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Private member DiscussionTools and Jigs

Not exactly a tool or a jig, but...

The tuner app I’ve used regularly on my smartphone for years has slowly become bloated with useless features, heavy, and totally impractical. I tried a few alternatives, but I didn't really like any of them. Since we are the kind of people who prefer to just build things ourselves when we need them, I decided to built my own tuner: completely free, ad-free, and actually effective. I even threw in some links to my social media. I think I'l…

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I haven't uploaded it to the Play Store yet. If you want to test it and know how to install unknown apps on Android, I can share the APK file on GDrive
Private member DiscussionGeneral

Tremolo issues. Not returning to "zero"

Hey guys. I guess this is an old topic, everyone talks about it but I haven't been able to find a definitive solution for this. Here's the deal: I'm working on a PRS Silversky that has this old problem that when you use the trem bar, one string (G in this case) goes sharp. I made a few adjustments to the nut as we all know that's the first thing to look at...no good. This guitar is new so I'm pretty much ruling out the bridge and posts si…

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Ian Davlin
There's the old tremsetter. I haven't seen anyone extolling their virtues any more, but here is the link to the device. https://www.stewmac.com/parts-and-hardware/all-hardware-and-parts-by-instrument/…
Private member DiscussionShop Organisation

How do you all keep track of your builds/repairs?

Hey all. I apologize if this type of post isn't allowed here but wanted to share anyway. I've been building a tool called Looth specifically for luthiers and repair techs, and I'm looking for a small group of interested looths to help shape it a bit more before it goes public. I got tired of managing spreadsheets and decided that it could be simpler and more automated. The core idea is simple: one place to track every build…

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I've got some great feedback on this app so far. Anyone else using something similar or different? What is working for your shop?
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…

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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…

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Ian Davlin
Thank you John !
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…

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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 DiscussionAcoustic Builds

GoBar deck adjustment

Hi folks, I thought you might be interested in this approach to having easy height adjustment for a GoBar deck. I learned this tip from my buddy, Don Parker. He lurks around here too from time to time. :) The basic idea is rather than having a booster platform on the base for use when gluing braces to plates you bring the roof down lower. There is a 3D printed spacer in black in the pics. I linked to a downloadable STL and 3MF of…

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Just FYI, as far as I know, go bars have the same clamping strength no matter how much they are bent. If you want a different level of force, you need a heavier go bar. Or vice versa.
Private member DiscussionFinish New Builds

LED Coating Solutions

Wow! Sorry I missed the live version of this chat. Having used light cured dental materials for years, I can guess the answers to some of your questions. Beware, these are only guesses because the dental materials are similar, but likely a bit different. First, as far as wearing the orange glasses - it’s a darn good idea. Repeated exposure to a bright light, especially with blue components, will likely promote cataract formation. I do no…

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You've got to watch out for this stuff - it's probably lurking in your shop. Here's more information highlighting the dangers of this ubiquitous chemical: Dihydrogen Monoxide Research Division - dihydr…
Private member DiscussionDesign and Testing

Video: Measuring Long, Cross, and Transverse Modes + Thickness Calculator

Hey folks, I put together a video showing how I measure the long, cross, and transverse frequencies on guitar top plates before thicknessing, following the Gore method. I also walk through using the calculator I built (based on Trevor Gore’s equations) to get target thickness and track density / young's modulus. Fair warning: the video’s a bit YouTube-y in tone thumbnail faces, a little energy for the algorithm, but the content is genuine…

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Rick, this is amazing! Thank you so much for creating it and sharing it. I have Trevor’s books but having a calculator to run the equations is really fantastic.
Private member DiscussionAcoustic Repair

Suggestions for bridge plate pickup installation...

Hi all, I have 4 TRANCE audio installs imminent... these pickups are glued to the bridge plate similar to the KK audio processes... do any of you have any PRO tips on the adhesive to use, placement ideas (possibly different than manufacturer suggestions, etc) and such? Trance Audio suggests E6000 adhesive...but I'm hoping to find something that transfers the vibration in the best manner... (Hide glue??) These are for live performing ac…

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Apparently, the E6000 remains flexible after curing (unlike hide glue). Maybe the flexibility is necessary for the best sound for this pickup. The instructions say to hold it in place for 10 minutes…