Shaping The Head Stock.....

Was posting this in my build diary, but also wanted to put it out there for the First time builder with little tools and little skills, in the Interests of those people see my attached photos. I did the template free hand cut it out with a blunt crapppy jigsaw.See Photos, the before, you go WTF!!!! This bloke should be arrested for Crimes against Timber...But look what patient sanding can do 40 grit too 120 too 240 too 800. Point is dont be afraid to make mistakes and show them.Attachment 13008Attachment 13009Attachment 13010Attachment 13011

Nice shape there HoneyBadger, What caused the ragging on the front face of the Headstock? Was it just the action of the Jigsaw?

Well The Jigsaw jumped around, I cut it without clamps just a knee too the throat technique. As I said want this to be warts and all showing. Sure could use more care but I am kinda deliberately being an ameutur first timer, my build on this is for the bloke, kid, father son type too learn from not so much the great builders on this forum. I know there's templates and measurements on the net but this is NOT a Tele replica, trying to break the mound so to speak.

This for compliments. Basic shape copied free hand from Early Fender Telecaster, funny how it is instantly appealing to the eye.

Looking good HoneyBadger. I've had similar experience with jigsaw. Ive settled in shaping all my headstocks with coping saw, rasps and files before a good sand

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I use a jig saw and a fine tooth thin blade made for scroll work, the big issue with those is that they flex and your cut can flare out on the other side, thats where the good old files and sand paper come in

I agree, then they break and you spend more coin etc. I shaped it intially with 40 grit belt sander paper had lying around from stripping a floor a few years back.

Yep, I've never liked working with Jigsaws. I have preferred coping saws, bow saws and keyhole saws when they are required. Tidying up with paper on mandrels on shaped blocks seems to work best for me.

I find trimming the large parts off with a jigsaw, then using a drum sander on drill press works best for me. But coping saw etc works just as good.

you've done well, one of the trickier jobs

Thx Stan, on this Build I tried not to overthink it, also I dont mind sanding, I find it therapuetic, Put on some BB King , glass of Red and away you go. Half a bottle later your half way done.Just dont mix up 400 grit with 40 grit;)

I like your style

So after 3 glasses of Red and accidently switching to 400 instead of 40 it could take a while wondering why doesn't anything seem to be happening here?

Also used a coping saw but was not completely perpendicular and had to sand the 'ramped' edges back into the 90 degrees it should have been. Started on 80, then 120, then 180. No wonder they call it Rock maple as it takes a helluva lotta sanding and elbow grease.

EXACTLY Wazkelly, you go Geez my Arm hurts!!!!! The thing is shaping necks so many ways to do it, I bet we wish we all had a band saw, and a table sanding etc....But its from starting with the basic tools you learn the Ways of the TIMBER, young Jedi

Sure makes pre shaped headstocks look very tempting after having a crack at shaping one doesn't it?

Sure, does, but a full equipped workshop would smash them out,

Hey HB look on the positive side you are learning new skills with minimal tools. Next time you shape a headstock you will do it quicker and better

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Originally Posted by wokkaboy

Hey HB look on the positive side you are learning new skills with minimal tools. Next time you shape a headstock you will do it quicker and better

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Exactly, baring in mind this build is for the Noobs out there so they can do it. Next time will template etc. Maybe Use a belt sander with 40 Grit!!!!! ..... That thing would be like a termite....:cool: