Making Luthier's Tools - Fret wire Bender & Fret end file

[suraj]

You need to clear your in box I can no longer private message you...Tom

I apologise Tom, I just cleared it.

 

[tjclem]

Thanks I got back to you

 

[suraj]

Updated design..!!

I have now improved the design of this tool which now features a Pointer. Markings can be made against this to get repeatable results. The polished surface allows the user to wipe off the markings as well for a fresh start with new markings.

This improvement was made after Tom Clement mentioned that it would be a neat feature to get repeatable results I love to redesign and redevelop things..!!

Anyways pictures are worth a 1000 words -

I have also now listed this tool on Ebay as something should come out of all this work I've done

Hope you luthiers enjoy watching my tools and self engineered luthier gear..!!

Peace

 

[tjclem]

Well done man!!

 

[suraj]

Hey Luthiers..!!

So i've been away for a while but have greatly improved on my tool. All the new changes make for a very stable, precision tool, without any rattles or play in the mechanism. Well I guess no one cares about all that but i'd love to show you guys anyway -

 

[T-Bird]

Hi.

All the new changes make for a very stable, precision tool, without any rattles or play in the mechanism. Well I guess no one cares about all that...

As a BEng Mech, for a tool, that's IMO about the only thing to really care for.

A nice looking tool/machinery is always a treat, but the function always comes first.
To me anyway .

While the good looks alone may lure in less informed customers, it's when one combines the functionality with looks, a product becomes almost without an exception a winner.

Regards
Sam

 

[4to5to6]

Very nice. I want one. Please PM me.

 

[Aislinn]

I used my computer skills in the design and drawings of the tools, a laser cutting machine using CAD drawings, a hardware store, and a skilled machinist for some custom components.

Computer skills - check!
CAD design skills - check!
AutoCAD - check!
Laser cutting machine....

Using my table saw, a drill and some parts from Rockler and Home Depot , I was able to make this:

Not as pretty as yours Suraj, but it works.

 

[suraj]

As a BEng Mech, for a tool, that's IMO about the only thing to really care for.

A nice looking tool/machinery is always a treat, but the function always comes first.
To me anyway .

While the good looks alone may lure in less informed customers, it's when one combines the functionality with looks, a product becomes almost without an exception a winner.

Regards
Sam

Haha, I meant that no one here might be interested in the details, but boy I was wrong. Function always comes first to me too, in fact I always start sketching the working elements of the design first. Every component's design is completely dictated by its function keeping things as minimal as possible. No added strokes like swooshes and swashes . Then comes prototypes and revisions to improve ergonomics. The only aesthetic that I subconsciously end up adding is through material selection and the general proportions of the product. That could just be from my architecture background.

And I completely agree with your last point. Thanks for your insight Sam

Very nice. I want one. Please PM me.

PMed

Computer skills - check!
CAD design skills - check!
AutoCAD - check!
Laser cutting machine....

Using my table saw, a drill and some parts from Rockler and Home Depot , I was able to make this:

Not as pretty as yours Suraj, but it works.

Haha that laser machine isn't mine. I pay for laser cutting services

Your fret bender, at a conceptual level, is not too different from mine. It seems like it was designed to function in a similar manner. Great job with that I'm sure it works great. I made mine for my first build, and then I just made more and better ones to recover costs I incurred for my first build

I had fun along the way anyway



Thanks for the interest guys..!! TB is pretty much my favourite place.

 

[Luthier Atlanta]

Very nicely done!