You could save-a-da-money and get yourself a cheap coping saw.
1) ES-5V
https://www.buildyourownguitar.com.a...highlight=Es5v
2) ES-3 (Custom)
https://www.buildyourownguitar.com.a...ead.php?t=8953
3) GR-1SF (Custom)
https://www.buildyourownguitar.com.a...ead.php?t=9376
4) Non-Pit Bull Travelling Guitar.
https://www.buildyourownguitar.com.a...ad.php?t=10303
5) AES-1 Special (Unwanted Custom)
https://www.buildyourownguitar.com.a...ad.php?t=11118
Just don't forget to buy some extra blades, as that maple is pretty hard and you're likely to snap a few blades in the process.
+1 on the coping saw. Jigsaws are convenient and quick, but the blade can wander in the cut.
Coping saws, whilst a fair bit of work, will give you more precision and control. If used with restraint you can cut reasonably close to your profile, then clean up with rasps, files and sanding cauls.
Examples:
https://www.buildyourownguitar.com.a...ead.php?t=9173
https://www.buildyourownguitar.com.a...?t=7399&page=9
FrankenLab
Hand crafting guitars, because Death Rays are expensive.
Last edited by king casey; 23-11-2019 at 02:46 AM.
I am fairly low budget. Not having a big shed full of tools, I am finding it hard to avoid the additional purchases costing more than the kit! I just bought a Stanley coping saw and spare blades (thanks Simon!), so my headstock is likely going to be coping saw, rasps, and lots of sanding. The only power tools for sanding that I have are a belt sander, a palm sander, and one of those renovator vibrating tools. The renovator might be useful somewhere, not sure yet.
Also, is that F&W golden teak on that headstock?
Speaking of tools, I can see why people here build more than once. Once the workshop is geared up, it would be a shame to let all those tools go unused
DC
Current:
GTH-1
Completed:
AST-1FB
First Act ME276 (resurrected curb-side find)
ES-5V
Scratchie lapsteel
Custom ST-1 12 String
JBA-4
TL-1TB
Scratch Lapsteel
Meinl DIY Cajon
Cigar Box lap steel
Wishing:
Baritone
Open D/Standard Double 6 twin neck
Didn't snap a blade
I lacked a bit of confidence so left a bit of a margin for error when cutting, but some elbow grease and one forearm cramp later:
A lot more elbow grease, some rasps, and sandpaper later:
Pretty happy with the shape and proportions. Only a rough sand up to 100 so far. Ran out of time so I will do the final sanding when I prep the rest of the neck.
Hey that's a good effort first up.
Yes..the headstock is F&W Golden Teak.
Yes...once you have out-laid for the tools it's a pity to let them gather dust.
cheers, Mark.