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Private member DiscussionTools and Jigs

Getting perfectly flat without a jointer

Hello -- I am trying to joint a Tele-style mahogany neck blank. I have a Metabo planer in good condition, but no jointer. I secured the c. 40 mm thick blank to a flat plywood sled and shimmed it well. It's hot-glued in place, and absolutely no rocking from any corner or edge. But as I plane it down, I still have about 1 mm difference from one end of the blank to the other when I put a straightedge on the surface (see photo, with backlig…

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Private member
I feel this is a big missing element in my workshop (for guitar making at least). But where I live all tools, and especially machines, are a good 2x the price in the US or UK. So I have to think long…
Private member DiscussionShop Organisation

Workshop Starting Kit & Organization

Hey there fellow Looths! I'm still learning and just starting my luthier journey, but I'm serious about it and want to design and build my own workshop. I have space for a 4mx4m (13x13ft) workshop. I know it's kinda tiny but I think it can do the trick since I want to work analog/by hand for most of the tasks. I plan to buy a drill press and a band saw. That's all for 'the big machinery'. I'm just curious if people have tips or 'things to…

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Private member
I personally don't like anything in the middle of the room because I will run into it(my stool is the only thing that floats around the room), and with such small space you need room to move. When I b…
Private member DiscussionTools and Jigs

Sharpening System

Good morning group! I just joined The Looth Group today. I'm wondering what folks are currently using to sharpen chisels, plane blades, violin maker's knives. Is there a jig you would suggest? What stones, or are you using something better, easier? I know sharpening is a whole world unto itself but I'm looking to up my game. Currently using Japanese water stones and an inexpensive one wheel guide. I'd like to do better. Thanks! Spidey

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Private member
I've converted a few people to this: https://taytools.com/products/complete-drill-press-sharpening-system-bundle?_pos=1&_sid=b9fc94629&_ss=r To be honest I think this is far superior to any other method…
Private member Discussion3D Printing

3D scanner

Anyone use a 3D scanner to make models for printing, or CNC? I've noticed a number of inexpensive scanners on the market that appear to be an able to scan with fine detail and accuracy. I've wondered if they could be used to scan a guitar neck, or arch top mandolin plate to then cut on a CNC after tweaking in a CAD program.

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Private member
That's kind of what I thought. The scan comes out dirty and needs more manipulation in software which can be more work than drawing it in the first place. I was curious as there are now numerous ads…
Private member Discussion3D Printing

3D Printed Neck Shims?

I have searched the forums and was not able to find any discussion about 3D printing neck shims. This made me wonder if with the proper density of infill, may be a viable option. Or is this just taboo? appreciate hearing others thoughts on this

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Ian Davlin
One thing you might try is changing the orientation to have it on the side. You might print it as a block of 5 so it self supports and then split after. I bet @member might…
Private member Discussion3D Printing

Bambu Super Tack Plate

I posted a while ago how great the Bambu Super Tack plate is. I take it back, it's great to start, but the bottoms started coming out warped on the last 3 prints. Doesn't look like I'm alone with this issue and some people have had replacements sent to them so I put in a support ticket to see if I can get a replacement.

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Stock response from Bambu about bed temps, brims, etc with a link to their wiki. I'm not going to pursue it but I'm also not going to use this plate anymore. It seemed like a consumable part the secon…