New guy wowwed by this forum!

scubadoo · April 2nd, 2008, 06:38 AM

Hi there,

Well, I found this forum a couple of days ago and was just blown away by the builders thread. Loving the sparklecasters and Ron Kirk's work.

I've always wanted to build a guitar and fancied trying a tele. The closest I've come is bodging together a refinished 1980's squire body and a crappy neck from and old Marlin Sidewinder (remember those?). I sold the tele neck for £60 but really wish I'd kept it but it paid for one of the pickups.

Money is tight so I was wondering if there any cheap or free templates available online or in the UK. CAD files would be good. I'll probably buy a neck and was thinking of using allparts.

Tools: I'm thinking of buying a router, do i need a 1/2" plunge router?

Do i need a band saw or can i make do with the router to cut the bodyshape and/or a jigsaw? Are there any threads that discuss essential tools?

I've tried searching but keep getting distracted but lovely builds by Ron Kirk and others!!!

Thanks for reading and I hope to spend a lot more time on this forum learning from the masters.

Cheers
Dave

Ricky D. · April 2nd, 2008, 07:28 AM

Welcome!

pengipete · April 2nd, 2008, 08:27 AM

Hi Dave.

It was Buckocaster's sparkly guitar thread that got me on here. I originally only joined so that I could thank him for such a great thread and now I can't escape.

For CAD downloads try this thread from ehawley - look around page 17 or so. Actually, it's better to read the whole thing if you're going to build cos he describes the process in a lot of detail.

See you around.

Grin'n'pick · April 2nd, 2008, 09:00 AM

It really is impossible not to be constantly in awe of some of the insanely talented folks on this site and their incredible building work! We are very lucky to have some of the masters on here showing us how they do it with great step-by-step threads. What always knocks me out is how helpful these people are and how willing they are to share their knowledge, it's a big part of what makes this place so good. And welcome Scubadoo, I hope you really enjoy the forum and can't wait to see your build threads too!

nasonm · April 2nd, 2008, 09:09 AM

Welcome to the best place on the internet Scubadoo!

Buckocaster51 · April 2nd, 2008, 09:27 AM

Welcome aboard...

bobthecanadian · April 2nd, 2008, 10:16 AM

hey scubadoo,

good to see you here.

ehawley · April 2nd, 2008, 03:28 PM

Hi Scubadoo....Welcome. Alot of people here from "across the pond".If you are building a tele, this is the best place to be. Heck..even if your not building one this is the best place to be for tele and info in general!
Thanks Pengipete for posting the link!
Any questions scubadoo don't hesitate to ask!!
Cheers
ED

PS...I remember seeing a picture of someones tele from the 60s that had all kinds of stuff stuck to it....someone famous. Can't remember who though! Looks great!

blue metalflake · April 2nd, 2008, 03:32 PM

Hi Dave

Welcome and rest assured theres lots of wise people around here who will help you through your build.

Great place & some great folks.

ajgus · April 2nd, 2008, 03:35 PM

welcome, friend. Is it me, or do we get like a hundred new members a day? Anyone how many members there are?

garytelecastor · April 2nd, 2008, 03:41 PM

Welcome Scubadoo-I take it you are a diver. I love Love LOVE Scuba.

garytelecastor · April 2nd, 2008, 03:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ajgus

welcome, friend. Is it me, or do we get like a hundred new members a day? Anyone how many members there are?

On the home page Paul has listed only about 19K for member count.

Doug Ferguson · April 2nd, 2008, 03:48 PM

Welcome, dave! It is pretty amazing all the info and talent here. I bump into stuff on threads everyday that put the gears in motion. All the best on your project!

jwells393 · April 2nd, 2008, 04:24 PM

I love my woodworking tools but some here have done a fine job building guitars with a limited workshop. This thread by japasul comes to mind. He managed to make a body and neck with a few portable electric tools and hand tools. In fact, I believe he built it in an apartment.

http://www.tdpri.com/forum/telecaste...truction+diary

tonytrout · April 2nd, 2008, 04:52 PM

Welcome! I'm Tony! Nice to have you here!

BillyG · April 2nd, 2008, 05:09 PM

Welcome aboard mate. This is the best community on the whole internet. Nice to have you with us.

Tom S · April 2nd, 2008, 07:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scubadoo

I've tried searching but keep getting distracted but lovely builds by Ron Kirk and others!!!

I think we're going to have to start calling him Captain Kirk from now on.

You....should all.....practice.......more.

Welcome scubadoo. You can pretty much make a tele body with a pen knife if you have the mind to. Might take a while, though.

51tele · April 2nd, 2008, 07:13 PM

Welcome------you'll find anything you need here pertaining to a tele

spicolli · April 2nd, 2008, 07:25 PM

welcome!

garytelecastor · April 2nd, 2008, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tom S

Welcome scubadoo. You can pretty much make a tele body with a pen knife if you have the mind to. Might take a while, though.

Are you like the McGuyver of tele builders??? I have some duct tape, a rubber band, and a paper clip, and I sure could use a Vintage 52. huh...whatta ya think....pretty please....

Where's my lithium????

jwells393 · April 2nd, 2008, 07:37 PM

Quote:

You can pretty much make a tele body with a pen knife if you have the mind to.

Hmmm............. interesting project idea. Sort of the opposite end of the spectrum from Ed Hawley's CNC build.............. build a Telecaster without electricity........... only hand tools ................. solder with a fireplace poker.............Hmmmmm.........maybe not

scubadoo · April 2nd, 2008, 08:55 PM

Thanks guys! I'm very encouraged by all the support.

I'm trying to scrounge the money for a bandsaw and router at the moment. Are there any specifications i need to consider for these?

cheer
dave

jwells393 · April 2nd, 2008, 09:21 PM

Don't know what tool brands are available for you there in the UK. Many routers come with two bases .......... a fixed base and a plunge base. A plunge base is useful if you ever plan to make necks. Otherwise I've never had the need. If Porter-Cable is available over there, you can't go wrong with a Porter-Cable router. Get one with both 1/4 in. and 1/2 in. collets.

A drill press is one of the most useful tools you could buy. I predrill all my cavities so the router doesn't have to work so hard. If you get a drill press, make sure it's at least a 12 in. (6 in. between column and chuck centerline).

Before buying a band saw you might check to see if a riser kit is available. This would extend your cutting capability from 6 in. board thickness to about 12 in. Useful for re-sawing 7 in. lumber to make a Thinline. A high quality band saw blade is very important. I'd buy the riser kit before investing in expensive blades.

Ira7 · April 2nd, 2008, 09:43 PM

I was going to buy one of these suckers:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...mputer+carving

However, I realized that even though it's computerized, I would still screw it up. Plus, my wife wouldn't let me buy it.

Ronkirn · April 2nd, 2008, 09:51 PM

Welcome Dave, we all look forward to the photos as you get into your project.... and you have mail if it ever goes through....

Ron Kirn

April 2nd, 2008, 09:09 AM	#5 (permalink)
nasonm Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Bangor, Maine Age: 31 Posts: 1,712 16 Photos	Welcome to the best place on the internet Scubadoo! __________________ "i have learned to just grit my teeth, change the subject, consider their deep total ignorance, fondle the thumb picks in my pocket and go on my way" - bender-freak It's been lonely in the saddle since my horse died

April 2nd, 2008, 09:27 AM	#6 (permalink)
Buckocaster51 Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Iowa USA Age: 56 Posts: 5,590 1 Photos	Welcome aboard... __________________ "If you can't say something nice... don't say nothing at all." - Thumper the Rabbit "An awfully lot of time can be wasted waiting for the right time." - Gunsmoke's Doc Adams

April 2nd, 2008, 10:16 AM	#7 (permalink)
bobthecanadian Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Taipei, Taiwan Age: 42 Posts: 1,540	hey scubadoo, good to see you here. __________________ It don't mean a thang if it ain't got that TWANG!!!

April 2nd, 2008, 03:35 PM	#10 (permalink)
ajgus Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: chicago Posts: 2,321	welcome, friend. Is it me, or do we get like a hundred new members a day? Anyone how many members there are? __________________ "If you don't have a toothbrush & you don't have a Telecaster...you're in trouble"- Jim Weider

April 2nd, 2008, 03:41 PM	#11 (permalink)
garytelecastor Friend of Leo's Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Minnesota Posts: 3,640 18 Photos	Welcome Scubadoo-I take it you are a diver. I love Love LOVE Scuba. __________________ éí 'aaníígÓÓ 'áhoot'é Would you mind holding this bag while we go through the custom shop????? Redd Volkaert is a Jedi Knight at one with the Force!!!

April 2nd, 2008, 07:28 AM	#2 (permalink)
Ricky D. Tele-Holic Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Maryland Age: 57 Posts: 905	Welcome!

April 2nd, 2008, 08:27 AM	#3 (permalink)
pengipete Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Gloucester U.K. Age: 47 Posts: 1,572	Hi Dave. It was Buckocaster's sparkly guitar thread that got me on here. I originally only joined so that I could thank him for such a great thread and now I can't escape. For CAD downloads try this thread from ehawley - look around page 17 or so. Actually, it's better to read the whole thing if you're going to build cos he describes the process in a lot of detail. See you around.

April 2nd, 2008, 09:00 AM	#4 (permalink)
Grin'n'pick Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Sarf Eas' Laandon Posts: 1,952 38 Photos	It really is impossible not to be constantly in awe of some of the insanely talented folks on this site and their incredible building work! We are very lucky to have some of the masters on here showing us how they do it with great step-by-step threads. What always knocks me out is how helpful these people are and how willing they are to share their knowledge, it's a big part of what makes this place so good. And welcome Scubadoo, I hope you really enjoy the forum and can't wait to see your build threads too!

April 2nd, 2008, 03:28 PM	#8 (permalink)
ehawley Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Keyport, New Jersey Age: 55 Posts: 1,014 48 Photos	Hi Scubadoo....Welcome. Alot of people here from "across the pond".If you are building a tele, this is the best place to be. Heck..even if your not building one this is the best place to be for tele and info in general! Thanks Pengipete for posting the link! Any questions scubadoo don't hesitate to ask!! Cheers ED PS...I remember seeing a picture of someones tele from the 60s that had all kinds of stuff stuck to it....someone famous. Can't remember who though! Looks great!

April 2nd, 2008, 03:32 PM	#9 (permalink)
blue metalflake Friend of Leo's Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: ireland Age: 55 Posts: 2,340 10 Photos	Hi Dave Welcome and rest assured theres lots of wise people around here who will help you through your build. Great place & some great folks.

April 2nd, 2008, 03:48 PM	#13 (permalink)
Doug Ferguson Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Indianapolis, IN Age: 55 Posts: 1,717	Welcome, dave! It is pretty amazing all the info and talent here. I bump into stuff on threads everyday that put the gears in motion. All the best on your project! __________________ If you get hung up on just guitar players, you've missed something.... Don't ever get to a point where you just gotta be a guitar player. You hear something, go try to get that note and sound as much like that as you can.-Buddy Guy

April 2nd, 2008, 04:24 PM	#14 (permalink)
jwells393 Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Albuquerque, USA Age: 64 Posts: 12,245 101 Photos	I love my woodworking tools but some here have done a fine job building guitars with a limited workshop. This thread by japasul comes to mind. He managed to make a body and neck with a few portable electric tools and hand tools. In fact, I believe he built it in an apartment. http://www.tdpri.com/forum/telecaste...truction+diary __________________ Jack's Disclaimer: When I say something.... always ask yourself ..... "What the hell does he know?" _ Guys - learn to disable the flash on your digital cameras.

April 2nd, 2008, 04:52 PM	#15 (permalink)
tonytrout Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Brasstown/Murphy, North Carolina Age: 32 Posts: 442 6 Photos	Welcome! I'm Tony! Nice to have you here! __________________ Phil. 4:13; Jer. 29:11

April 2nd, 2008, 05:09 PM	#16 (permalink)
BillyG Tele-Meister Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Summerville, SC Age: 41 Posts: 431	Welcome aboard mate. This is the best community on the whole internet. Nice to have you with us.

April 2nd, 2008, 07:13 PM	#18 (permalink)
51tele Tele-Holic Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: new orleans Posts: 521	Welcome------you'll find anything you need here pertaining to a tele __________________ look at the pictures and laugh at the words

April 2nd, 2008, 07:25 PM	#19 (permalink)
spicolli Tele-Meister Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: 315 Age: 32 Posts: 420	welcome! __________________ Rock and roll around my head Fifty watts happening

April 2nd, 2008, 08:55 PM	#22 (permalink)
scubadoo Tele-Holic Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Bristol, UK Age: 34 Posts: 944	Thanks guys! I'm very encouraged by all the support. I'm trying to scrounge the money for a bandsaw and router at the moment. Are there any specifications i need to consider for these? cheer dave

April 2nd, 2008, 09:21 PM	#23 (permalink)
jwells393 Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Albuquerque, USA Age: 64 Posts: 12,245 101 Photos	Don't know what tool brands are available for you there in the UK. Many routers come with two bases .......... a fixed base and a plunge base. A plunge base is useful if you ever plan to make necks. Otherwise I've never had the need. If Porter-Cable is available over there, you can't go wrong with a Porter-Cable router. Get one with both 1/4 in. and 1/2 in. collets. A drill press is one of the most useful tools you could buy. I predrill all my cavities so the router doesn't have to work so hard. If you get a drill press, make sure it's at least a 12 in. (6 in. between column and chuck centerline). Before buying a band saw you might check to see if a riser kit is available. This would extend your cutting capability from 6 in. board thickness to about 12 in. Useful for re-sawing 7 in. lumber to make a Thinline. A high quality band saw blade is very important. I'd buy the riser kit before investing in expensive blades. __________________ Jack's Disclaimer: When I say something.... always ask yourself ..... "What the hell does he know?" _ Guys - learn to disable the flash on your digital cameras.

April 2nd, 2008, 09:43 PM	#24 (permalink)
Ira7 Tele-Meister Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Coral Springs, FL Age: 51 Posts: 326	I was going to buy one of these suckers: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...mputer+carving However, I realized that even though it's computerized, I would still screw it up. Plus, my wife wouldn't let me buy it.

April 2nd, 2008, 09:51 PM	#25 (permalink)
Ronkirn Friend of Leo's Join Date: May 2003 Location: Jacksonville, FL Age: 62 Posts: 2,745	Welcome Dave, we all look forward to the photos as you get into your project.... and you have mail if it ever goes through.... Ron Kirn __________________ A government big enough to give you everything you want, is strong enough to take everything you have. – Thomas Jefferson Just because you do not take an interest in politics doesn't mean politics won't take an interest in you! -Pericles (430 B.C.)