Most useful power tools/machines for a luthier?

[scubadoo]

I may be getting a bit of cash from selling some amps and was wondering what you guys think are the most useful tools to help produce top quality guitars.

So far I have a router, random orbital sander, drill press and cheap jigsaw.

First I would think is a bandsaw big enough to resaw drop tops.

Then I'm not sure; thicknesser/planer, oscillating spindle sander or something else? or maybe a buffing arbor, is that really necessary?

Thinking of neck building, maybe a nice spokeshave or make do with rasp and sanders?

Any advice and maybe even specific brands/models (UK) gratefully accepted. It's tool time!

 

[LeeTurner]

I've been looking for an oscillating sander and, as per usual, the prices in the UK are much higher than the US. Don't know what this one's like but the Woodstar OS58 goes for between £90 and £110. It's quite a leap to the next available model such as the SIP and Jet models which are around the £300 - £350 mark.
One good buy I've made is a scroll saw. It cuts up to 2" thickness, has a 16" throat and gives very accurate and clean cuts. It will handle wood, laminates and thin metal so is good for templates, pickguards and the like.

 

[jkingma]

The 4 main power tools I rely on most often (and the things I can't live without) are bandsaw, router, drill press and thickness sander.

I used my thickness sander at least 4 times as much as my planer... especially with figured woods.

 

[Jack Wells]

I've often said that the Ridgid Oscillating Belt/Spindle Sander is one of the most useful tools. Used as a belt sander, it can be used to shape the back of a neck. However, since Ridgid woodworking tools seem to be sold exclusively through Home Depot stores in the United States and Canada, that doesn't appear to be an option for those you in the UK.

 

[muttley]

Aside from what you have at present a decent bandsaw and good selection of hand tools should be top of your list. Apart from that it depends on what sort of building you intend to do. As most of my work is archtops and acoustics I couldn't live without my bending irons and fox bender after that there are some specific luthier tools such as a good thickness calliper and reamers nut files, fret files. I also use a drum sander far more often than I would a planer thicknesser as I rip most of my stock on either the bandsaw or table saw. Then to the drum sander and finish with a hand plane if required. I have a planer thicknesser but they can be a real pain to set and maintain for figured woods. Mine rarely gets turned over these days.

You say you have a drill press but just a heads up for anyone in the market. I have a decent record drill press that is getting on a bit and have always hankered after a radial arm drill press as well. So I took delivery of (link removed) yesterday for the price you can't go wrong. I've assembled it this morning and will be putting it through it's paces later so if anyone is interested I'll report back. Initial impressions are that it's solid even if the lock down is a bit clunky. It should handle woodworking jobs well and as it's at least half the price of it's nearest competitor I'm happy with it.

One thing for certain don't think you'll ever have enough tools. Oh and clamps hundreds of different types of clamps, the list is endless.

 

[Lost_N_Austin]

No one would confuse me with a Luthier, but one of the handiest tools in my shop is a belt sander like this one
(image removed)

You can buy different grit belts and in the case even leather belts to be used with various polish compounds. It is easy to move if needed and rests on vibration absorbing rubber feet.

Now if I was really building guitars I go for this one
(image removed)
Found it on the Grainger website.

L_N_A

 

[muttley]

Just to add before I forget as when I walked back into the shop after posting I went straight to my sharpening bench and right in front of me was some of the best money I've ever spent. I have the old green 2000 series one but if you want sharp chisels and plane irons this is the baby.

(link removed)

 

[scubadoo]

Aside from what you have at present a decent bandsaw and good selection of hand tools should be top of your list.

The bandsaw is definitely #1 on the list and i reckon i should be able to afford a good one now. New or secondhand i wonder? Been looking at Startrite 351 and 352's on ebay.

some specific luthier tools such as a good thickness calliper and reamers nut files, fret files.

I have a fairly good set of hand tools including a few nut and fret files. Can never have too many though Could do with some chisels though.

I also use a drum sander far more often than I would a planer thicknesser

I'm not familiar with drum sanders, I'll check them out.

You say you have a drill press but just a heads up for anyone in the market. I have a decent record drill press that is getting on a bit and have always hankered after a radial arm drill press as well. So I took delivery of (link removed)

That looks nice, i know what you mean about the lock down, I bought the Axminster ND 16B last year, cost about £140. I love it but need to get round to making a table for it.

One thing for certain don't think you'll ever have enough tools. Oh and clamps hundreds of different types of clamps, the list is endless.

I found that out when i built my first thinline, the air was blue! I tend to order a couple whenever i get anything from Axminster. These are my new favourite at the moment (link removed)

That grinder is on the list as well, just bought some Pfeil carving tools for my wife so that could come in handy.

Thanks Muttley

 

[scubadoo]

Thanks guys, some good suggestions so far. Especially about the planer, had i thought that would be one of the first things to get but seems not

is a thickness sander the same thing as a drum sander?

Cheers
Dave

 

[scubadoo]

Woah there! just checked the price of drum sanders, £500+! That may be a no no.

WHat about this sip thicknesser? (link removed)

 

[Jack Wells]

With regard to thickness planers, many sold in the U.S. have only 12 1/2 in. capacity. You want a minimum of 13 in.

Dave, you've built some awfully nice guitars with limited tools. Once you tool-up ............. look out.

 

[scubadoo]

edited

 

[scubadoo]

Dave, you've built some awfully nice guitars with limited tools. Once you tool-up ............. look out.

Thanks Jack!

 

[Jack Wells]

Yeah ............. saw that in the title later. Edited my post so I wouln't appear to be such a fool but you already quoted my original post.

 

[scubadoo]

Yeah ............. saw that in the title later. Edited my post so I wouln't appear to be such a fool but you already quoted my original post.

just edited mine as well

 

[LeeTurner]

If you're looking for some decent general purpose wood chisels you can't beat this deal at Screwfix - (link removed) . Absolute bargain for the price of a single cheaper chisel.

 

[Douglas Ingram]

If a commercial thickness/drum sander is not affordable, there are many plans available to make your own. For the amount of use that you will be putting it to, this should work out fine.

A slow but affordable way to plane larger pieces, at least close enough for future use through the sander, is a Wagner Safe-T-Planer. This is a drill press accessory.

Also, a router mounted on a sled that rides two parallel rails. The wood, obviously, is well secured on the table between the rails.

What you should get is going to be largely determined by your present means and restrictions.

I would be lost without my bandsaw, thickness planer/jointer, RA sander, angle grinder, and good measuring tools. But I work full time, so its a different situation.

 

[Jack Wells]

Perhaps you could link us to at least one of the thickness sander plans.

 

[Douglas Ingram]

Here are just three. They are in the library of the Musical Instrument Maker's Forum. Free access to registered users. Tons of other good stuff in that library, too.

(link removed)
(link removed)
(link removed)

 

[Shepherd]

(link removed)
http://www.woodworkstuff.net/EDTSander.html

I think the best tool I have is this forum.