Moody's Former Challenge Build

Well, I'm probably crazy, but what the heck...

Good luck. This should be a lot of fun. And the crazier you are, the better you'll do :mrgreen:

Well, I'm probably crazy

That's a qualification actually :lol:

Welcome and good luck! :grin:

Dave

Thanks everyone, and yea, what I have in mind is a little crazy

IMAGE TEST

Image test completed and image removed

First let's start with the piece of paper.
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1002.jpg

Then we put our screen name on it, then we name him George.
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1003.jpg

Me and George hamming it up for the camera...
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1009.jpg

Evil Grin George!
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1010.jpg

George does a much better duck face than I do...
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1011.jpg

Ok! Now it's time to put George with all the materials that I am thinking about using.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1004.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1005.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1006.jpg

The long thin brown board is 3/4" mahogany, the wide white board is possibly 3/4" popular. (I'm pretty sure it's not maple) It is dry, and rings very well. I got them both when a friend cleaned out his dad's garage. The three slabs off to the side are three of four slabs cut from a hickory drawer face about 5/16" thick. I am still up in the air about whether to use the mahogany or popular for the neck, and I haven't chosen the slab for the fingerboard yet.
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1007.jpg

The rest is mostly scrap metal, some iron bars from a window grate, some strap strut bracing and a few pieces (various sizes) of flat sheet steel.
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1008.jpg

George keeps complaining that he needs a tetanus shot.:twisted:

Oh yeah. I'm liking this already :grin:. And George looks like he hangs around with a questionable crowd :lol:

Hm, I can see how your're going to use the chandelier, but the chairs?!
This is beyond crazy...

I will admit that the chairs will not be used. George didn't want to do the photoshoot while sitting on the ground.

I decided to lay out the neck blank, even though it was getting on to midnight. Nothing like a little insomnia to get the creative juices flowing. I decided to use the lighter wood for the neck, and it has a bit of flame right where I wanted to put the headstock anyway.

My template is kind of rough, not much good for template routing, but perfect for trace and cut.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1014.jpg

I figured I'd bring George along for the ride...

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1015.jpg

A bit better pic of the flame in the wood.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1016.jpg

Traced

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1017.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1018.jpg

Alterations made...

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1019.jpg

This looks different now, but I think it will work. A lot like a Parker all of the sudden.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1020.jpg

Final product.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1021.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1022.jpg

Maybe Sunday I can get it cut out, and figure out the chandelier part.

George decided that today was not terribly great for paper, so he stayed inside for most of the progress today. He muttered something about some friend of his named Johnny who got lost one day and came back rambling about dragons.

I started laying out the neck pocket today.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1023.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1024.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1025.jpg

Got out the sawzall and started cutting.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1026.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1027.jpg

Ground the final shape.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1028.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1029.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1030.jpg

George came out long enough to take a pic with the two new pieces of steel that I bought today. The old stuff in the original picture was a bit too thick and heavy.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1031.jpg

Marked out a chunk and cut it off. I then found center and marked that as well.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1032.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1033.jpg

I tried to cold bend it, but could not get it to do what I wanted, so it became time to warm up the forge.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1034.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1035.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1036.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1037.jpg

Hammers and anvils, Oh my...

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1038.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1039.jpg

Heated and shaped the strap and welded the neck plate to it. the welds aren't great, but they are just tack welds, and will be covered later.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1040.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1041.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1042.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1043.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1044.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1047.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1048.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1050.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1051.jpg

I still have to put a little piece in the slot, but that is for later.

I started on the sides as well today, and they were a bit more difficult. I started with the forge and ended up cold shaping some of the strap.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1054.jpg

About this time the weather started to turn...

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1055.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1056.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1057.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1058.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1059.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1060.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1061.jpg

After careful shaping and cutting, they fit the outline on the plans I drew up.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1062.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1063.jpg

As you can see, it was about dark by then...

You're making me nervous...

nMqxNPsfN50

Holy **** this one is going to be awesome to watch!!

Subscribed!

I was puzzled, but then I looked at your plans in the last pic... and remembered the chandelier...

Wow.

Ahhh, thats gonna be cool.

Hey...wait a minute, I'm starting to think you're going to build this body out of metal.
Where the heck is that subscribe button???

Cool project.

That's awesome. Love watching how you work with the metal.

Always great seeing how people approach things differently.

Keep up the good work.

Cheers

Very cool-- not like those wusses who use a bending pipe for stupid old wood:lol:

I love the metal working and skills involved to pull this one off. I may need a ring like that just to hold mine together :)

Oh yeah, I'm keeping my eyes on this thread!

Brilliant! Can't wait to see what happens next!

A little bit of progress tonight. It was cold and windy, so I started up the forge and made a few pieces

I grabbed one of the pieces of 1/2" square bar from the pile on the chair and cut off two pieces. I test fit them to make sure I did my math correctly.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1064.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1065.jpg

Marked out where the twists will be and then put a small nick with a chisel. When you heat metal up to 1200 degrees (Fahrenheit) the sharpie marks go away...

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1066.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1067.jpg

Heated the bar evenly as possible where the twists go, so that they will be uniform

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1068.jpg

Blacksmith twists are a lot easier than most people suspect. Just put the bar in a vise and twist with a wrench or tongs. You have to be very careful here though. I put a half twist on these, one left and one right.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1069.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1070.jpg

I also had to reheat them to straighten the twists, and to burn off the paint on the other end of the bar.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1071.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1072.jpg

A twist doesn't shrink the bar, so they fit fine.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1073.jpg

I then grabbed the short round bar off the pile, and started on the tremolo bar.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1074.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1075.jpg

Almost a good heat for forging...

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1076.jpg

The next few pics cover several steps, that I didn't have the extra hands to take photos of. In short, I flattened and rounded the end of the bar, bent the bar around to itself, and straightened the rest of the bar.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1077.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1078.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1079.jpg

I then decided I didn't like where the flat end was,, so I flattened the bar behind the existing flat, and cut the original flat off. I also bent the curve tighter, and did a little tweaking here and there.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1080.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1081.jpg

Cut to proper length.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1082.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1085.jpg

I will be taking a file and grinder to this. it needs to be (slightly) more uniform.

I also got my big welder ready to run yesterday. Haven't used it in years, but still runs like a champ. Just need to pick up some smooth flowing rod, so I don't make a mess.

Getting cooler (or warmer?) by the minute.

I'm speechless. It amazes me, what people on TDPRI know how to do.

I notice you're in CO; congrats on Manning...

Thanks for the kudos, guys, It means a lot.

:shock::shock::shock: This makes me feel kinda funny...I shouldn't be this giddy about a metal guitar, this rocks.

How close are your neighbors?

They will hear this guitar ring before you ever plug it in :twisted:

And, on the plus side, unless you're planning a steel neck, this should not be neck heavy.

Too close, but they appreciate my madness.

The neck will be wood. Hickory fingerboard and the white board from the materials pic. Still not sure what it is... but it's not pine or spruce.

This is way beyond cool!

And a fellow blacksmith to boot!
When you're at the welders shop, get some soapstone markers. Much better than chisels for marking iron.

So what are you going to play on that?
The Smiths, Anvil or Hammerfall? http://www.neogeoforlife.com/images/smiley/rock2.gif

Wz5IFl7uCis
6YwSBWwhTAY
9sPw20ljSaQ

This is cool. right now it has that if-a-tele-were-built-in-the-1800's feel to it:grin:

And hopefully it will stay that way.

Now I know why they call it " band" iron....

Nothing done in the last couple days, hoping to get something done this weekend or perhaps first of the week...

In other news, the board for the neck might be soft maple... still not sure.

Nothing done in the last couple days, hoping to get something done this weekend or perhaps first of the week...

In other news, the board for the neck might be soft maple... still not sure.

Hey Moody,

Seeing as we are at material extremes here, why not make the neck of of thin metal strips as well. Solder on the fret wire and nut and you'll be good to go! By the way, I love this build!

Barncaster

@Barncaster: Thank you! I had thought of several ways to make the neck out of metal, but none of them would be both comfortable to the hand and stable. I don't have the tooling to make one out of aluminum, and being as the rest of the guitar is wrought iron, I don't think aluminum would look good anyway. I do have plans for the neck, however, to tie it in with the body and keep the feel similar to what I already have.

Make a neck without a truss rod or any steel reinforcement. Just for the sake of irony. :lol:

Very cool.
I've always wanted to try smithing but it's too hot here already.

Make a neck without a truss rod or any steel reinforcement. Just for the sake of irony. :lol:

"Irony" - did you do that on purpose? :lol:

Yes, yes he did...

I'm speechless! (but I can still type)

Did a little on this piece of madness tonight. It appears that I am out of practice welding, but that's what grinders are for....

Anyway! On to Madness!

I started off by lightly grinding the center rods slightly concave on the end, for better weld penetration.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1086.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1087.jpg

I then marked out the center of the body thickness, and set up the first bar with a magnet, and welded it.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1088.jpg

I then set up the second bar with the magnets, and welded that.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1089.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1090.jpg

Here you can see part of the first weld.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1091.jpg

Both rods welded in place

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1096.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1097.jpg

Not the prettiest welds. I will definitely be doing some grind and fill on these.

I also cut out and somewhat shaped the neck. Since this is a one off guitar, I did not bother with a special template for it.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1093.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1092.jpg

Sanding to shape (roughly)

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1094.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1095.jpg

The next session will involve welding practice, and possibly layout and slotting fingerboard.

OK, this is starting to get really f'n cool.

Bummer.

I was expecting a wrought-iron fretboard... but I guess wood will do. :wink:

A wrought iron tele! That's a really cool concept. Nice work.

:shock:

Moody, you're a MAD MAN!

Got a bit of work in today. I did a bit of practice with the welder and realized that my amperage was too low. A minor adjustment and I was on my way. I started with joining the body halves first.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1098.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1099.jpg

Ground the weld smooth, and welded the other side

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1100.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1101.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1102.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1103.jpg

I also ground the ugly welds from the previous session.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1104.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1105.jpg

Set up and welded in the center section.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1107.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1108.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1109.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1111.jpg

Cut out the front of the neck pocket.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1112.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1114.jpg

Adjusted the body edge.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1120.jpg

Cut out the second pair of bars for the body

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1121.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1122.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1123.jpg

Hopefully more tomorrow.

I'm so loving this!

How are you going to finish this?

Burned linseed oil finish, or maybe a colour case hardened Tele!

Most likely bee's wax blacking, or the burned linseed oil. Either way, it's gonna be a hot finish. The only other option I have considered is a paraffin finish to keep the wrought iron gray color, but it doesn't last as long and can rub off on fabrics.

Sounds like good plan

A hot blueing would be awsome, but the work involved might have you finished by the time 2013 year's challenge is done :)

Got some more done finally. Brought George along on this section, as the weather was nicer.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1124.jpg

Obligatory fork shots.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1125.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1126.jpg

Fired up the forge and put twists in the second set of bars, making sure to alternate twists between separate bars.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1127.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1128.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1129.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1130.jpg

Started on the tremolo plate, and added a little flair to it over what I drew in the plans.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1132.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1133.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1134.jpg

Cutting it out was a bit tough, but with the jigsaw and the sawzall, I got there. After that it was a bit of grinding and hand filing.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1135.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1136.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1137.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1138.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1140.jpg

About then I quit for the night. The next day was a bit more productive. I started out by setting up and welding in the second set of bars.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1143.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1144.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1145.jpg

It was about then that the look of the neck pocket on the treble side of the neck got to me.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1146.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1147.jpg

I just didn't like the pocket hanging over like that, so I brought out the saw and cut the outer band loose.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1149.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1150.jpg

Did a little grinding and cleanup.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1151.jpg

Had George take a shot with one of the pieces of strut from the chair.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1152.jpg

I cut a piece and welded it in under the edge of the neck pocket, instead of outside the edge.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1153.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1155.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1156.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1157.jpg

Then I ground the welds I could reach with the grinder, and did more with the hand files.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1158.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1159.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1160.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1161.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1162.jpg

Looks a lot better.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1163.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1164.jpg

Then I clipped the ends of the tremolo plate and bent them around a steel rod like the one I made the bar out of.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1165.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1166.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1167.jpg

Fits! A little hand filing and it spins beautifully.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1168.jpg

Really close to what my drawing was too...

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1169.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1170.jpg

I need to find my little grinding stones, so I can do some weld cleanup...

That neck pocket is some precision bending and shaping!!!

I was looking forward to an update of this thread. Thanks for sharing it.

Amazing workmanship! This is looking soooo cool! Love that venturi burner kiln you made up.

I needed a truss rod for this build, but I have no monies, so I decided to build one. I wanted something like a martin style rod and I am ok with single action rods. The first thing I needed is an aluminum channel

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1171.jpg

No, I didn't steal my roommates ADT sign...

But seriously, I have several of the same thing, as I occasionally install security systems and once in a while the placards come off the posts. They are 1/2"x1/2" outside dimensions. I took one and cleaned off the double sided sticky tape, then measured it out.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1172.jpg

I left room for a nut... (yea yea, peanut gallery)

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1173.jpg

measured twice...

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1174.jpg

cut once

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1175.jpg

and filed smooth.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1176.jpg

I then scrounged up a 3/16' rod, and the cutoff ends from the tremolo for the rest of the parts.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1177.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1178.jpg

I marked out the piece to be the butt end of the rod,

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1179.jpg

Drilled and tapped it to 10-24 threads

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1181.jpg

and cut it off.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1182.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1183.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1184.jpg

I then threaded the rod end just a short bit

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1185.jpg

Screwed on the flat piece,

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1187.jpg

and mushroomed it with a hammer to keep it there.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1188.jpg

I measured the rod and cut it off to length

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1190.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1191.jpg

I then started on the washer

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1192.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1193.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1194.jpg

Drilled it out to 13/64"

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1195.jpg
and assembled.

The thing that makes a truss like this work is the piece of metal between the rod and the channel. This bends the rod, not unlike a curved truss rod in a one piece fender neck. When you tighten the nut, it pulls the rod straight and warps the channel. I superglued it into place. After assembly, it should never move.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1196.jpg

If you squint, you should see the warp

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1198.jpg

What you won't see is what I did next. The next shot is where my camera batteries die, and I couldn't find new ones.

I looked at this rod and thought, "It's too thick." I marked a line 3/8" from the top and filed the channel down to that line(both sides). I also cut the washer and butt plate to fit. This actually didn't take very long, as aluminum is easy to file. When assembled, the rod sits just flush with the channel at the center where the metal piece is. I also cross cut the nut so I could use a screwdriver on it if necessary. The nut is not a final thing, if I find something better before the neck is assembled, then great. If not, then ok.

Coming soon, more neck work, and bridge and pickup mounting plates!

Edited to fix my apparent lack of command of the English language. (wow)

WOW, what a cool build! Great stuff.

Thank you!

Another effect of slimming the channel down is that it requires less tension to create the same amount of warp in the channel. This means the nut has to be tightened less to create the same effect in the neck.

Daaaaaaaamn!

My mind is blown. Awesome stuff.

Nice truss rod & great detail of the process.

Somebody may have asked this already, but I'm too lazy to search through the thread. What do you think the finished guitar is going to weigh?

Hey Moody,

Great to see you back. I was worried. I love the Slagcaster!

Barncaster

Hey Moody,

What are you going to do for a pickup?

Barncaster

Nosmo- I'm not sure yet what it will weigh. It feels a little heavy, but not as bad a a LP. I will weigh it soon

Barncaster- Thanks! I may make pickups or I might just rob something to get it running, depends on time and available funding. Whichever I do, it will likely be single coils.

Had some time today, so I worked on the neck. Since I just made a shiny new trussrod, I may as well install it...

I started by clamping the neck down with screws and some pieces of wood the same thickness as the neck,

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1287.jpg

I also drew a good clear centerline.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1288.jpg

Laying out the length of the channel for the rod

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1289.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1290.jpg

I set up a fence at 3" away from the centerline for the router to run against. The diameter of the router base is 6 inches.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1291.jpg

I took several cuts. As some of you can tell, my router bit is getting a little dull...

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1292.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1293.jpg

I used a 1/2" round bit to finish the nut channel. I am not worried about the top of the hole, as the fingerboard is going to hang over a bit.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1294.jpg

I took some small chisels and cut the ends of the channel square.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1295.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1296.jpg

The rod is a snug fit, and has no movement to rattle.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1297.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1298.jpg

I have picked one of the hickory blanks for the fingerboard. It is the one on the right...

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1007.jpg

I cut it down a bit and started sanding to clean it up. Hickory is very dense, and doesn't sand very well, so it should work for fingerboard.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1299.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1300.jpg

Gonna have to plane the back side of the board to get it flat.

About this time, it got dark.

Nice Moody!

Barncaster

Oohhh, I like that aluminum u-channel for the truss rod. I may need to "borrow" that.

wrought iron and hickory-- in a battle to the death, you win :lol:

Thank you for the kind comments, I wish progress was going faster, but I am still thinking I will finish on time.

Emoney- Borrow away!

Hey Moody,

For finish, dunk it in salt water and then stabilize it after it gets all red and furry. Rust is cool! For your video you could play a little Neil Young, ...rust never sleeps... Rust goes well with the color of that hickory as well. This is such a cool build!

Barncaster

incredible build. Can't wait to see it fully realized.

Hey Moody,

For finish, dunk it in salt water and then stabilize it after it gets all red and furry. Rust is cool! For your video you could play a little Neil Young, ...rust never sleeps... Rust goes well with the color of that hickory as well. This is such a cool build!

Barncaster
Unfortunatly that wouldn't work, red rust (Ferric oxide) will keep on growing unless you convert it to either Ferrous oxide or Ferric tannate which are both black.

After three days of being hassled by weather, I actually have a little progress... The hazard of having the workshop outdoors I guess.

Set up a planer box to clean up the fingerboard
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1301.jpg

Just needed to take a very small amount off the back of the board to allow for a flat gluing surface
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1302.jpg

Used carpet tape to hold the fingerboard
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1303.jpg

Done! Worked like a charm.
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1304.jpg

I found myself not able to go outside and work(weather) so I marked out and cut the fret slots. I checked my template against an existing fingerboard, and found them to be the same. I marked all but the 22nd fret from the template and the last one from the existing guitar.
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1305.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1306.jpg

I marked the edge of the fingerboard, and then squared the lines across the board

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1307.jpg

I also marked the center of the dot markers
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1308.jpg

I added a little bit of artistic license to the end of the fingerboard, and drew it out pointy.
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1309.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1310.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1312.jpg

Using the square and a hobby backsaw, I lightly cut the fret slots deep enough to follow with another sawblade.
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1313.jpg

I then used a coping saw to cut the slots to depth, cutting just less than the blade depth.
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1315.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1316.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1317.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1319.jpg

I need to make a decision on the marker material...

A couple days later, I actually got a short break in the weather, so I worked on sanding the headstock to shape and fitting tuners. Because this is a LOW budget build, I scavenged some old strip tuners from a damaged 12 string. They look the part, and are already aged.

The first thing to do, however, was to finish shaping the headstock, and to shape the end of the fingerboard. I brought out my "drill press" and got to work.
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1320.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1321.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1322.jpg

These are the tuners
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1323.jpg

which I promptly disassembled
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1324.jpg

The strip is a little longer than the headstock, so I had to remove the frilly stuff at the end of the strip
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1325.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1327.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1328.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1329.jpg

Much better...
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1330.jpg

Spacing is very critical on strip tuners, so I drilled the furthest hole in the headstock
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1331.jpg

I then assembled that post on the strip, and used a fine pencil to mark the remaining holes exactly.
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1332.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1333.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1334.jpg

I finished drilling the tuner holes...
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1335.jpg

Perfect fit! When I thin the headstock, I will use a pin drill technique to enlarge the face of the holes for the ferrules.
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1336.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1337.jpg

And once again here comes the weather...
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1338.jpg

Weather... ugh... you're not up near Longmont, are you? My parents live south of Denver, and they've been complaining for days about how unpredictable it's been. I sympathize.

Good to see the updates!

Excellent Moody!

Barncaster

Picton- Actually Colorado Springs

Barncaster- Thank You!

I was so looking forward to this thread updating. Good work. Now, you just need someone
to come do a "no more rain dance" so we can get more updates!

Dude this is some crazy stuff. Your blacksmith skills are off the charts. Nice work can't wait ti see it complete.

I envy your blacksmith skill since you started out with the build. You nailed the neck pocket and your neck wood working and truss rod innovation definitely make this a super build and tutorial. Thanks for sharing.

This is just amazing!
That wrought iron looks fantastic. :cool:

Hands up all those who, if asked to list "10 essential guitar-making tools", would have thought to include "anvil" :shock:

neck looking good, moody -- the whole damn thing is proof that a "scavenge and reuse" budget build doesn't have to mean boring or uninspired. This stuff you're working on is aces!

Mind still blown. Can't wait for the weather to cut it out and give you some time to work.

Between weather and work, time has been a bit strained. I did get the neck shaped, and almost ready to fret.

Because I made the fingerboard before I glued it in place, I used the "nail through the fret slots" method of pinning it before gluing up.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1339.jpg

Since I was working indoors, I spread out a sheet of wax paper to contain any drips,

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1340.jpg

Spread the glue evenly,

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1341.jpg

and clamped the heck out of it.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1342.jpg

there were no gaps or voids when I unclamped and shaped it, but there was a strange mark right at the nut from a clamp.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1343.jpg

I sanded the sides of the fingerboard flush with the neck, and then started on the headstock

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1344.jpg

I got out the planer box again and carpet taped the neck down.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1345.jpg

Cut the headstock down to 5/8"

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1346.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1347.jpg

I forgot to get a pic of the drum sander being used for the headstock radius, but time was a little tight.

I brought out the rasps and files, and started rough shaping the back of the neck.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1348.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1349.jpg

Final shaping was done with a fine file, and 100 grit sandpaper.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1350.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1351.jpg

This neck is a fairly slim profile. I always seem to prefer slimmer necks.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1352.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1353.jpg

I took my doweling drill bits and drilled 5/16" holes for dot markers. I will use either black epoxy or Durhams rock hard for markers.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1354.jpg

I then set up my homemade radius block and heavy sanding belt. I screwed the block to the table, and screwed the belt to the table over it. It is a 12" radius as I am planning to use a tune-o-matic bridge.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1355.jpg

It took a bit, but the fingerboard is finally round. I used the pencil trick to verify I took enough off.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1356.jpg

even most of the clamp mark came out, and I can probably steam the rest if necessary.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1357.jpg

yep, it's a neck...

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1358.jpg

Need to get back to the body this week, and get it rolling...

Good progress. the neck looks to have turned out really nice. As for the clamp mark, I generally use a caul of some sort to avoid that kind of thing. i forgot to do that on my neck for this challenge, but I got lucky and didn't end up with any prints.

Yea, I thought the hickory would resist marring better, but that must be a bit of a softer spot. Haven't had that problem before, but there is nothing like a deadline to bring out unforeseen issues...

Hey Moody,

Love the neck! It looks like a old cougar Tiesco snuggled up with a young Parker! Can't wait to see more work on the body. This is one of my favorite builds. Keep plugging!

Barncaster

Did a bit of plugging today. A friend of mine who does woodburning said that she thought the unidentified neck wood was some form of evergreen, though not sure what. I'm glad I made a martin style truss for it...

I started with the control plate today. and cut it from a pretty substantial chunk of plate.
http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1360.jpg

I laid out the shape and started cutting with a sawzall.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1361.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1362.jpg

Took a bench grinder to the plate and it shaped out nicely.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1363.jpg

While I was at it, I smoothed and filed the spring pad on the tremolo to make it round (mostly).

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1364.jpg

Cleaned up and marked out the holes in the control plate, with a punch

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1365.jpg

Got out my funny drill press and drilled the control holes, 3/8" for the vol and output, and 1/2 for the switch.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1366.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1368.jpg

I also drilled a 1/4" hole in the middle of the tremolo spring pad.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1369.jpg

I set up the welder, and clamped down the control plate. I then ran two short beads to hold it down. I may have to grind one to make the electronics fit.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1370.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1371.jpg

I did the same with the tremolo. (this is where I may edit this post to add more photos that I didn't take today. Got to working and watching the clouds, and totally neglected the camera.)

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1372.jpg

Started the piece for the spring shelf, fired up the forge to get stuff hot.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1373.jpg

Flattened out the end of the square bar, but most of this will be grinding and filing.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1375.jpg

Started the bridge mount as well. Since I am using a tune-o-matic, I just need a strip to mount down. I marked off a section.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1374.jpg

Ground the ends round and marked the centers of the bridge holes.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1376.jpg

I drilled the holes and found a U bolt to cut up for the posts.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1377.jpg

Epic camera fail begins here, but I will get some pics and post retroactively. I cut the U bolts down and used nuts to fasten to the plate, one above and one below. I mocked up the neck to get a close approximation of bridge height, set the bolts to just below that height, and cut off the bottoms. I added a third nut to make an adjuster.

I then drilled holes in the neck pocket plate and used some 1" sheet metal screws to put the neck in place. Everything lined up just right

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1378.jpg

My messy work bench and you can make out the bridge if you look close.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1379.jpg

More to come as funds permit...

Tha last picture with the body & neck is amazing. This is going to be nice!

I'd be lying if I said this isn't one of the coolest guitars I have ever seen. Seriously. I love the Parker fly looking headstock too. Cheers dude I am impressed.

Thank you guys. Just hoping I can get it all done in time.

Extreme! A tank of a guitar. I am waiting in pure excitement to see how that DIY trem is supposed to work.

this is really cool. I know I have a tendency to look through the threads that have the most posts or are nearest the top (usually one and the same)... but this guitar proves there is tons of awesome stuff in this contest. This might be one of my favorites.

Great job, moody. You've taken a guitar that is widely considered to be the most robust and sturdy and then made it a million times moreso :grin:. You can leave this thing out in the rain and it would just make it more cool, or you could use it as a jackstand if you get a flat on the tour bus :lol:

I'm not sure how I've missed your thread, but this is some AMAZING work...one of the most unique I've seen. Just Fantastic....

awesome.

That shot with the body, neck and bridge looks awesome!

I love the smithy work going on in here.

Beacoup mojo.......tres bon!

(I dunno, but for some reason the blacksmith-ing has me think compliment in French).

I've been looking through the threads for a week looking for this build. I could not find it, I thought it went the route of CJFEARN or sommat. Then much to my delight . . .

This thread puts me in a good mood . . .

mood = moody

click on moody to be in a good mood.

done.

Great work Moody, I love it. :cool: :cool: Won't have to worry about neck dive either. :lol:

I too, had lost track of this build. I am very glad to have found it agian! Can't wait to see/hear it finished. Keep plugging!

Thank you all for the kind words and encouragement. It means quite a lot to me.

Wow!:shock:

Love it!

This is looking great! Very unique!

That is just amazing! Can't wait to see the finished piece. (except that I'm having too much fun watching the progress)

Incredible! I totally forgot about this build and am stoked that I found it again. Are you planning on hiding the wiring in any special way?

Hey Moody,

We are eagerly awaiting the next installment. This is one of my most favorite builds. Are you winding a pickup for it?

Barncaster

This build is so unique. Just about every other build is full of pictures of clamps & sawdust. The blacksmithing is something I don't get to see very often. That's why I keep checking this thread. I'd really like to see more pictures of the metal working, even if they're old pics.

Great design - great execution!

Awesome - more ammo on the tonewood snobs...errr gentlemen like tonewood debaters.

Awesome - more ammo on the tonewood snobs...errr gentlemen like tonewood debaters.

I think RogerC already debunked the idea of "tonewood." :wink:

Any more updates on this one?!

Awesome build. I keep waiting for you to add a piece of metal bolted to the headstock that forms the outer line of the classic tele head... could be a nice touch. Mad skills dude.

Thank you all for the kind words! It's been a bit busy here, but I have made some progress.

First off, a couple pics of the neck mounting to make up for last time...

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1380.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1381.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1382.jpg

I started this week with making the spring perch for the tremolo. This was cut off the bar I flattened the end of last time.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1383.jpg

I then welded it to the center support...

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1384.jpg

Now, for the moment that everyone was waiting for... "what's he going to do with the chandelier?" Disassemble and cut it up, of course.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1385.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1386.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1387.jpg

After cutting, I laid them out with the plans and bent them to proper shape. This was done with a tubing bender placed in the vise.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1389.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1390.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1391.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1392.jpg

I then carefully welded the two tubes together, and ground the welds smooth.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1393.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1394.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1395.jpg

After a bit of mockup and fussing with things, I decided to move the tubes to the back of the body and together at the center. I started by welding the tubes together, and then welded them into the body

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1396.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1397.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1398.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1400.jpg

The next day, I realized that the tube got in the way of the output jack, so a small section was removed behind the control plate.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1401.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1402.jpg

I cut out some straps for pickup mounts, and ground the ends.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1403.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1404.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1405.jpg

and shortly after realized I had a problem. Every pickup I had was too tall, and I have zero money to buy something else. Ok, time to make something...

Took the piece of hickory that I cut off the fingerboard blank and ripped it down into two pieces 1-1/4" and 3/8"

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1406.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1407.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1408.jpg

I cut the wider piece in 3-1/4" sections and the narrow stuff in 2-3/8" pieces.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1409.jpg

I laid out the pole piece spacing off a pickup I had around (yamaha bridge single coil from a pacifica), clamped all four pieces together in my drill "press" and drilled them to 1/4" holes. Some of the holes were slightly off, but not very bad.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1410.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1411.jpg

I then lined up the two smaller pieces with the center of the larger pieces, (did this in pairs) and drilled the smaller pieces to the same layout. I used 1/4" dowel pins to keep things from shifting.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1412.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1413.jpg

I used the same dowels to hold the top and bottom plates while I sanded the edges.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1414.jpg

I got out the planer box, and a small slab of marble off a trophy to set up the top and bottom plates for thicknessing. I took them down to about 3/32". Sled router fun...

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1415.jpg

I grabbed some 1/4" bolts and nuts for clamps, and glued the center pieces to the thin slabs. the bolts make excellent clamps

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1416.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1417.jpg

Some of you are wondering "why 1/4" holes". I have a bunch of old magnets from security system repairs. Inside each plastic case is a 1/4" diameter cast magnet that I can cut to length.

I chased the holes with a bit, and gave them a quick spray of clear poly.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1418.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1419.jpg

Now to design a mounting system... probably be very similar to a P-90. Final height is just under 1/2". I will wind them shortly.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1420.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1421.jpg

That's all for now...

Crap! The hits just keep on coming. This continues to be one of the most interesting things I've ever seen on the internet. Ever.

There's a delicious irony to the fact that the metal guitar's got wooden pups. I love it.

Keep it up; we're in the final countdown now, and I'd love to see this one get finished. Great job!

Wow. This is just insane. I love it!

I agree with Picton. The wooden pickups are a master stroke.

I bet you eat iron and crap steel! :twisted:

Did you get rid of that pressure mark on the neck? Usually a very wet cloth on the mark and a very hot iron pressed onto that will pull it right back into place again.

Lordy lordy knows you have some very hot iron at your disposal!

Loving this build!! What a wierd mob we are! Paper! Icecream sticks! steel!
Aligator skins! Wooden rulers! concrete! Probably missed some.

Anyone doing one out of ice-cream?

Hey Moody,

Looks fantastic! Love the negative f holes! One thing to look out for is your magnets. Magnet material is difficult to cut. I've had good luck with a small diamond wheel on a Dremel when cutting Alnico bars. Another concern is keeping them cool while cutting. If you exceed the Curie temperature of the magnet material while cutting, the orientation and strength can be altered. A wet rag on the clamped end while cutting should help. When I was cutting an Alnico bar once,I clamped it vertically in a vise. The part below the jaws hung into a cup of ice water and dremeled off a bit above. Worked like a charm.

Go Moody!

Barncaster

It's only fitting that the guitar is made from iron and the p'ups are made from wood.
Classic....simply classic!

Pictures - cool! Now that's what I'm talking about. This is definitely one of the most interesting builds.

the more i look at this, the more i really really like it.

Back for more madness...

Davecam- haven't taken care of the mar yet, we'll see.

Barncaster- Good advice, it was very helpful.

And as always, Thanks for the compliments guys.

I started today by digging around in the toolbox and grabbing magnets. I usually have a bunch of these around, and today was no exception. The magnets I am using are Honeywell/Ademco wireless contact magnets, but you could use other types just as easily.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1424.jpg

Simply pry open the case and remove the magnet.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1425.jpg

These are twice as long as I needed for this particular build, so I marked centers and cut them in half.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1422.jpg

Used Barncaster's advice about cooling with saturated cloth(well, paper napkin anyway) and cutting with dremel tool

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1426.jpg

made a whole bunch of these

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1427.jpg

I then chucked them in the drill, and filed the edges so they aren't sharp. Being as I cut the magnets in half, I ended up with six pieces with the pretty end on the north, and six with the pretty end on the south.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1428.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1429.jpg

Used a very small compass to check polarity

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1431.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1432.jpg

Steampunk jewelry... Decorative and useful.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1433.jpg

I pressed all the pole pieces into the bobbins, after sorting them for height differences. in the process I cracked one of the bobbins, but I worked glue into the crack, and it's just fine.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1435.jpg

Using an old push drill, I drilled mounting holes between the outer pairs of pole pieces. I also drilled lead wire holes.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1436.jpg

Notes on magnet polarity, and the lead wire I'm using. (22/4 stranded security wire.)

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1437.jpg

I lined up the pickups where they go, and drilled holes through the main bars that line up with the mounting holes I drilled in the pickups. I will be using a #4 x 1" pan head screw, and a small spring to mount the pickups. They will adjust from the back of the guitar.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1438.jpg

I then decided to wind up the pickups. My winder is positively the most simple that a winder can be. A sanding drum with the outer metal washer removed, a piece of carpet tape, and a cordless drill. This setup takes a steady hand, but it can get the job done.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1440.jpg

I soldered the winding wire to the lead. (I know, you can't see the winding wire. Half the time, neither could I)

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1441.jpg

A note on the winding wire: It says that it is 42 gauge , but in reality, it's closer to 41 gauge. It doesn't have as much resistance, and fills up the bobbin faster than expected. Every pickup I have made with this stuff has been WAY overwound, and still retains good highs.

Put the lead wire into the coil and started winding.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1442.jpg

I went to an approximate resistance instead of counted turns. I haven't made an accurate counter yet.

About half way...

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1443.jpg

2/3 Full...

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1444.jpg

Other lead soldered, and tape wrapped. Used regular electrical tape, as it was what I could find.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1445.jpg

Final test (bridge)

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1446.jpg

Final test (neck)

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1439.jpg

I'm pretty sure the pickups are going to be hot, especially considering the wire used... we will see.

You guys with the pickup-winding know how sure do make me jealous.

Hey Moody,

Just brilliant man. I can't wait to hear it!

Barncaster

Short update today, as I have had a project that needs finished by Saturday. I am hoping to get this up and running for Monday.

After shaping the fingerboard, I needed to re-cut the fret slots to proper depth. I did so with a coping saw and a thin blade, much like I did the first time I cut them.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1447.jpg

I agonized over the dot marker material, but nothing looked good, until I ran across a can of Durham's putty. Why not... I masked of the fretboard.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1449.jpg

I mixed up a little, and then had to add more to get the consistency right...

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1450.jpg

Filled the holes, and let dry overnight.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1451.jpg

After cleanup, they look pretty good.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1452.jpg

Thats all for now. I will leave you with a progress shot of the project I am working on...

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1454-1.jpg

Durahams is probably one of my favorite fret marker materials. Very easy to use and has a nice aged clay look.

nice project, too. What is it exactly?

Hey Moody,

The neck looks great but the body now looks like a bird cage........

Barncaster

Unbelievable! You really have some mad blacksmith skills! I remember as a kid going to Sturbridge Village in Mass one of those old fashion theme villages were everyone dresses the period and being mesmerized watching the blacksmith work. He had nothing on you my friend! Can't wait to hear this rip! Great job so far!

It's exactly what you think it is RogerC... A human sized birdcage.

Allthesound- Thanks for the kind words. I have been known to dress in period clothing once in a while myself.

Ok quick midnight update... Frets!
This was a work fast and shoot pics later kind of thing, but I have a couple shots. I actually did most of this in about two hours.

Frets cut and hammered in. I bent a radius in them by one hand and a pair of pliers, and cut them with the same pliers(big old linesman type).

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1455.jpg

I cut the ends short to save me a bit of work. Occasionally I have to use less than par tools, but at least I have some finesse, so I used my smoothest face small ballpeen hammer to drive in said frets.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1456.jpg

I then proceeded to file like a maniac. I used the file at an angle to cut the ends just proud of the fretboard edge, and then dressed them flush. I also rounded the ends to a smooth 45 degree transition.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1457.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1458.jpg

I also very lightly touched the tops of the frets to check level. Tomorrow I will break out the 400 grit paper and clean them properly.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1459.jpg

So now it's officially an instrument neck. I have a piece of either bone or synthetic bone(not sure which) around to make a nut out of. I am really cutting it close, but I am still hopeful that I will get it finished, or at least mostly finished enough to get a video done.

It's exactly what you think it is RogerC... A human sized birdcage.

hehe Ok. I was thinking, "It sure does look like a birdcage, but it looks huge. Maybe the scale only appears large because of something else."

:grin:

Yep, time caught up to me, and circumstance helped it mug me...

But Fret Not! This will be finished soon, and it means that I can take more time to really clean up little details. I should have some more pics in the next few days.

Dang, I really wanted to see this one in the line-up.:cry:

Yeah, bummer. That's a real shame, but I still am looking forward to seeing the final product. Definitely one of the quirkier builds this year!

Yep, time caught up to me, and circumstance helped it mug me...

But Fret Not! This will be finished soon, and it means that I can take more time to really clean up little details. I should have some more pics in the next few days.

CRAP! :mad:

I really wanted this to finish. Anyway, I will say this; I think this is absolutely one of the coolest builds here. Thanks Moody for seeing it through in the DIY forum. I really want to hear this thing. This build along with Rogers really helped us to consider alternative materials and not get caught up in the hype. Thanks brother.

Rob

X2!
I was really looking forward to see this in the lineup! :(

I appreciate all the compliments and suggestions from everyone. I still plan on a video of it being played, as well as documenting the rest of the build... But now that the pressure is off, there are some details that I can take care of to really spruce this baby up. It actually turned out better than the original plans, and some of the pieces I made may get reproduced for some other instruments. I expect to have more progress shots this week.

I'll leave you with a picture of the finished birdcage and the lovely girl who modeled it for us.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1471.jpg

Man this build just keeps getting more interesting. Is Barbie going to be a central figure in your guitar body? I sense a theme here......

Rob

Glad you're finishing over here; I've been curious since Day One about how this thing will sound. Stick with it!

Just a small update from this week.

I set about cutting the nut slot, and cleaned it out.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1460.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1461.jpg

On Sunday, I started working on the final details of the tremolo. I took a piece of couch spring and heated it to bend in a coil. This stuff self tempers to a spring again, as long as you don't quench it. If you quench it, it becomes so brittle that it will shatter. The coil looks ugly, but it works.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1482.jpg

I used a cut-off wheel to trim the ends.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1484.jpg

I made a bigsby-esque flat bar for the tremolo out of a piece of metal strap. I cut the end a little shorter and drilled a new hole.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1483.jpg

My original idea was to use 1/16" roll pins for string pegs. I marked out the holes for the pegs and set up the drill press thingy.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1486.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1487.jpg

That was about the time that disaster decided to slap me... Two of the holes broke drill bits off in them. I though that I could heat the whole piece in the forge to remove the hardness and temper from the bit, and drill it out, but nope. So I tried using a larger bit and cutting the whole area out, hoping to make string through holes. The broken bit pushed the other bit to the side. I fought with this for quite some time, and arived with this mess.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1488.jpg

So... yea... gonna make another one in the near future.

I used a 1/4" machine screw and nut to attach the bar to the arm. the leather disk is there to give the arm some resistance.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1489.jpg

The tremolo spring sits snug on the nut of the arm pivot.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1490.jpg

I also drilled the holes in the lower scroll tube so I could run the wiring.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1491.jpg

I mounted up the pickups, but I have no pics of that, and they are coming back off anyway. That said, the pickups do fit great, and should work fine. I am thinking about doing a quick mockup as soon as I get the nut fitted, so I can see if the trem works or needs adjustment in its design. If the pivot bar is getting remade, and I need to adjust something, it's better to know now...


more to come

I am so sorry this one didn't make it. Of all the builds I found myself drawn to this and the concrete builds.

Your build was a very difficult undertaking, even with your obvious blacksmith skills. Thanks for sharing and I look forward to the finished project.

Good to see you forging ahead ;-)

Hey Moody,

How is it going? No pressure....tap, tap, tap....

Rob

Been busy as heck over here, and I haven't had much time. I'm hoping to get something done this weekend if I can. What I would like to do is get the darn thing running once to see what it sounds like before I get much further. That way I can make changes if necessary. I have actually thought about using a wood and bone bridge in place of the TOM, just for fun. We'll see...

Been busy as heck over here, and I haven't had much time. I'm hoping to get something done this weekend if I can. What I would like to do is get the darn thing running once to see what it sounds like before I get much further. That way I can make changes if necessary. I have actually thought about using a wood and bone bridge in place of the TOM, just for fun. We'll see...

Hey Moody,

Now that you mention it, why a TOM? Just position and weld on a bar, grind in the string slots an file the leading edge for intonation adjustment. It's much more in alignment with your basic concept :mrgreen:

Rob

I was using the TOM just because I have it around, and wanted to get the challenge done in time. Now all bets are off, and I may do something completely different. Besides, if I come up with something different, I can use the TOM on my Doug-fir and ramin Firebird. The mount I made for the iron tele didn't actually change the TOM anyway.

The one thing I want though is the ability to adjust the thing. We'll see what happens...

Hey Moody,

Adjustment? Weld a glob on and file to suit! Sounds adjustable to me in a blacksmith kind of way... ;-)

Rob

Hey again all! Yep, still alive. Nope, still breathing...

Got a little bit done, but not much. I really wanted to just get the thing strung up and see if I was on the right track. I ended up not using the TOM bridge (It will go on the firebird), and made one out of wood. Also, fretwork... The frets didn't seat as well as I liked, because they are a tad thinner tanged that the stuff I normally use, and the saw is a tad wider. Probably means that I need to superglue the slots under the frets and press them. My pics show it strung, but I also had it wired for a bit and it sounds pretty good. The wiring didn't work out like I thought it should, but I figured out what to do. As soon as that's fixed, I will shoot a video. Anyway...

I was given a sample of Corian substitute called Staron, in Aspen Snow color. I promptly cut off a piece and made a nut blank with it.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1522.jpg

I used the pencil method and patterned the spacing off another guitar that has the same neck width. I cut the slots with a small file set.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1523.jpg

The bridge was actually pretty easy. it was kind of like the ones on old archtops.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1524.jpg

It is made out of Brazilian mahogany. It's old stuff (1948) from a set of windows in a hotel that were removed in the eighties. Almost as hard as rosewood. I cut the two pieces and shaped them with a tabletop belt sander. The bridge itself was cut to a 12" radius. I also patterned the spacing off that same other guitar. It was then drilled for some adjusting hardware. I couldn't find thumbwheel adjusters yet, but maybe soon.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1525.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1526.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1527.jpg

I will oil it when I'm done. And yes, that is a nail hole.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1528.jpg

I then strung it and adjusted the bridge and nut. The headstock never budged.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1530.jpg

The tremolo works, but it needs a super smooth surface for everything to slide, as well as needing a lighter spring and lubrication.

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1531.jpg

http://i33.photobucket.com/albums/d98/moodyabyss/TDPRI%202012%20Challenge/DSCN1533.jpg

It is now a guitar and not a wall hanger...

Sweet! Let's see the video!

Hey Moody,

What's up with photobucket? I can't see any of your pictures anymore. I'm dieing to hear this thing!

Rob

Hey Moody,

What's up with photobucket? I can't see any of your pictures anymore. I'm dieing to hear this thing!

Rob

I thought it was just me :grin:

Used up the free bandwidth from the sound of things... Might have to wait this one out.

Aughh! The suspense is killing me!

Glad to see you back.

That thing is awesome! Let's hear it!

No pics!

You know what that means....

Hey Moody,

Let's hear it rip! Your 2012 Challenge compatriots have not forgotten you! Oh, and by the way, is there any way you can get the gal in the cage to play it.... in the cage. I like to keep things thematically coherent you know...... a little OCD on this end yes....

Rob

Rob, I'm glad you posted here. It brought the thread back to the top of the list and when I checked it out there were pictures!

Awesome job Moody! This was one of my favorites during the challenge. I'm glad you had the time to change the bridge. The one you made is great.

Now that I can see the pics, I like that a lot of the usual "metal" parts are made of wood, while the usual "wooden" parts are metal. The whole guitar is like a clever pun.

Congratulations! Enjoy a really unique tele.

That is a VERY cool guitar. What does it weigh?

I like that a lot of the usual "metal" parts are made of wood, while the usual "wooden" parts are metal. The whole guitar is like a clever pun
Isn't that a hoot? :grin:

Hey Moody,

We haven't forgotten this one brother. It's just too cool. Would still love to see a video.

Rob

That is a VERY cool guitar. What does it weigh?

Dave, I'm keeping my counsel to myself about hens and such, but no thanks to you. . . .:razz:


Moody! Please! Gotta hear it!

Dave, I'm keeping my counsel to myself about hens and such, but no thanks to you. . . .:razz:


Moody! Please! Gotta hear it!

:lol::lol:

Yes!! Please!!!!!

Hmmmm, hmmmmm, hmmmmm, tap , tap, tap....

I know, been working on a couple other things, and staying alive. This isn't a dead stick by any means, and I may actually pull it out this week. I'm going to disassemble and clean up everything, maybe redo a couple welds, and generally clean everything up. The headstock may have to wait for a bit, but hopefully I will have the forge back up soon... The joys of moving.

We miss you and that rig Moody! Your build and Roger's concrete rig were in my opinion the most inventive of the 2012 Challenge.

Rob

Thank you Barncaster. I appreciate the compliment. I will be posting some updates soon, though some of them may look like I am going backwards...