First build - TL-1TH

[jugglindan]

Not much spare time, so not much progress. I have just traced the headstock shape. I like strat headstocks more than tele ones, so I went with one of those:

Need to buy a jigsaw this weekend and do a couple of practice runs before the real thing.

[DarkMark]

You could save-a-da-money and get yourself a cheap coping saw.

[jugglindan]

You could save-a-da-money and get yourself a cheap coping saw.

Great advice. A tiny fraction of the cost, and it's not like I need one every day.

[Simon Barden]

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.

[FrankenWashie]

+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

[king casey]

You could save-a-da-money and get yourself a cheap coping saw.

If you are low-budget such as I...a series of straight cuts with a hand saw and a rasp.



cheers, Mark

[jugglindan]

If you are low-budget such as I...a series of straight cuts with a hand saw and a rasp.



cheers, Mark

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

[Fretworn]

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.

Wow. I’ve never snapped a blade doing a headstock. You do need to make sure you are using sharp blade though, or it will be tough going.

[jugglindan]

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.

[king casey]

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.