I had a request to build a guitar for gigging that wouldn’t be as maintenance-free as possible. While guitars are reliable instruments, they do need a certain amount of upkeep and this is especially so on the road.
Articles
Cool Tools Episode 5: Digital Edition
Technology has brought improvements to every area of life, and tools are no exception. Even traditional tools like the humble tape measure haven’t escaped the digital era.
Kreg KMA3200 5 mm Shelf Pin JIg
The KMA3220 shelf pin jig from Kreg Tools is a quick and easy way to drill accurate holes for cabinet shelves at a standard distance of 32 mm centre to centre. I needed to fit adjustable shelving to a recent cabinet project.
Axminster AC220RD Bench-Top Radial Pillar Drill Reviewed
The AC220RD from Axminster Tools is a five-speed radial pillar drill complete with a 16 mm keyless chuck and sturdy cast table assembly. A radial drill has the advantage of increased throat depth over a standard pillar drill; here a massive 420 mm between the centre of the chuck and front face of the column.
Clarke Contractor CR4 2000W Plunge Router Reviewed
The Clarke Contractor CR4 is a large variable speed plunge router with a 2000-watt motor. I needed a plunge router that could be kept for freehand use, negating the need to remove the Dewalt from its semi-permanent home in the router table.
Sealey PDM155B Pillar Drill / Drill Press Reviewed
The Sealey PDM155B is a model in their Premier range of tools and the largest bench-top model they offer. It stands 1050 mm tall and has 16 speeds, a 600W induction motor, and a fully adjustable 290 mm square cast table and precise quill assembly for accurate drilling.
Triton TSPS450 Oscillating Spindle Sander Reviewed
The TSPS450 from Triton Tools is an oscillating spindle sander with a large 370 x 295 mm cast-iron table and a powerful 450-watt motor. Spindle sanders, sometimes known as bobbin sanders due to their cylindrical sanding drums are great for sanding curved surfaces.
Axminster Craft AC1400B Bandsaw Reviewed
The AC1400B is the smallest bandsaw offered by Axminster Tools. Part of the Axminster Craft range, it is a bench-top model intended for small craft projects in the home workshop.
Woodworking Blind Part 3: Sawing
This instalment of the Woodworking Blind series will cover tips and techniques for the safe and successful operation of saws. This is not a definitive guide to the use of every saw, as there are plenty of general tutorials freely available governing the use of every type of saw imaginable.
Dewalt DWS774-GB Sliding Mitre Saw Reviewed
Dewalts self-proclaimed “classic” saw design has been around for years, with minor model updates elevating performance and Flex-Volt cordless options completing the range. I wanted a saw that would offer repeatability and accuracy in the construction of projects from reclaimed pallet wood, and accurate mitres in small furniture, instrument components, turntable plinths and other similar……
Published Everyone loves a power tool, but there are some instances where the best source of power comes from within. Many woodworkers use the same tools their fathers used before them. In the second instalment in the Woodworking Blind series, we will discuss measurement and marking. The age-old adage “measure twice, cut once” is especially applicable when you have no sight, and I would vehemently encourage you take this to heart from the get-go. I do a great deal of work with electronics and I wire a lot of guitars, so a good set of pliers, cutters and wire strippers is important. Up until recently I’d been using the same set of combination pliers, long-nose pliers and side cutters that I received as a Birthday gift when I was……
Published A good set of squares is invaluable, but don’t fall into the trap of assuming any square is accurate. There are many types of square and some are more widely useful than others. This series has been a long time coming. I’m often asked how I’m able to undertake projects like those here with no sight. Here are a few tools I recommend personally use. A quality tool is one that can be handed down through generations. A simple circuit to optimise the phase angle of an AC synchronous turntable motor, thereby reducing noise and vibration. Including PCB files. A simple preamplifier for turntables equipped with moving magnet or high-output moving coil cartridges that you can build yourself using low-cost off-the-shelf components. Includes PCB files and a full parts list. A classic turntable gets a new plinth and some TLC Software version 2.5 with a new library brings a significant speed increase and far better accuracy. Converts text to spoken audio and saves the output as one or more .AIFF files. A tenor Ukulele with Olive wood top veneer. A ukulele to raise money for the #SaveOurVenues campaign. A major update which adds EEPROM storage and fixes several bugs. A budget-friendly Strat build with a solid African Ayous body and Eco Rosewood fretboard. An Ash body strat with quilted maple veneer. An Ash body Telecaster with Zebrawood veneer. A fundraising project to support the #SaveOurVenues campaign. An Ash body Telecaster with oak bur veneer, string-through bridge and ’60s replica pickups. a high end turntable featuring some noteworthy and unique materials, intended to push the boundaries of what I am able to engineer with the tools and the means I have at my disposal.Categorised as Powertools
Cool Tools Episode 4: Saws, Hammers & Bars
Woodworking Blind Part 2: Measuring & Marking
Cool Tools Episode 3: Pliers, Cutters & Strippers
Categorised as Cool Tools
Cool Tools Episode 2: Squares
Woodworking Blind Part 1: Safety First
Cool Tools Episode 1, Screwdrivers & Nut Spinners
24V Turntable Motor Phase Controller Circuit & PCB
DIY RIAA Turntable Preamplifier Circuit + PCB Files
Lenco GL78 Turntable Restoration
Talking Level Software Update 2.5
Mac Application To Convert Text To Audio
Mediterranean Olive Ukulele
SOV (Save Our Venues) Ukulele
Talking Level Software Update Version 2.0
Ayous Strat
Quilted Maple Strat
Zebra Telecaster
SOV (Save Our Venues) Strat
Oak Bur Telecaster
Project Glacier, High-End Turntable
