Six Gun Guitars
Six Gun Guitars
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I Published My Book!
This book contains everything I wish I knew when I started making acoustic guitars over fifteen years ago. It is not an ABC book, but a companion that teaches many of the things that the other books leave out. In these pages are instructions for making tools, cutting blanks, inlaying exotic woods, and hand finishing guitars. The methods described revolve around doing more with less, and getting more out of the tools already in the shop. For the thrifty guitar maker who would rather build something than buy it, this book is the right choice.
•Over 500 pages of text, with more than 1600 pictures and diagrams to thoroughly and completely explain more than 200 guitar making topics.
•How to use small shop tools to re-saw blanks for guitar making instead of buying them, saving money and expanding wood choice.
•Instructions for almost 50 tools, templates, and jigs that can be made right in the shop, saving thousands of dollars in tool costs. These include an electric side bending iron, fret slot duplicating jig, four different types of clamps, an inexpensive hide glue pot, and more. •An explanation of the use and abilities of several common shop tools, including several specialty tools that are specific to guitar making.
•A detailed section on guitar making theory, which will expand the understanding of how a guitar works, and how small changes to the structure can have big effects on tone. •Several step by step guitar making methods that make some of the more difficult processes easier and smoother in the shop.
•How to make inlaying easier by using a few common shop tools, and how to make several different styles of custom inlay.
•Step by step instructions for making a custom sound hole label using a powerful free program called Pixlr, to add the final touch to any guitar.
•A thorough finishing section that teaches anyone how to apply an amazing finish without having to buy expensive spray equipment.
•A guitar making and wood working glossary with thorough definitions and explanations of more than 600 terms.
Переглядів: 10 363

Відео

French Polish Part VIII Bodying Sessions
Переглядів 33 тис.12 років тому
This selection covers how to use mineral oil as a lubricant during the French Polishing process to help apply the shellac to the surface. The mineral oil helps the pad glide across the surface and not stick which allows more shellac to be applied in the same amount of time. The alcohol can still evaporate through the mineral oil which means that the surface will still dry even with oil on it, m...
French Polish Part VII Applying Shellac
Переглядів 61 тис.12 років тому
This video shows how to apply shellac using the French Polishing method. At this point any grain filling should have already been done, and the surface level and ready for shellac. The demonstration and (lots of) discussion will show how to apply the shellac with the rubber to make a very nice, smooth, and high gloss finish. This method primarily covers how to polish without mineral oil as a lu...
French Polish Part VI Pore Fill Wrap Up
Переглядів 33 тис.12 років тому
This final video in the pore filling section of French Polishing details the end point that you will want to get to when you grain/pore fill. It shows the level and flat surface essential for a good French polish, and it's the last video about how to get there. Next video will show the actual application of shellac and building of coats to a high luster.
French Polish V: Pore Fill Continued
Переглядів 21 тис.12 років тому
This video continues the demonstration of the alternate method of pore filling before applying shellac using the French Polish technique. Heavy coats of shellac are applied then sanded back to flush with the surface of the wood to leave the pores filled and a nice level surface for french polishing. A level and filled surface is necessary for a high gloss polish.
French Polish IV: Pore Fill Alternate
Переглядів 34 тис.12 років тому
An alternate method for filling the pores in open grained wood prior to french polishing. This method uses heavier coats of shellac that are sanded back to a level surface. This new surface that is created is then used as the base for the french polish application. I believe this to be an easier and faster pore filling method.
French Polish Part III Filling the Pores
Переглядів 60 тис.12 років тому
This covers the traditional method of filling in the pores with pumice as the abrasive. The method is to use alcohol and pumice to work up a slurry of wood dust that mixes with some of the shellac left from the wash coats and gets driven into the pores. This is a time consuming operation but the final finish will be completely flat and not show the dimples that an unfilled piece would have.
French Polish Part II The Pad/Rubber
Переглядів 46 тис.12 років тому
Covers how to make the rubbing pad that will be used throughout the french polishing process to apply the shellac to the wood surface. The fabric can be found around the house to make it, and at any fabric store as well. I use a cotton shirt for the wrapper and either the same material for inside or a small section of wool from an old sock.
French Polish Part I Wash Coat
Переглядів 87 тис.12 років тому
This is the first of several videos dealing with the technique of French Polishing, which is a special way of applying shellac to wood that results in a museum grade finish. Here I cover applying a wash coat before grain filling, and discuss the method I use.
Danish Oil Arm-R-Seal Wrap Up
Переглядів 23 тис.12 років тому
This video wraps up the danish oil and arm-r-seal explanation and shows what to do to finish the finish. I explain how to deal with problems like the grain not being completely filled, and show what the final look of the finish will be. This is an easy to apply, very high gloss finish that will make any wood working project turn out great.
Danish Oil Part 2: Arm-R-Seal
Переглядів 70 тис.12 років тому
This video shows how to finish over a danish oiled surface with a wiping varnish such as arm-r-seal by general finishes. The technique is demonstrated for preparing the surface as well as applying the varnish. A wiping varnish is a good alternative for people who do not have spray equipment, and it can be buffed to a very high gloss after it has cured. It's also a much better protector of the i...
Danish Oil
Переглядів 227 тис.12 років тому
This video explains how to use Danish Oil as a finish for a guitar or for any other wood working project. Danish Oil is a very easy product to use, and gives a very close to the wood looking finish, which is very attractive and natural looking. This video covers the application, grain filling, and overall finishing schedule for Danish Oil.
Coloring Oil Finishes Alternate Method
Переглядів 23 тис.12 років тому
This video details a second method of coloring tru-oil or any other linseed oil product with artists pigments. This alternate method is for a more translucent and thinner application, where a light toning or shading is called for. It can be used to apply color as thickly or thinly as desired depending on how much is added to the mix, and will produce great results on instruments or any other wo...
Dreadnought Project: Body Molds
Переглядів 15 тис.12 років тому
This video explains the guitar makers body mold, how to make it and why you need it. It covers the inside mold, and outside mold, and gives a basic set of directions for making one in the shop. A body mold is a great tool for making guitars because it helps make the process repeatable and it is a good gauge for knowing if your sides are straight. If you plan on making more than one guitar it's ...
Dreadnought Project: Neck Discussion
Переглядів 3,2 тис.12 років тому
This video is a discussion about my neck making strategy, how I proceed through the steps, and why they are in a certain order. There is no construction at this stage, just discussion. All the construction can be seen on subsequent videos, but I thought a basis for what I was doing would be a nice thing to have before moving on.
Dreadnought Project: Stacked Neck
Переглядів 4,2 тис.12 років тому
Dreadnought Project: Stacked Neck
Dreadnought Project: Introduction
Переглядів 2,8 тис.12 років тому
Dreadnought Project: Introduction
Basic Soldering
Переглядів 7 тис.12 років тому
Basic Soldering
Mixing Shellac
Переглядів 42 тис.12 років тому
Mixing Shellac
Shellac Part 2
Переглядів 19 тис.12 років тому
Shellac Part 2
Coloring Oil Finishes
Переглядів 66 тис.12 років тому
Coloring Oil Finishes
Shellac
Переглядів 24 тис.12 років тому
Shellac
Bridge Making Part 2 of 2
Переглядів 6 тис.12 років тому
Bridge Making Part 2 of 2
Arching Internal Braces
Переглядів 7 тис.12 років тому
Arching Internal Braces
Bridge Making Part 1 of 2
Переглядів 15 тис.12 років тому
Bridge Making Part 1 of 2
How to Use a Scraper
Переглядів 18 тис.12 років тому
How to Use a Scraper
Finishing with Tru-Oil
Переглядів 184 тис.12 років тому
Finishing with Tru-Oil
Bass Project Part XXIV: Final Pictures
Переглядів 8 тис.12 років тому
Bass Project Part XXIV: Final Pictures
Bass Project Part XXIII: Knobs
Переглядів 6 тис.12 років тому
Bass Project Part XXIII: Knobs
Bass Project Part XXII: Electronics
Переглядів 14 тис.12 років тому
Bass Project Part XXII: Electronics

КОМЕНТАРІ

  • @stp479
    @stp479 10 років тому

    Very well done-for your free pours try it with the opening at the top rather than bottom-it's counterintuitive but works giving you some real control.

  • @luthiervandross6311
    @luthiervandross6311 10 років тому

    Congratulations! Suggest you put in a prominent link to the Amazon store in the "about" section, so there are less clicks/browsing and more happy, enthused impulse buyers.

  • @stringmanipulator
    @stringmanipulator 10 років тому

    So it's the same colors that artists use to do oil paintings?

  • @shibumi44
    @shibumi44 10 років тому

    congrats great book actually purchased it before i saw this video!! i'll now use this as my bible for guitar construction. thanx a million

  • @federicapinelli
    @federicapinelli 10 років тому

    wow, here you are! I bought it just after Christmas, a great job! many thanks! PS: I'm also translating it in Italian! (for myself of course)

  • @rodolfoissac
    @rodolfoissac 10 років тому

    I am not a guitar player, Thank you for your video. It help me understand and how to use shellac on my vintage travel trailer. 1945. You help me in picking the wood and the color outcome. Save me a whole lot of guessing.and gave me confidants to start shellacing my whole travel trailer from the inside. Thank you. From Dillon,Montana

  • @dgloria
    @dgloria 10 років тому

    Hi! this was an amazing series! Thank you. I would be curious how to set the distance of the bridge, wiring the pick-ups, setting the string-height, and the machine heads. Anyhow thank you, it was really nice to see the creation. :)

  • @SchulzHarry
    @SchulzHarry 10 років тому

    Great book! I've rushed through it and whished it had been available earlier. Would have saved me time. Well done!

  • @phatthand
    @phatthand 10 років тому

    I was ready to invest about $200 for a fancy fret saw From LMI or Stew Mac when I saw this. Instead I made one of these in a few hours from scrap Ash. I used a Hacksaw Blade in the base and ground it to an easily removable shape so I can use the box without it if I want. I ordered several pre-slotted boards from LMI for $12-15 each, one of them custom slotted. The first test board came out great taking about 10 minutes to cut a dozen perfect slots to full depth in a Ukulele board. I made some stackable shims for the top of the mitre bax so I can control saw depth of cut.

  • @lonerider92
    @lonerider92 10 років тому

    Is it safe to stain wood first then Tru oil the wood after the stain? I have this project I want to do as a burst kind of thing and where I live we have an abundance of Mosquitos so spraying with a clear coat is rather hard because of that.

  • @seagod1776
    @seagod1776 10 років тому

    Can you put tru oil over canned no wax shellac?

  • @pedrogomes7099
    @pedrogomes7099 10 років тому

    How does shellac apply over a guitar body stained with a water based aniline dye?

  • @hrodd2
    @hrodd2 10 років тому

    congrats, great job. Looks like the guitar is taller than the new owner, oh well, he will grow into it!

  • @jrwineke4005
    @jrwineke4005 10 років тому

    Great vid! Where do you get the veneer?

  • @GlennMichaelThompson
    @GlennMichaelThompson 10 років тому

    Great video. I like your technique for filling the grain, fantastic! Danish oil is a great finish in my experience, as you stated it has a mix of oil and varnish. There's a couple of similar products out there too. A tung oil finish works at least as well as the danish oil in my experience. It's also a combination of oil and varnish. You can get 100% tung oil, but that doesn't have the protective properties you'd want in a protective finish. Paste varnish is another alternative rub on finish. It actually polymerizes the wood with the 1st couple of coats, so it makes the wood part of the finish. Then build it up with as many coats as it takes to get it how you want.

  • @midwestfisherman
    @midwestfisherman 10 років тому

    Can I add tint like the dyes from StewMac to tru-oil?

  • @walterrider1612
    @walterrider1612 10 років тому

    thanks

  • @OnePieceGitars
    @OnePieceGitars 10 років тому

    cheese grater from hell :DD do you know pantera?

  • @tbnterprises
    @tbnterprises 10 років тому

    I love the headstock on this. I'm not a big fan of the Fender body shape (I'm more of a Rickenbacker 4001/4002/4003 fan) but this is a beauty. I've been considering building a bass, and I think I may just have to go for it. I've performed tons of repairs, and thanks to your videos, it seems like a fairly straight forward process. I really liked the knobs you made, that's a nice touch.

  • @samboslc
    @samboslc 10 років тому

    Possibly the best woodworking video I have ever seen. Know now that I need to make the conversion to only scraping. Much knowledge here.

  • @loosewigg
    @loosewigg 10 років тому

    Great video. Thank you for sharing. Why buy them when they are easily made? One question... You mentioned sawing the dowel in half. What do you use to do that? Seems the dowel would be too thin to do it with a band saw. And maybe too dangerous and difficult to control. Maybe hold in a vice and use a coping saw?

  • @greysuit17
    @greysuit17 10 років тому

    Congrats!!! Looking forward to your book. You have helped me out for sure already. Keep up the great work.

  • @robertbdesmond
    @robertbdesmond 10 років тому

    I watched all of your videos, so if I could now make a comment on your technique. There are many different methods to "French" polish. And we all arrive at a method that suits us personally. That said, the one thing that you are missing is "increasing the pressure" of the pad in the final bodying steps. Pressure to the pad is how you get the high gloss and NOT refilling your pad very often, but applying increasing pressure until your arm feels like it is going to fall off! It has taken me over 20 years to master the FP process. Also, after final bodying, you can wet sand, yes, I said wet sand the finish with soapy water and 1200-2000 grit or higher to entirely flatten the finish. Constantly drying off the water while wet sanding. After thorough drying, more final FP sessions with very little shellac and mostly alcohol and a tiny bit of 4F pumice, and pressure!!! French polishing is not for the weak at heart. It requires years of practice and patience, FYI, to get master quality results. You must put in hundreds of hours to totally understand the process.

    • @sixgunguitars
      @sixgunguitars 10 років тому

      Thank you for sharing those tips, it goes to show that there are always more ways to do something than one. When I was adding pressure in the beginning while French Polishing, I ended up going through the shellac layer, which was made soft again from the added alcohol and shellac. Ever since then I have been sure to use less pressure, however if you have been doing it that way for so long then it has to work that way as well. Perhaps I have too much fresh shellac on the guitar later in the bodying sessions, and less would surely prevent the top layer from getting gummy with extra pressure. I will give that a try next time I FP, and again I appreciate your insight.

  • @arcticflying
    @arcticflying 10 років тому

    Thank you so much for sharing your experience and talent. Finishing's always been my biggest issue. My workshop is 12 X 12, with wood heating in our long winters and I can't access a dust-free paintshop near my igloo. I would definitely adopt Shellac but I have a question: Can I use the canned Zinzer product for your technique? I have been unfortunate in my search for flaked shellac and the appropriate kind of alcohol. Same with the pumice. What the heck is that? I am in Canada and "real" Shellac users up here are more difficult to find than a Hillbilly reality show. Shellac got to be my best option. Cheers ...:o)

    • @sixgunguitars
      @sixgunguitars 10 років тому

      If you can get a can of de-waxed shellac from Zinsser, like the bullseye seal coat, which is a 2lb cut of de-waxed shellac, then it will work just fine. I have never used the waxed shellac for FP, however this can of shellac is essentially the same stuff that I make in my shop, just in a can. Best of luck.

  • @sixgunguitars
    @sixgunguitars 10 років тому

    I like Tru-Oil for the fact that it is a one product finish where you can apply several coats of the same thing until the finish looks good. Danish oil is good too, however a top coating is needed to get a glossier look.

  • @flipbnit
    @flipbnit 11 років тому

    just a quick question, danish oil or tru oil? what is your opinion?

  • @sixgunguitars
    @sixgunguitars 11 років тому

    I use a spiral cutter that has the correct shank size to fit into the Dremel. You could also cut yourself a thin piece of MDF or clear plastic sheet to lay over the body as you use the tool if you want a little extra protection for the paint. The router attachment will still leave marks if you drag it along the body with too much pressure. I would cut a small cover or maybe even try painters tape to add a protective layer as you remove that little bit of excess. Best of luck.

  • @djalsurdi67
    @djalsurdi67 11 років тому

    I have a Japan crafted Jazz bass, i wanted the pickups changed to usa jazz bass pickups. but usa are just a little bit larger, so i guess the holes have to be shaved in order to fit the usa pickups in, BUT the body is spayed already, dont wanna mess the paint up, I do have a demel, what type of bit do you suggest i use to shave the smaller japan routing holes to fit the usa pickups, Any suggestions?

  • @MinimizedTek
    @MinimizedTek 11 років тому

    percentages work for any measure.

  • @sixgunguitars
    @sixgunguitars 11 років тому

    I was so happy when I found tru-oil, and it lets me create a really professional looking finish without having to invest in spraying equipment, a spray booth, and working with harsh chemicals. Tru-oil is quick, easy, and anyone can apply it with success. I also prefer it over lacquer for my instruments because it allows the wood to move more easily than a heavier and more restrictive finish.

  • @sixgunguitars
    @sixgunguitars 11 років тому

    I'm so sorry that I didn't see this earlier, but the bottom of the trough only needs to be as wide as the widest fretboard blank you plan on slotting. In which case three inches is usually enough for most acoustic guitars and basses. A six string electric bass may need a wider trough, but for acoustic work, 3" will be fine. I hope this gets to you in time to be helpful, and best of luck.

  • @sixgunguitars
    @sixgunguitars 11 років тому

    The jig essentially makes marks that end up being sanded when the radius is put on the fret board. The ends are completely sanded off, and all that remains is a small slot in the middle of the board. You have to go back again anyway with a fret saw and a depth stop to re-saw the slots anyway, so all I do is make sure I get into the board about 1/8" or less when I'm using the slotting jig, and they always come out just fine. It's easier than it looks, I promise.

  • @sixgunguitars
    @sixgunguitars 11 років тому

    If you try and color the oil at this point, apply it over the existing oil finish on the violin, and use a very small amount of coloring so you can build up coats over time until the color you like shows up. Its much easier to go lighter and sneak up on the coloring rather than go too dark. I've never used the oldwood1700 so I can't say how well it would work or not, but many violins have been finished with tru-oil before.

  • @sixgunguitars
    @sixgunguitars 11 років тому

    You could absolutely do that with the kerfing, and that is a great idea. It can be a little tricky with the masking tape, however it does work for me and I'm used to handling it. You could get twice the kerfing for the same effort by making a long strip and cutting it in half. Great idea. For the depth stop a fine adjustment like that would work for sure, it would just need to be close enough to the saw that the spine hits it and stops the cutting. Another great idea.

  • @marinovskiv
    @marinovskiv 11 років тому

    hey, I like your jigs. I am using the fret cutting jig you showed once in your videos. I wanted to ask why won't you use a wide piece of wood and kerf it, and only then cut it into two separate kerfing strips? peeling off masking tape from the flimsy 0.5 mm back of the kerfing can break it... I also had a thoght for the stopper, you can use some sort of a stop with a threaded rod that could fine tune the depth of cut, instead of the clamp... thank you for you video!

  • @aaa4all2000a
    @aaa4all2000a 11 років тому

    I have a violin which is completely raw wood at this moment. I would like to know if I can use this to put some color on it and then use the tru oil. I used to have tru oil on it alone but I was very unhappy with it's color. I'm wondering if there is a difference between this and the oldwood1700 oil natural color. Can you help me choose what will be best & not loose the sound on my violin?

  • @sharonpole2090
    @sharonpole2090 11 років тому

    Thankyou :-)

  • @48Tw
    @48Tw 11 років тому

    how do you know how deep to go? Shouldn't you have a stop of some kind to control the depth?

  • @sixgunguitars
    @sixgunguitars 11 років тому

    The wipe on poly is actually a polyurethane varnish, which is an oil and a resin that are cooked together to form a new compound. The wiping varnish is just varnish with a larger amount of thinner in the mixture, so that it has time to smooth itself out before it gets too hard. I do not know what the UK equivalent is, but a glue based product does not sound right to me. I would look for any oil base varnish that dries clear, and pick the gloss level you like. Do a test board just in case.

  • @sharonpole2090
    @sharonpole2090 11 років тому

    Hi ya I have just upcycled some bedroom furniture, the tops I have left showing the natural wood. I have used your video(thanks very much) and used danish oil on them. It looks great. I tried to get some white bond poly from a couple of hardwear stores and they seemed confused as to what it is. I'm in the UK my hubby is wondering if it is uni-bond, like a glue that you put on and it dries clear. if this is what i need how do I apply it? Many Thanks Sharon

  • @y2jspier
    @y2jspier 11 років тому

    how long does it take to dry the color before you can put the tru-oil on and not have it drag the color?

  • @sixgunguitars
    @sixgunguitars 11 років тому

    My Book is available now on Amazon, and it is called Acoustic Guitar Making: How to Make Tools Templates and Jigs. I cover tons of guitar making concepts in over 500 pages and more than 1600 pictures and diagrams. Please give it a look.

  • @ArkRed1
    @ArkRed1 11 років тому

    Oh, yes it does yellow over time, but it gives a nice patina to the lighter woods like Hond. mahogany, maple, and spruce. I've used it for fifty years and prefer it over lacquer. It will blend in with a lacquer or poly finish for minor touchup repairs also. Very flexible stuff and very user friendly. Birchwood Casey has one find product there. Thanks for the video.

  • @vezlinnas
    @vezlinnas 11 років тому

    Where i can get fingerbord to buy? i can't find anything

  • @Javic2112
    @Javic2112 11 років тому

    Thks for sharing ! I will try to build one by my own...great vid and series !!!

  • @sleon0017
    @sleon0017 11 років тому

    Very nicely done! I was disappointed that you did not show how to level the frets, set up & install the tuners, & set the string height & intonation of the bass. I also agree with another poster that you should have used either Maple or Pearl plug inserts on the fret board. It would also have been nice to have heard how well the bass played. Perhaps you can do another video on that? Otherwise, nice luthiering job!!......

  • @jakestrickland790
    @jakestrickland790 11 років тому

    Brian, you stated toward the end of this video that you recommend using the artist paints on light colored woods. I have an alder body that I like to use for a purple bust finish. I've heard of people bleaching alder. I want to use alder for it's inherent tonal qualities. Any thoughts, opinions or suggestions on the process and the choices of bleach? Thanks. Great video.

  • @captain4073
    @captain4073 11 років тому

    or do I have to stain it first? what must I do?

  • @captain4073
    @captain4073 11 років тому

    I got a lee enfield no4 mk1*, the problem is that the color of the stock (where you put your hand on to pull the trigger ) is too light in comparrison with other parts of the handguard. So I wanted to darken the color of just that area of the stock. is it possible to just apply this Tru-Oil Finish directly to the stock (walnut) ,without removing the original finish?

  • @kunalchowdhary
    @kunalchowdhary 11 років тому

    what finish do you recommend for an outdoor solid teakwood table... ?