Winter Build Off 2022 - Get Ready

[BishopJP]

In case nobody has mentioned yet, Bitterroot Guitars has decent truss rods. I have used about a half dozen with no issues, seem like they are well made.

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They are not as fancy as the ones you can get from Allied or LMI but you can get them singly or a 5-pack for about $40. Lots of length options as well.

 

[Verner]

So I think this has been answered, but I am going back and forth on a few things and want to make sure. I have a pre-pandemic build started that never got finished, a 4003. I am thinking I may pick that back up as an entry for a partial build since I have the center section glued up and a truss cavity cut, and my wing blanks are glued up. It has been sitting since the pandemic started and things got too crazy to finish it. Would that be acceptable as an entry?

I have an idea for something new, a 'rebirth' of an old idea that I think would be really cool, but I am also committed to building a pair of stingrays with one of my high school students this year, and am in the process of building a workshop. I just want to keep options open so I can be realistic about finishing all these projects within the timeline.

 

[BishopJP]

@Verner I have not yet received the official rule book, but I think I can safely say your project is more than "acceptable"!

 

[RichterScale]

Yes, perfectly acceptable.
Make out the $20 entrance fee check to rrichter inc. and get in by Nov 1.

 

[Flamingo21]

Speaking of the rule book, has the .084" matter been settled yet?

 

[Beej]

So I think this has been answered, but I am going back and forth on a few things and want to make sure. I have a pre-pandemic build started that never got finished, a 4003. I am thinking I may pick that back up as an entry for a partial build since I have the center section glued up and a truss cavity cut, and my wing blanks are glued up. It has been sitting since the pandemic started and things got too crazy to finish it. Would that be acceptable as an entry?

I have an idea for something new, a 'rebirth' of an old idea that I think would be really cool, but I am also committed to building a pair of stingrays with one of my high school students this year, and am in the process of building a workshop. I just want to keep options open so I can be realistic about finishing all these projects within the timeline.

Sounds like a good entry plan. It will be helpful to provide pics at the start and an explanation of what you have and what you'll be doing with it, but overall sounds solid.

 

[Beej]

I think the "rules" matter is pretty much settled but I'm thinking about the wording. It's small potatoes in the big building world, but I'll lay something out soon.

 

[RichterScale]

Do I get a handicap or 2 point headstart because I'm new and because of my disabilities?

 

[Beej]

Do I get a handicap or 2 point headstart because I'm new and because of my disabilities?

We tend to leave that up to the voting public. Unfortunately, from what I've seen, they tend to punish disabled noobs quite severely.

 

[RichterScale]

 

[RichterScale]

So, the large maple board I bought a while back and was saving for the next build is starting to twist up.
The board is roughly 8' long, 8" wide and a hair over 3/4" thick. I built an 8' x 12" shelf that's perfectly flat, for storing longer boards and the basement has been kept at 50% humidity since setting up shop.
So, I'm guessing this board was gonna do this no matter what. If it stops moving in the next month, should it be stable enough for neck lams after planing them flat?
I'm worried that if I go buy another piece, it will do the same thing.

 

[AudioTaper]

We tend to leave that up to the voting public. Unfortunately, from what I've seen, they tend to punish disabled noobs quite severely.

Are you grading (voting) on a curve? I can only work on stuff in 5 minute increments or at 3am. Anything more and the kids start fighting....

 

[Beej]

Are you grading (voting) on a curve? I can only work on stuff in 5 minute increments or at 3am. Anything more and the kids start fighting....

You have described my life perfectly.

 

[Beej]

So, the large maple board I bought a while back and was saving for the next build is starting to twist up.
The board is roughly 8' long, 8" wide and a hair over 3/4" thick. I built an 8' x 12" shelf that's perfectly flat, for storing longer boards and the basement has been kept at 50% humidity since setting up shop.
So, I'm guessing this board was gonna do this no matter what. If it stops moving in the next month, should it be stable enough for neck lams after planing them flat?
I'm worried that if I go buy another piece, it will do the same thing.

I liked this post, but I hate it when that happens to me.

 

[ctmullins]

Yep, but better to have the board twist while it's still a board, and not wait until after it's become a neck!!

 

[Verner]

Are you grading (voting) on a curve? I can only work on stuff in 5 minute increments or at 3am. Anything more and the kids start fighting....

Yes! Kids seem to wait until just about the worst moment to start a battle. My workbench is currently indoors and it is hard to get any work done.

The idea of the outbuilding workshop I am making came out of this. If the list of life's greatest moments includes marriage and kids, a close third may be a space where you can lock the door, crank some tunes, and pretend the second one didn't happen for an hour or two. Don't get me wrong, I love my family, wouldn't change a thing, but they do tend to dominate your life. All three kids got sick this week, so I am running between makeup homework, covid testing, and keeping the peace between cranky inmates..

 

[AudioTaper]

I liked this post, but I hate it when that happens to me.

So that's a no?

 

[Slidlow]

So, the large maple board I bought a while back and was saving for the next build is starting to twist up.
The board is roughly 8' long, 8" wide and a hair over 3/4" thick. I built an 8' x 12" shelf that's perfectly flat, for storing longer boards and the basement has been kept at 50% humidity since setting up shop.
So, I'm guessing this board was gonna do this no matter what. If it stops moving in the next month, should it be stable enough for neck lams after planing them flat?
I'm worried that if I go buy another piece, it will do the same thing.

If I find a board that is starting to move, i usually mitigate any twisting, warping or heaven forbid cracking by rough cutting it down to the intended sizes. Larger boards will warp and check more then small ones. I also wrap questionable boards to slow the drying .

 

[Flying B]

If I find a board that is staruing to move, i usually mitigate any twisting, warping or heaven forbid cracking by rough cutting it down to the intended sizes. Larger boards will warp and check more then small ones. I also wrap questionable boards to slow the drying .

Good advice. I would also add that if the shelf you're storing it on is solid then you should have it raised up on some thin battens so the air can get to both sides.

 

[Flamingo21]

We tend to leave that up to the voting public. Unfortunately, from what I've seen, they tend to punish disabled noobs quite severely.

@RichterScale Unfortunately, the above reply sounds entirely reasonable.
On the plus side, you're not alone in your noobness.