Recommended Specialty Luthier Tools

By specialty items I am referring to luthier tools and accessories that are particular to some aspect of guitar making and either have to be made, or purchased at a luthier supply house. Below is a list of suggested specialty items which will make your guitar building experience easier and more enjoyable.

Bending Iron or Side Bending Machine

A bending iron is necessary to bend the sides and bindings. This can be purchased anywhere that sells luthier tools and supplies. Some may be tempted to use a copper pipe and a propane torch for the heat. With this method it is impossible to control the heat, the fumes are not healthy, and it could be dangerous. I do not recommend this arrangement. I recommend a bending iron with a heat level control. This is a much easier device to control and will produce better results safely. For the adventurous, you can build a bending machine. Plans can be purchased along with some of the harder to find parts at some luthier supply houses. If you are plan to make many guitars this may be the way to go. But if you only plan on making one, some form of bending iron will do.

Calipers for Measuring Top Thickness

When thicknessing the top and back, it is necessary to have a device to accurately measure the thickness across the entire surface. This can be done a few different ways. The easiest is to purchase a dial thickness caliper from a luthier supply house. Or, you can just buy the dial indicator with a lug mount on the back and make your own calipers. The calipers need to be rigid and can be fashioned out of plywood. The set in the photo were made using two pieces of 1/2"plywood with 1/4" pieces of wood sandwiched in between every few inches to allow the tang to be bolted to the frame while keeping the weight down.

15' & 25' Radius Sanding Discs

Two concave sanding disc are necessary to create the dome for the top and the back. These discs are dished to radii of 15' and 25'. The dished face is then covered with 80 grit sandpaper. They are then used to shape the upper and lower edges of the rims, or the sides, to accept the domed top and back. These discs can be purchased at a luthier supply house or you can make them yourself. The discs sold at luthier supply companies are made of MDF, and if you decide to make them yourself I suggest also using MDF. The reasons are many. MDF is cheap, relatively easy to work, and is stable once finished. After coating with shellac they will not change shape or warp. Whether you make the dishes yourself or purchase them from a luthier supply house radius sticks for each radius will be required.

Convex sanding pads can be easily made with these discs using a piece of MDF. Rub the piece on the concave discs covered with 80 grit sandpaper until they conform to the shape exactly then cover with adhesive backed sandpaper. The pads have handles which will make using them easier and also make it possible to clamp them in a vise.