Alembic Balance K "inspired" (semi-replica) build

[ctmullins]

 

[Gilmourisgod]

That's awesome, you must have access to some real industrial quality tools. I share shop space with my brother, and between us we have a decent tool set, tablesaw, jointer, drill press, router, Mortiser, all kinds of hand tools. It's actually perfect for small projects, but the quality of the tools is mostly homeowner/hobbyist grade.

 

[Rôckhewer]

Well, sorta. ...
We don't have anything "new" though .
And the old stuff isn't super great quality. I keep it running by the skin of my teeth. (I'm also the maintenance guy.)

My favorite tool in the shop is a 25" wide belt sander!
Used to belong to the metal shop next door, its old and full of rust but I got it running again. It's my baby.

 

[Rôckhewer]

So, I really don't have much of an update, except that I'm really happy with this wenge fretboard!
It's all sanded & nice & flat ....and smooth as silk!
Gotta love wenge when it's finish sanded.
I got the neck cut down to width too.

Gonna install the frets whilst the neck is still thick & flat on the back....next....

 

[Rôckhewer]

Frets are in...

And I made this cool magnetic file holder / handle thing ... to file down the fret ends.
(I saw one kinda like it on the StuMac site)

Without a doubt one of the most helpful tool augmentations ever!

 

[Gilmourisgod]

Of course if you REALLY had your act together, you'd build your own version of the Stewmac neck jig, complete with dial indicators. Pretty slick, but oh so expensive.

 

[Rôckhewer]

Of course if you REALLY had your act together, you'd build your own version of the Stewmac neck jig, complete with dial indicators. Pretty slick, but oh so expensive.

My act.....is in fact....together my friend

 

[Rôckhewer]

Ok...that was kinda a cocky thing to say....
because I could be sooo much better setup....

But...yeah, I built a neck jig after the "dwarf king" build.... and it actually works!

 

[Gilmourisgod]

I bow to you Sir Gadget! That's cool, same device for a whole lot less money I'm guessing. Is there a set of plans for one of these kicking around?

 

[Rôckhewer]

I bow to you Sir Gadget! That's cool, same device for a whole lot less money I'm guessing. Is there a set of plans for one of these kicking around?

Thanks for th' props man!
Yep, I think the dial indicators were about $12 ea. & couple bucks for threaded rod etc... and some spare hickory from the wood rack.

No plans that I am aware of anyway. ...I just kinda eyeballed It

 

[ctmullins]

Noice.

 

[Rôckhewer]

So.....

Somewhere in between, frustration..

....and magic...

This happened:

I'm going home now .

 

[michaelwayneharwood]

Nice!

 

[Gilmourisgod]

That's just incredibly nice, the melding of all those curves and veneers is purest artistry! This just keeps getting nicer, love that headstock shape. By far my favorite build of my favorite design on TB.

 

[Rôckhewer]

Nice!

Thanks Michael,
Shaping isn't done yet....I'm sure I'll go in tomorrow, take it out in the sun & see a bunch of asymmetrical aspects that need touching up.
I'll probably sand on it during lunch break for all next week at least.

Did you cut off about a foot or two of your hair?

You probably needed it for harp strings .

 

[Rôckhewer]

That's just incredibly nice, the melding of all those curves and veneers is purest artistry! This just keeps getting nicer, love that headstock shape. By far my favorite build of my favorite design on TB.

You are too kind.

 

[michaelwayneharwood]

Thanks Michael,
Shaping isn't done yet....I'm sure I'll go in tomorrow, take it out in the sun & see a bunch of asymmetrical aspects that need touching up.
I'll probably sand on it during lunch break for all next week at least.

Did you cut off about a foot or two of your hair?

You probably needed it for harp strings .

It's a top notch job - your work impresses me at every turn. I did chop a bit off....and I did actually keep the hair to attempt to manufacture some harp strings.

 

[wraub]

Of course you did.

 

[wraub]

Rock- that looks really, really good. Really.

 

[Rôckhewer]

Rock- that looks really, really good. Really.

I really appreciate the props, .....really
Rock-out