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Simple questions about tools/methods
Hey everyone, I had a few simple questions that I’d like to ask you all. I’m looking for ways to improve my processes and these things have been coming up regularly.
What is your preferred method of cleaning the inside of an acoustic guitar body? I usually use a brush with long bristles to knock out any dust or debris and then vacuum it out. I’ve found that this works alright but I was wondering if there’s a specific jig you use for the vacuum hose? I think I’d like to make something which doesn’t run the risk of the hose bumping against the sound hole, but I can’t quite picture it.
-What is your preferred method of lighting the inside of an acoustic guitar body? I was thinking of something battery powered to illuminate the cavity, but I haven’t found anything that I’m 100% on.
-What is your preferred material for specifically polishing rusty frets? I tend to use fine steel wool, but it’s messy and I don’t like using it. I tried using 3M Flexible Polishing Papers in 4000 and 6000 grit, but I found that they didn’t really have enough “oomph”.
Thank you!
-David
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3 Replies
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I have a little rechargable USB light that I put inside the body and then I use an inspection mirror to look around. Sometimes I use an endoscope.
https://www.amazon.com/DEPSTECH-Waterproof-Inspection-Megapixels-Smartphone/dp/B01MYTHWK4/
For polishing frets I often use micro-mesh pads: https://www.philadelphialuthiertools.com/luthier-tools/abrasives/micro-mesh-2-x-2-soft-touch-pad-variety-pack/
If the frets are fairly clean I start with 4000 grit and work up to 12000. If they’re grungier I’ll start at 1500 and work all the way up to 12000.
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Hey Ben, thanks for the reply. The endoscope is really cool, I haven’t seen a commercially available wireless one before. I’ll definitely look into your suggestions.
-David
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For cleaning all the dust out of the guitar I build I put a vacuum blowing out the back end into the guitar and blow all the chips and stuff out of the guitar. Not sure if that’s kosher for an old guitar but it works for me.
I’m going to upgrade to a Ryobi shop blower soon. This is also how I clean the dust out of my shop, open the windows and blow it all out.
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