Post a picture of what's on your bench?

[David Houchens]

Bernie, Its Mirror Coat put out by System Three. I tint it with Kerox Pigments from Plasticare. A little white and some cream color.
I've had these pigments for years, so I'm not sure if they're still in business. I feel sure the Mirror Coat is still available through System Three. I know these work, but I would think there are many materials for bar top and such that could be substituted.
On a side note, when the masking tape "dam" is leveled and poured, I run a butane lighter (long grill one) just over the top to remove any bubbles in the mix. You can see them rise to the surface and pop. Careful not to light up the tape though.

[sunburst]

I've used about 3 different casting resins for poured peghead bindings with good results. Just be sure to get something that doesn't cure too hard and fragile and it will probably be fine. Likewise, any compatible pigments can be used, so finding materials for poured bindings isn't a problem. Always do a test run with unfamiliar materials and procedures! Be sure the hardness and workability of the cured resin is suitable and be sure the color is stable when the resin is cured (see that the color doesn't change during or after curing).
FWIW, I haven't poured a binding for a long time because I prefer the look of grained ivoroid bindings, but any solid-colored binding can be color-matched with a resin and pigments of the proper colors.

[Kowboy]

Its a two part casting resin type mixture. Added pigments to match the binding being used. Here, its been roughed out on the band saw. The sides on the spindle sander. I do mine own both this way and with binding strips depending on how feel at the time. I've always done the Stellings this way since its how his banjos are done. Hope to have this one ready for IBMA.

Hey David; Is this one number 145. Number 144 was supposed to be headed to The IBMA last year. I cut her journey short and took her home with me.

[David Houchens]

Kenny, Yes, Yes it's 145. I think with the economy the way it is, they kind of put them on the back burner. This one is curly maple rather than quilted. I've made a few subtle changes, so I'm real excited about getting this one strung up. I've just finished cutting the binding slots today. Hope to bind it Monday. As usual, I'll be cutting it close. If there is time, it would be fun to compare the two.

[Kowboy]

Kenny, Yes, Yes it's 145. I think with the economy the way it is, they kind of put them on the back burner. This one is curly maple rather than quilted. I've made a few subtle changes, so I'm real excited about getting this one strung up. I've just finished cutting the binding slots today. Hope to bind it Monday. As usual, I'll be cutting it close. If there is time, it would be fun to compare the two.

Yes the comparison would be good for you to hear. Let me know if that is possible for your time schedule. I'll put on some new strings and come on over.

[David Houchens]

Standing beside it anyhow. Just stripped some paint someone had on here in a bad attempt to look like wood. I like it much better now.

[Timbofood]

I was looking at the bass and wondering if a PVD (Positive Vapor Deposition) type of finish could be done on one? I have not the slightest idea how the process really works, just the fundamentals from being in the jewelry business and its application to watch cases or bracelets. There was a smashing deep slightly blue grey that would be a knockout on a bass!
Just confusing projects for folks.

[Dobe]

[graham darden]

Top going on #4. Went very well.

[DavidKOS]

Vintage Lap Steels!



I got my old 1942 National Waikiki tuned to G6 rewired and a new-to-me Nioma all cleaned up and restrung. The Nioma was made by either Dickerson or Magnatone, and is set up for E7.

I've had the National since I was a teenager, making it the instrument in my collection I've had longest.

[Dick Hutchings]

Wow, that's going to take some doing. Can't wait to see the final result.

[Dick Hutchings]

Thanks for posting. That's where I should be right now but life got in the way. I'm working on #4 as well.

Top going on #4. Went very well.

[AaronVW]

After taking a break from building to move and remodel the100year old house we bought, I'm getting geared up to set up a workshop and build some instruments again. Just got a delivery of maple for 4 f5s and 3 guitar bodied octaves. Hopefully I'll have some more interesting photos in the months to come!content://media/external/file/10775

[Wes Brandt]

One of todays goal is to fine tune the braces and get the top glued on…

This is a Zouk but I am seriously thinking of a mandolin, (standard A size) with the same scalloped x bracing layout (I am a believer in the power of the scalloped brace) ...and pinned bridge. This design really puts out sound, also adding in some lows.

I would want the smallest possible footprint for a mando …I'm thinking elliptical in shape.

[Rob Zamites]

#2 ('La Balafenn') just needs a set of strings, and #3 ('Le Moustique') top and back brace:

[billhay4]

Here's a tenor guitar for a friend, a mando rebuild I've been working on for years, and the shape of things to come.

[David Houchens]

[David Newton]

Well, just off the bench.



And this one.

[Marty Jacobson]

Lovely spruce on the D (well, both of them, but especially the wide grain on the D). What is it?

[David Newton]

Red Spruce Marty, both, though from different suppliers.
It is amazing that wide grain can be stiffer than narrow, but there it is.

[bernabe]

It is amazing that wide grain can be stiffer than narrow, but there it is.

John Griffin at Old Standard Wood has told me more than once that he believed wider grained Adi to be generally stiffer than tight grained of similar density, on the average.

[Dobe]

John Griffin at Old Standard Wood has told me more than once that he believed wider grained Adi to be generally stiffer than tight grained of similar density, on the average.

That's were I've always bought my billets from. Good stuff !

[Wilbur Tabacsko]

A few fellers felt the urge to sign this cedar top I was working on.

[Tom Haywood]

New Haywood A5 in the white.

[Tom Haywood]

Strange. It flips the photo both ways and won't let me delete it. Oh well.