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My next idea. Inspired by Fender's new Acoustisonic.

Discussion in 'DIY Strat Forum' started by va3ext, Mar 1, 2019.

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  1. Bowmap

    Bowmap I nose a thang or two Platinum Supporting Member

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    Did you use a band saw for the belly cut? I have seen a couple techniques. I have two bodies I need to cut.
     
    Bowmap, Mar 15, 2019
    #21
  2. va3ext

    va3ext Strat-Talker

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    No.
    Used 50gt on a belt sander on the front roller.

    Then a palm orbital with 80gt.
     
    va3ext, Mar 15, 2019
    #22
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  3. va3ext

    va3ext Strat-Talker

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    About 120 holes later I have it roughed out.

    image.jpeg


    I had to do some contour/step drilling on the upper edge where I have the belly cut, so I didn't end up going through the back side.

    image.jpeg

    image.jpeg

    I will whittle away at it tomorrow with my thumb planes to work it smooth & make it a bit thinner.
     
    va3ext, Mar 15, 2019
    #23
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  4. CB91710

    CB91710 No GAS shortage here Double Platinum Supporting Member

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    Router bit in a drill press?
    Not the best way to go, but if you lack a mill, it'll get the job done as long as you take small bites, make sure the chuck is solid, and stop frequently to check the chuck.
    Although, your machine looks pretty stout and could probably do a good job.



    Edit: But since you already have a milling machine, problem resolved ;)
     
    Last edited: Mar 15, 2019
    CB91710, Mar 15, 2019
    #24
  5. Bowmap

    Bowmap I nose a thang or two Platinum Supporting Member

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    HE he… Forstner bit
     
    Bowmap, Mar 15, 2019
    #25
  6. va3ext

    va3ext Strat-Talker

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    1" Forstner bit & milling machine as heavy duty drill press.

    Vacuumed out frequently & set the depth-stop on the mill.
     
    va3ext, Mar 15, 2019
    #26
  7. CB91710

    CB91710 No GAS shortage here Double Platinum Supporting Member

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    I knew that was a Forstner bit.
    I was suggesting a router bit to smooth it out before moving on to detail work with finger planes.
    There's still a *lot* of material to remove.

    Also... see edit ;)
    I was looking too hard at the body to notice that it was under a milling machine and not a BF Drillpress.
     
    CB91710, Mar 15, 2019
    #27
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  8. va3ext

    va3ext Strat-Talker

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    Great idea. Never thought of that.

    If I make a mounting board/jig to the base of the milling maching, to mount the body, then with the router bit chucked in the mill, I could run the bed beck & forth to remove the material.
    Sweet!
     
    va3ext, Mar 15, 2019
    #28
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  9. va3ext

    va3ext Strat-Talker

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    Baseplate bolted on mill base today. 2 layers of 1/2" plywood. First layer bolted down, second layer was screwed on top with holes drilled out for bottom bolt heads to protrude up so layers lay flat on each other.

    image.jpeg

    Screwed leftover MDF template pieces around edges to hold secure while milling.


    image.jpeg



    Cleaning up after Forstner drilling.
    Slow going, but nice & precise.
     
    va3ext, Mar 17, 2019
    #29
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  10. va3ext

    va3ext Strat-Talker

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    A bit more to do after supper.

    image.jpeg

    image.jpeg

    Coming along.

    Back thickness is 6.7mm, or 0.27".
     
    Last edited: Mar 17, 2019
    va3ext, Mar 17, 2019
    #30
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  11. va3ext

    va3ext Strat-Talker

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    Got the milling done.
    Now whittle away with the thumb planes to finish up.

    image.jpeg

    image.jpeg

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    image.jpeg

    image.jpeg
     
    va3ext, Mar 18, 2019
    #31
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  12. va3ext

    va3ext Strat-Talker

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    All planed & scraped.

    image.jpeg

    image.jpeg

    Down to 2.8 lbs.
     
    va3ext, Mar 18, 2019
    #32
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  13. noquarter1983

    noquarter1983 Strat-Talk Member

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    this is frickin awesome, totally following the progress on this.
     
    noquarter1983, Mar 18, 2019
    #33
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  14. va3ext

    va3ext Strat-Talker

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    Got the top glued together last night.

    image.jpeg

    This evening, decided to work on fitting the top into the inlay.
    Laid some paper on top of the body & traced out the inlay routed area.

    image.jpeg

    Cut out template & marked around edges on spruce top.

    image.jpeg

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    Cut outside the line on the bandsaw.

    image.jpeg

    Laid on body exact centre, lifted edge to see how far from inlay area, then marked. Went to the spindle sander started taking off pencil marks, lay back ontop, mark, sand, & so on. Took about an hour of marking & sanding.

    image.jpeg

    Upper area that looks bad, will be removed when neck pocket is routed.

    image.jpeg

    Come out pretty close.

    image.jpeg
     
    Last edited: Mar 21, 2019
    va3ext, Mar 20, 2019
    #34
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  15. nutball73

    nutball73 Senior Stratmaster

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    Really nice work! Are you thinking about some binding around the join? Herringbone would echo the acoustic vibe and tidy up the gap..
     
    nutball73, Mar 21, 2019
    #35
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  16. va3ext

    va3ext Strat-Talker

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    I'm planning on inlaying voilin purfling I have.

    image.jpeg

    Pic was taken earlier.
     
    va3ext, Mar 21, 2019
    #36
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  17. nederemer

    nederemer Senior Stratmaster

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    Man this looks amazing.
     
    nederemer, Mar 21, 2019
    #37
  18. Alan Crossley

    Alan Crossley Senior Stratmaster

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    Alan Crossley, Mar 21, 2019
    #38
  19. mistermikev

    mistermikev Strat-Talker

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    v nice top. i like where this is going!
     
    mistermikev, Mar 21, 2019
    #39
  20. va3ext

    va3ext Strat-Talker

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    Cut the sound hole.

    image.jpeg

    Starting to look similar.

    image.jpeg
     
    va3ext, Mar 21, 2019
    #40
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