Double Bass Build tool question

[forester]

25 yrs pro timber cutter..all digits accounted for
..lance-a-lot comes by the name honestly...

 

[Jake deVilliers]

Thanks guys.

When I Googled 'Arbortech' I got their 'Woodworking' page which has quite a few different tools on it. There's an interesting looking power chisel/gouge as well as an array of different rotary cutters.

 

[scotty77]

I've been following this thread with interest. I'm not ready to make a DB, but am working on an archtop guitar at the moment. I've carved the top, and am just getting ready to start carving the back. I used the Lancelot on the top and will definately using it on the back as well. As has been suggested by others, I will be drilling reference holes to assist for getting the depth close. Then I will be using finger and palm planes, followed by scrapers for final smoothing. There is a great description in Bob Benedetto's book on arctop guitar making on carving a top this way. I couldn't imagine carving something as big as a bass without the assistance of the Lancelot. Just make sure that you clamp your top or back to your wook table. You wouldn't want that beautiful piece of wood flying off your bench. (No, I'm not talking from personal experiance.) Just my .02 cents. Good luck with however you decide to carve it out.

 

[dennis duvall]

I found that by drawing the tool toward me i had more control and less aggressive cutting than either forward, or sideways motion. Dennis

 

[arnoldschnitzer]

The Arbortech I have is a rotary cutter that attaches to a hand-held grinder. The guard adjusts for depth of cut and helps prevent digging in. The cutter tips are carbide and can be turned to expose fresh sharp edges when needed. It's a good design, though the guard is a bit cheesy. You use it by turning the grinder 90 degrees and working with the edge of the disk. Slower than Lancelot but easier to control.

 

[forester]

might as well go all the way...5 cu.in. Husqvarna 13,000-14,000 rpm 4/4 bass top in about 20min.

 

[mpm]

Even with the guard on the Lancelot, it is still a damn scary tool. I use the Arbortech with the extension so the 2" blade is at least 6" away from any knuckle. You want a really good scare? Put the 4" Lancelot on a cheapy Harbor Freight angle grinder...