The Hub

The latest builds, repairs, and conversations from across Looth. Activity
Filters AND Search clamp× In Tools, Spaces & Robots× Reset all
Private member DiscussionTools and Jigs

Non-CNC cauls for Stew-Mac sound hole clamps

I don’t have CNC capabilities so I could not duplicate Dave Slimmer’s version ( https://loothgroup.com/loothprint/bridge-clamping-cauls/). Got a 12x18x1/2 inch HDPE cutting board on Amazon for under $10 (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001D3LQVA), drilled a row of 1/2 holes about 5/16” deep with a Forstner, cut the HDPE into 5 sided chunks so I could orient by touch, and free handed the brace grooves on the band saw. The clamp swivel pads are 1…

2 replies
2 replies
LikeShare
Private member
Yeah, I think the current concerns with microplastics is impacting cutting board prices.
Private member Discussion3D Printing

Extra hands

I made a couple of these rubber-band-powered jacks to temporarily hold things in place until I can get a clamp on the work. They are a snap to place with one hand.

4 replies
4 replies
LikeShare
Private member
Sure, that would be great. I only printed the orange part. I started out thinking I'd print the plunger too, but realized it would be so easy to make it from wood. I model my things in SolidWorks and e…
Private member DiscussionTools and Jigs

Soundhole Clamps... Recs Pls

What size do I need for gluing acoustic bridges (5"? 6"?) and is there cost effective source for these? Thx!

LikeShare
Private member Discussion3D Printing

PETG Glue

Just wondering what people are using for gluing PETG? I had the unfortunate realization that some parts I decided to print in PETG from makerworld needed to be glued. The super glues I have didn't work and then everything else close by basically said "not for use on pe". I found people saying PVC primer worked so I grabbed some at the hardware store and left some test parts clamped overnight. Rock solid this morning but it definitely ne…

2 replies
2 replies
LikeShare
Private member
I usually try to design with mechanical connections for petg. If it requires something that needs to be glued, I use abs. ABS has more options for gluing and can be vapor smoothed.
Private member DiscussionTools and Jigs

Broken hex wrench piece drill jig

I just opened a repair shop and the first repair was to remove a broken 1/8" hex wrench ball end from the truss rod nut of a Turner RB4 Renaissance Bass. I read of all sorts of theories on how to extract/remove. None of them had recorded actual attempts of the theories. There's probably others on here but I haven't found them. The ball end was loose and mangled at the rear of the nut sleeve. I tried fairly benign methods first. Heat…

2 replies
2 replies
LikeShare
Private member
Slick move. What a clever setup, well done!
Private member Discussion3D Printing

F Hole Plugs for Archtop

I drew up and printed these F hole plugs for a customer a little while back, felt like showing them off here. The bottom diamond shaped piece has a M4 nut in it, and is super glued to the body of the plug at its two tips. An M4 screw threads into the nut through the counter-sunk hole in the top of the plug. The entire plug drops into the F hole, and then you can tighten the screw slightly to expand the plug so it clamps itself into plac…

2 replies
2 replies
LikeShare
Private member
Great idea, and I love the idea of comically oversized F holes.
Private member DiscussionTools and Jigs

Pneumatic clamping

So stumbled on this video. Seems cool, I have large hands and am always cussing when using anything I have. I like the idea of pumping to apply pressure outside of the guitar. Curious if anyone used one previously?

LikeShare
Private member DiscussionTools and Jigs

Brace Brace

Hey friends, just wanted to share a thingy I made and have been finding very useful for a couple years now. Ive intended to remake it prettier ( former helper did the file work), but this one works fine and I'm busy. I call it the Brace Brace. It hugs a length of the loose brace, and puts nice pressure across the brace, but most importantly on the scalloped end against the kerfing. I loosen one side of the other, then tighten it in…

1 reply
1 reply
LikeShare
Ian Davlin
Really cool !
Private member DiscussionTools and Jigs

Finish Damage from Proper's Workstation

Hey everyone, I just had a Tele clone built by a small builder in my Proper's Guitar Workstation for a new nut and a fret level. It was clamped down in the workstation for less than a day. I just noticed that the rear hold down clamp left its footprint in the finish. No, I don't know what type of finish the builder used, but I'm trying to find out. I'm thinking its not nitro or poly because I use my TVPGW everyday and this has never hap…

3 replies
3 replies
LikeShare
Private member
Thanks Doug. I probably should have worded things differently. My goal wasn't to appear to throw shade unnecessarily at the workstation or question its efficacy. I was wondering if the urethane could…
Private member DiscussionTools and Jigs

Acoustic Body holder ideas?

What holders/jigs/vise devices have you built to hold an acoustic guitar body upright? I saw Michael Bashkin using something like this in his neck reset video. I’d like a way to clamp the guitar to the side of the bench while I work on the neck.

7 replies
7 replies
LikeShare
Private member
Thanks Doug. I've got a "Pre-proper" TotalVise but have the Proper's station on order. This is perfect. I didn't know it would do this. Problem solved. :)