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Category: Lutherie

In 2015 I started a Musical Instrument Making course at TAFE. This is my record of what I’ve done in that course and since.

Instrument Making Course

Posted on February 3, 2021March 22, 2021 by Iain 'Cutty' Carlin

I learned most about guitar making by doing the Instrument Making course at Tonsley TAFE. Unfortunately, TAFE have for some strange reason decided to discontinue that course (I thought it was very popular…go figure?!)

Anyway, Michael Snowden, who taught that course, has now set up his own business offering instruction on instrument making. Check out his website here: Adelaide Artisan Instrument Making. Guitar Making for everyone – Wood & Strings – Adelaide Artisan Instrument Making…

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Jigging, plating and sanding

Posted on December 19, 2020 by Iain 'Cutty' Carlin

So despite my lack of motivation, I did make some progress this week.

I thought I had finished making jigs, having completed acoustic number 4 entirely in my home workshop…apparently not.

Number 4 had a dovetail joint for the neck, for which I bought a template from Stew Mac and build my own device for using it. Nothing wrong with the jig or template, but I swear I’m not doing another dovetail joint, they are just too difficult!

So for this build, I’m doing straight mortise and tenon joint with bolt on neck.

But, I needed the template to cut the mortise and tenon.…

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A building block….

Posted on December 19, 2020December 19, 2020 by Iain 'Cutty' Carlin

I’ve been a bit unmotivated with the guitar making of late. Essentially because I have reached a bit of a blocker in the build process. You see, my daughter created a logo for me that I am putting on the heads of my guitars.

Nice logo, but my implementation leaves a lot to be desired!

The one I put on my last build (Acoustic #4) was a bit dodgy. Basically I printed it on my inkjet printer onto sticky backed paper then carefully cut it out and stuck it onto the head plate. That was fine until the lacquer and sanding process leached some of the colour out of it as you can see.…

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Fridays are lutherie days!

Posted on December 19, 2020 by Iain 'Cutty' Carlin

Earlier this year I negotiated with my employer to work 4 days a week, allowing me one day, Fridays, to spend in the workshop making guitars. So far it’s working out OK. A lot of those Fridays haven’t fully been spent on lutherie, or I’ve had medical appointments or lunch catch-ups with friends. I could probably have been more diligent about reserving Fridays just for lutherie.

Never the less, I have managed to punch out two bodies and start on two necks in that time, acoustic dreadnoughts number 5 and 6. I’m using timber I picked up from David Linton of Australian Guitar Timbers back in September 2019 when I was on holidays on the Sunshine Coast.…

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The next project

Posted on November 8, 2019December 1, 2019 by Iain 'Cutty' Carlin

This next build is taking me a long time to do. Started it in February 2018 while I was still doing the instrument making course at TAFE. My goal was and is to make the entire thing at home, which I have achieved so far. It’s taken so long because of a) lack of motivation and time and b) I have had to build lots of jigs and buy more tools in order to complete the job.

As of October 2019, the sound box is now complete. Papua New Guinea Rosewood back and sides with Silver Quandong top. The bindings and end graft are Tassie Blackwood and maple.…

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Lichty Guitars

Posted on January 22, 2019December 1, 2019 by Iain 'Cutty' Carlin

Listening to the Luthier on Luthier podcast this morning about Jay Lichty and his guitars. Interesting the way they set up their business and ability to pick guitars based on tone and price. Some great designs too. lichtyguitars.com…

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Jim Redgate Guitars

Posted on August 28, 2017March 22, 2021 by Iain 'Cutty' Carlin

Interesting article about SA man Jim Redgate making world class guitars right here in Port Noarlunga: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/ipad/making-music/news-story/03af6084a69841a2009fbde62e9dfc25

(He also happens to share an interest in Chrysler products!)

http://www.redgateguitars.com.au/…

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Week 31 – The final cut

Posted on November 11, 2015November 6, 2019 by Iain 'Cutty' Carlin
  • Same as last week, cut back 3rd coat with 320 grid – coat still had some dimples and holes in it.
  • Had to re-fill some of the binding edges with wax as they were also still visible.
  • Sanding wasn’t as hard this week because there wasn’t as much to take off
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Week 30 – More cutting back

Posted on November 4, 2015November 11, 2015 by Iain 'Cutty' Carlin

As per last week except:

  • Where holes exist that lacquer isn’t going to fill, need to fill with wax. Scrape off excess wax with razor blade
  • Some of back has deep holes that will require 2 more coats to finish off
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Week 29 – Cutting back

Posted on October 28, 2015November 11, 2015 by Iain 'Cutty' Carlin

(Not at TAFE this week but picked up guitar to work on at home)

  • Guitar sprayed with lacquer
  • With 320 grit paper sand over all surfaces with lacquer on them until wipe over with hand shows no dimples
  • Make sure sanding is white – if wood colour comes through then have gone too far
  • Wiped down all over with a damp cloth
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Recent Posts

  • Lawson – A life in words and music
  • Instrument Making Course
  • Jigging, plating and sanding
  • A building block….
  • Fridays are lutherie days!

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