DervishMoose Guitars

hat do you need to build a guitar? Here is a basic list of the tools you will need. Tools that made this list are tools that I use on every build OR tools that I have used in the past until I replace them with more expensive tools.  In Part 1 we looked at things to cut straight. Now we look at cutting curves. There are several tools that are good at cutting curves. Top among them is the band saw. Though a pricy tool, I find many seasoned woodworkers call bandsaws the most valuable tool in the shop and often the one they could not live without. If you are going to break the bank on a tool, I would recommend it be the bandsaw. I do not personally own a band saw, but it is on my wish list.

What do you need to build a guitar? Here is a basic list of the tools you will need. Tools that made this list are tools that I use on every build OR tool that I have used in the past until I replace them with more expensive tools.  I use far more than 5 tools, but we can break them down into 5 categories. I'm sure we could find a youtube video of Ben Crowe from Crimson Guitars doing a 36-hour build using only a 1-inch gouge.  The exact combination of tools will be highly influenced by budget and preference. Some have a preference for handtools, others prefer CNC machines, others prefer power tools, while yet others prefer only bladed tools. You even bump into those wacky people that will take a random orbit sander with 40 grit paper to a log.

What do you need to build a guitar? Here is a basic list of the tools you will need. Tools that made this list are tools that I use on every build OR tools that I have used in the past until I replace them with more expensive tools.  Today we look at a combo...

What do you need to build a guitar? Here is a basic list of the tools you will need. Tools that made this list are tools that I use on every build OR tools that I have used in the past until I replace them with more expensive tools.  Today we look at Shaping and smoothing tools. As I write this, I realize that a really enjoy working with most of the tools in this category. Taking a rough cut out of a plank of wood and turning it into a guitar body or neck is a massive transformation. These tools are most hand-ons tool that you will use through this process.