had cut it down to size pretty much all of the black streaks had gone and it looked like a normal white piece of korina... this new one has much nicer black stripes that go down it and should go with the body really well.

Rabs

Check out the patterning on this new neck.. It is actually way nicer... so that's something

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/jhjhkjhl1600_zpsnzko5dve.jpg

Rabs

So... Welcome back to anyone following..

New neck sorted

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0109_zpskjvjmwyn.jpg

All shaped

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0110_zpsdcknpulg.jpg

I did get this board pre slotted and its meant to have a 12" radius.  So I check it and its not quite there (always check these things)

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0114_zps72t9spv6.jpg

So I use my radius block which you stick sandpaper to the bottom of

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0115_zpsndapzgzg.jpg

Much better 

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0117_zpsudpdim15.jpg

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0119_zpsobiylxft.jpg

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0120_zpsos3tylak.jpg

Now time for the fretting...  First thing to do is clean out the slots. They get filled with dust and if you don't clean them out your fret wont fit in properly

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0126_zpsgq5mt0th.jpg

Then once that's done I like to oil the board (lemon oil)

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0131_zpsn98q1hkx.jpg

And I have these cool frets I found on Ebay..  Come pre radiused and de-tanged at the ends AND even better come in a pouch with numbered holders (which I can use in the future)

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0133_zpsjdsw2iph.jpg

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0134_zpsimt1vtrc.jpg

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0135_zps5gdyrlje.jpg

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0137_zpsgjtkoi0r.jpg

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0138_zpsrb5gdx4j.jpg

Just bash in with a soft ended hammer (brass one will do too)

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0139_zpsvinmjhap.jpg

Sorted

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0141_zps2eynuvwn.jpg

Then nip the ends off

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0142_zpssc4iuttj.jpg4

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0143_zpskmyokpwb.jpg

Then I use this file to get the ends down

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0144_zpskh2hook0.jpg

First you use it this way which gets the ends flush to the board

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0146_zpsb6a3depj.jpg

Then you use it this way to get a nice angle on the ends ( I will round them off later on)

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0147_zpsb1snjupu.jpg

And you end up with this (as I say I will do all the levelling and stuff nearer the end of the build)

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0150_zpshnxlh0w9.jpg

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0151_zpslkagrhmg.jpg

I take a simple approach to the tenon hole...  I line the neck up and just draw around it

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0154_zpsywcoxv7a.jpg

Then I use my ninja router skills to do it free hand

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0155_zpsaqx9lxjs.jpg

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0159_zps2lvvjlbx.jpg

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0160_zpsvppycsep.jpg

Obviously check the neck angle (which I do many times, cant be too sure with that one)

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0168_zpsunegf5g4.jpg

And then the magic moment..  Neck an body become one  (always a good day when that happens)

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0178_zpsv5d6b68x.jpg

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0180_zps1euccloc.jpg

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0182_zpsxgn3nqqe.jpg

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0188_zpsdefjbcfo.jpg

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0189_zpsict4rrhi.jpg

So there we are ...  really taking shape now...  Next will be all the body routing for pickups and wiring and then the neck carve....  And then lots and lots of sanding to make sure its all smooth.. THEN I can add finish... 

More very soon and thanks for watching 

Rabs

Ok so heres todays update.

Body and neck have glued successfully... So next is to do the pickup routing and all that. First I mark the positions out.. I did this with the bridge in place so I know exactly how much room I have..  Then I placed a pickup ring in the appropriate spot and mark them on the inside of the ring so  I now where to line the template up.

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0110_zpssw1hgycw.jpg

I stick some double sided tape to the bottom of the template

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0111_zpsef2w6cdm.jpg

And I then line up the centre line of the template and body and use the marks to line up the position. (centre lines people... all important )
http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0113_zpshe8sbge9.jpg

SORTED

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0119_zpsgeuo8opi.jpg

Then the bridge holes

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0121_zpsioapsxak.jpg

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0123_zps9ndw0aiu.jpg

I have also started neck shaping just to get me going

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0131_zpskvyjuf9i.jpg

Next I do the holes for the tuners..  So I mark it all out

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0135_zpsbz7o6eqh.jpg

And then what I do is to be safe, I drill from the top until the bit is just poking out the back

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0137_zpscjuo60fn.jpg

And then I use those holes to drill the rest from the back.. This way you get no splintering.. 

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0138_zps1kyvyzr1.jpg

Nice clean holes

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0139_zpswavotkdh.jpg

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0140_zps9gaxdxkt.jpg

Then I do the same for the control holes

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0146_zpsjekqzvrd.jpg

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0148_zpsvqyrmixn.jpg

Sorted

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0150_zpsz8jwiqwf.jpg

And that's where I had to leave it for today..  All that's left now is to drill for the output jack and the wiring holes and to do a back plate..  Then I am ready to finish

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_0154_zpsxq3m0112.jpg

Ohh and lastly..  Gave the body a weigh in.. Coming in at 7lbs at the mo. But theres still a fair amount to take off the neck then obviously all the hardware. Im guess it will come it at about 9/10 lbs by the end.

BigMonka

Wow, I just love watching a guitar take shape like this 

Rabs

Got a wee bit extra done today... Namely the wiring holes and some more of the neck profile

I do it by drawing a line from the output jack through to the correct positions for the bridge and pickup wiring

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_1972_zpsz6d2ysza.jpg

Then I will use this really long drill bit and line it up with the lines I marked on the body

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_1975_zpsqxakytbj.jpg

First I need an output jack hole which I do with a 22mm bit

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_1977_zpsbkcgml68.jpg

And just double checking (even though I know it will work cos ive done it many times now)

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_1978_zpsjhsqm2dv.jpg

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_1988_zpswmic1sqq.jpg

And also the neck is getting there .. I use an angle grinder to get me near the size I want and then move to an orbital sander for the main shape and then finally I will use files for the fine work.. 

http://i1173.photobucket.com/albums/r588/Rabs2010/2017 work/DSC_1993_zpsvwle5riy.jpg

So all that's left now is to make the back plate, final neck shaping and then final sanding for the whole body...  nearly there

More very soon.

vale

it's amazing Rabs. congrats on your building. & your recording of the whole process fascinating. it's like a trial by woodwork. where there's a will there's a way. character.