Home made luthier/shop tools

[dadagoboi]

The best new tool I've found in a while is repetition of a task.  Leads to accuracy and efficiency.  Downside is boredom.  Audio books help.

[Highlander]

A sixteen year old pianist I knew taught me a very simple truth... perfect practice makes perfect...

As you say, the downside of repetition is boredom...

[drbassman]

OK, here are my two most recent homemade tools.  A sanding box and binding scrapers.

[drbassman]

Just made my own pin router.  I had two manufactured products and they both were major hassles to use and align properly.  I just need something simple and efficient.  So here it is.  The key is having everything square and perpendicular. 

[Basvarken]

Nice! I'm jealous 

[drbassman]

Nice! I'm jealous 

Don't be, it was easy to build.  Patience and exact measuring were the biggest ingredients.  Only cost about $40 in materials.

[dadagoboi]

Great job, Doc!  How many HP (or amps) is your router?

[Highlander]

 

[drbassman]

Great job, Doc!  How many HP (or amps) is your router?

Thanks!  My router is a PC 1 3/4 hp, 11 amp model.  They do make 3+ho models.

[dadagoboi]

I have that 11 amp PC, used to have the 15 amp 3+hp PC.  My Onsrud pin router uses a Bosch 115V, ~3 HP, it's old and out of production.  The newer ones use the big Porter Cable wired 220.  The more power the better.

I also use Onsrud solid carbide upcut spiral router bits.  They give a cleaner cut and last longer than straight cut bits.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Onsrud-52-362-CNC-1-2-Solid-Carbide-Spiral-2-Flute-Upcut-Router-Bit-/111884914857?hash=item1a0cdc50a9:g:zosAAOSwLVZV28NR

That's a pretty good price.  New they're almost $70 IIRC

[Dave W]

That's a dandy. Now you need a foot-operated router lift.

[gearHed289]

Love the home made router table! Here's a couple of our store bought ones. 

[drbassman]

I have that 11 amp PC, used to have the 15 amp 3+hp PC.  My Onsrud pin router uses a Bosch 115V, ~3 HP, it's old and out of production.  The newer ones use the big Porter Cable wired 220.  The more power the better.

I also use Onsrud solid carbide upcut spiral router bits.  They give a cleaner cut and last longer than straight cut bits.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Onsrud-52-362-CNC-1-2-Solid-Carbide-Spiral-2-Flute-Upcut-Router-Bit-/111884914857?hash=item1a0cdc50a9:g:zosAAOSwLVZV28NR

That's a pretty good price.  New they're almost $70 IIRC

I have 2 each of the 1/4" and 1/2" Onsrud bits already, so I should be OK.  Might pick up a third one at that price.  I'm going to try my router on the first couple bodies to see how it does.  I'll go to a heavier duty router if I have to.  No big deal.

[drbassman]

That's a dandy. Now you need a foot-operated router lift.

Yeah, I can imagine how handy that would be.  Since my pin setup is for guitar application, it will be fine.  Besides, the router is easy to adjust from below with the Porter Cable adjustment ring.  Very easy and quick!

[drbassman]

Love the home made router table! Here's a couple of our store bought ones. 

I'd love a manufactured industrial pin router, but they are way out of my league.  My luthier buddy has one and I'm so envious!