The Hub

The latest builds, repairs, and conversations from across Looth. Activity
Filters AND In Tools, Spaces & Robots× In New Builds× In Vintage× Reset all
Private member Discussion3D Printing

Tacform Update

I’ve been speed modelling parts with the printer running 24/7 since inception. There are currently somewhere around 75-100 individual pieces modelled in my source file. Mostly only building on what I’m considering the X axis, but it’s Freeform so I’ve used them to build out Y.. anyways… Connectors, Extenders, Couplers, Links, Sleeves, Feets, Plugs, Panels, Hooks… and on and on. In a moments time, I will have a mass drop folder of Standar…

LikeShare
Private member DiscussionTools and Jigs

Measured drawing and assembly for Proper Variable Radius Sanding Jig

Doug Proper designed a sanding jig that supports variable concave and convex curves, described in the following Loothgroup article: https://loothgroup.com/post-imgcap/the-variable-radius-sander/ I built one and am impressed with how it facilitates preparing bridges, braces and also allows tracing any radius using the chord formula. I made a rough measured drawing and assembly guide to share, with Doug's blessing. First step, ma…

2 replies
2 replies
LikeShare
Ian Davlin
Thank you John !
Private member DiscussionElectric Builds

First attempt at multi-ply binding

The Artisan Guitar Show this weekend gave me a kick in the behind to get back to more promoting of the builds I'm doing. Here's my first try doing multiply binding, and it turned out pretty well

4 replies
4 replies
LikeShare
Private member
Thanks! I don't know if Ally from StewMac has an account here, but her talk at the AGS this past weekend gave me the motivation to get back to more content-as-marketing.
Private member DiscussionAcoustic Builds

check list

I’m a pretty recent guitar maker. When I retired in 2019, I had to keep very busy and making guitars was my answer. As time rolled on I became more and more involved (ie; anal). As I age , I realize I keep making little errors. I forget a step or don’t use the right procedure. My son, an MD, told me to do what pilots do. That is a check list in chronological order. It’s worked wonders. I think I’ve cut my error rate in half!

2 replies
2 replies
LikeShare
Private member
About a hundred steps. Some just take a few seconds and some take all day. Like " sand back and sides to 320 grit."
Private member DiscussionTools and Jigs

Solder Fume Extractor Suggestions

Hi There, What is everyone using for solder fume extractors such as the ones in the links below. I’m interested in one that has a hose that I can connect to my Solder Monster from Stewmac. Thanks in advance! https://www.amazon.ca/Extractor-KUAIQU-Filtration-Adjustment-Soldering/dp/B0GMDV64N4/ref=sr_1_7?crid=8AI4JPLS2W0R&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Vcf_eo3BIJ1dUWCRgpIXHdUnBZiCbmerplijZ6mMWa1x5iMsWwU3SV_IwWI2yTpowxyH0YdiCWbGP4mgsaohXIe2XaDw…

2 replies
2 replies
LikeShare
Private member
Here’s the one I bought a few years ago after one of my buddies developed cancer in his nasal cavity due to a lifetime of soldering unprotected. Still works great pulling and filtering fumes. You can…
Private member DiscussionDesign and Testing

Mandolin acoustics academy - Hub Of Acoustics

Hi everyone, I'm Martino from Hub of Acoustics, a collaborative project created by luthiers for luthiers. Our goal is to explore and teach acoustic principles that are directly relevant to instrument making. In 2026, we’ll be running four courses in different parts of the world, all focused on giving luthiers practical tools to better understand and control the acoustics of their instruments. We’re excited to introduce our very…

LikeShare
Private member DiscussionAcoustic Builds

Cupped panel

I have a set of bubinga for an acoustic back, but one piece had a slight cup that made it difficult to work with for joining together. This is pre-thicknessed, with the piece at 4.5 mm thick. I tried wetting and heating it, as I do for sides, and pressed it flat during the process. I heated it to 300 degrees F, and then let it cool while pressed, and the cup got substantially worse. I then pressed it into a reverse cup using a radius…

9 replies
9 replies
LikeShare
Private member
To get the nice figure in Bubinga, ordinarily the board is flat sawn. That greatly increases the likelihood of cupping. If you are able to flatten out the cup enough to joint the 2 pieces and thickn…