Of all the guitar making and repair video channels out there, yours is superb. Beautifully presented, clear, unassuming and informative. I'm restoring a 1950s archtop for my daughter and your channel is a treasury of wisdom and advice. Thankyou thankyou thankyou 🙏🏻
Very encouraging to see that someone else "confirms" my sanding methods, that is we do it similarly. Gorgeous guitar. Without having asked his permission to share a tidbit, I won't use his name, BUT there is a luthier here in the Nashville area (he actually used to manage George Gruhn's shop before launching his own business) who uses the Meguires Mirror Glaze on a fine wheel as his last step in his buffing process. His finishes, like yours, are brilliant.
Hi Chris, I've seen over here lots of luthery/guitar building videos, I have also produced in my channel a couple of them. I have to say that your material is so inspirational and motivational, I love your spontaneity and sense of humor. Please, keep making videos. Greets from Spain (over here the are lots of Alvarados)
Wow, nice nice job. I thought I was crazy. I use the same polishing compound for the final. Thought I was the only one. It's always worked well for me too.
Great video and finish. I see Stewmac recommends putting two wheels together for extra width, but you seem to be doing fine with just 1 per grit. Are those the same wheels they sell?
... a great amount of detail with the best results... if it’s ok, I’ll be using these finishing videos on my 3rd guitar.. the East Indian Rosewood for the sides is not as dark as the East Indian Rosewood on the back... will it be possible to darken the sides before I begin the pore fill and lacquer? Thanks for these videos...
Loved the video, cant wait for the rest of the acoustic build!! I'm just starting my own, so it will be super useful to have the vids to follow along to!!!
You are awesome! Top professionals, I think the best channel for making custom guitars. I have already seen all your videos. I would very like to know how you build a satin finish. Thank you for all informations, I have learned so much from you!
Hey Chris, great video, love watching another craftsman doing what they love. I also buff wood( refinishing wood clarinets) and was wondering a couple things. What type of wheels are you using, the look like a style of “ air flow” wheels I have used for years, what material are they made for? Also, I’ve used the same type of ( Frankenstein) buffers since I was a kid, still have all my fingers, lol. And just wondering why you don’t use a type of buffing/ vacuum hood to collect dust. I’ve been buffering different types of metals and wood for almost 60 years, the dust is nasty as you stated. Kills my sinus and leaves a dust on everything in my shop. Anyway, great video, excellent explanation of your process, love your guitars as they truly are great works of art! Keep up the great work and Thanks for sharing!
If you're using a bolt-on neck joint, I strongly suggest that you make a handle that you can bolt onto the guitar body, with a screw hook at the far end so you can hang it up. Use a stout 2' length of closet pole or something similar. For the attachment, you need to install a threaded insert into the guitar end of the handle, that matches your neck bolts. I use 1/4- 20 threads. This handle gives you excellent control while you are spraying finish; but even better, it gives you a huge amount of security for buffing a guitar body. It's so easy to catch an edge on the spinning wheel, and then this beautiful guitar you've spent 150 hours pouring all your love and devotion into gets ripped out of your hands and violently hurled to the floor, and smashed into flinders! Trust me, you don't want that happening! If you have it securely attached to a stout handle, you have plenty of leverage to keep the buffer wheel from killing your guitar and ruining your life. And it allows you the reach to get into those tight spots without danger of losing your grip. To me, free-handing a delicate sound box at the buffing wheel, without a very secure handle on it, is almost like trying to use a hammer that has no handle. I also make a handle for spraying and buffing the necks, for all the same reasons.
Great video. Right in the middle of the video when you showed how deep the finish is I just stopped and said.... wow!!!... My wife asked me why I said that so I showed her... and then she said wow too. Great job.... Also..... I waited right till the end of the video before I commented just in case there was more crunching. I feel like I'm missing out now. :)
That’s so awesome. Quick question and comment. What are you using to dress the buffing wheel? I understand you are just basically cleaning all the old compound and finish but what are you using to do that? Sort of looked like wood with metal, I would think maybe if the metal wasn’t very good you could get a splinter in there that would trash the top. And now the comment. I really think Chris and Matt do an amazing job. There aren’t a ton of videos out yet and to have this good a picture and flow to the videos, sometimes takes year. I’m recent to your channel, maybe a couple or few weeks, and I totally enjoy all of your videos. Anyone who would criticize... either video or work quality... please post a link to show us how it’s really done. I’m pretty sure there aren’t any that will do so. This channel is great, the work is great, and your personalities are great. Keep it up.
Man that’s so kind of you to say. We appreciate having you along for the ride, and we plan on putting up a TON more videos. As for the wheel dresser, there’s a link in the description. It’s a wooden handle with metal spikes that just take out all of the old compounds.
@@DriftwoodGuitars sweet. Thanks. I wasn’t trying to be confrontational at all, I’m a peace, love, and music kinda guy. I’m just hoping this channel doesn’t go into that “I would have done it this way. Your wrong for doing it that way.” I wish you guys all the success in the world, and so far all I have see is positive. Just don’t even give them the platform, delete it and move on. You guys are so great at what you do, I can’t even imagine what someone would snap back at. I’moff my soap box... you guys worry about getting that neck attached and delivering it to the customer. It’s a rocking beautiful guitar.
Very great informational video. I run a repair shop out of my house and have been thinking aboht getting a buffing wheel for a while now to speed up fretwork and use on the small amount of finish repairs I do. My only concern with it is how messy it will be. I know you said when you were cleaning it a lot of dust came off, does it also give off dust while buffing guitars? Just curious if its feasible to have in my space before I pull the trigger.
I ran across your video while searching to fix a problem i have. The nitro finish on my expensive Gibson guitar has dulled where my skin contacts the wood. Im confident that the cause is the salt in my persperation (I live in Arizona). How do i fix this issue? I don't own a buffing wheel or anything. I suppose i could buy a buffer for a drill? Thanks in advance Michael
Beautiful! Question I also have used Mezernza medium and fine for many years. I have switched to General Finishes water based finish for health reasons. Do you have any experience with the Maguires on water borne finish?
More great stuff! I've always been a wet polishing guy because that's how I've done cars. At some point I'll become a big boy and buy a buffing wheel set up... Maybe... :D
@@DriftwoodGuitars I forgot to ask... Which Festool dust collector do you have? I'm going to pick up a rotex next time I'm at my hardwood supplier. Just seeing the lack of dust in your videos convinced me that's the way to go... Then I watched a couple vids showing the gear action on that thing... Works like a Hutchins mud hog... I can get behind a tool that does all that.
@@DriftwoodGuitars Ok... I was looking at that one. Looks like a good price point compared to the other options, so I was worried it might be missing a feature. I think I'll go that route. Thanks!
I mean .0035” I’ve been informed that means it’s referred to as 3.5 mil. The mil is a unit of measure used in finish thickness. It’s different Than millimeters and mills.
Take it from a 64 year old auto and equipment detailer; WEAR A MASK while buffing or you could end up like me!! Also while you're dressing your wheels! RThats why you're sniffling throughout this video...IMHO
Of all the guitar making and repair video channels out there, yours is superb. Beautifully presented, clear, unassuming and informative. I'm restoring a 1950s archtop for my daughter and your channel is a treasury of wisdom and advice. Thankyou thankyou thankyou 🙏🏻
legend, i've learned from u more than anybody on youtube, thank you Chris
Thanks. You have given me some great things to think about, what I need to change.
Very encouraging to see that someone else "confirms" my sanding methods, that is we do it similarly. Gorgeous guitar. Without having asked his permission to share a tidbit, I won't use his name, BUT there is a luthier here in the Nashville area (he actually used to manage George Gruhn's shop before launching his own business) who uses the Meguires Mirror Glaze on a fine wheel as his last step in his buffing process. His finishes, like yours, are brilliant.
Masterful work my brother! Fills My Heart full of good things just looking at it you can sense the love and care that goes into your instruments!
I appreciate that!
Hi Chris, I've seen over here lots of luthery/guitar building videos, I have also produced in my channel a couple of them. I have to say that your material is so inspirational and motivational, I love your spontaneity and sense of humor. Please, keep making videos. Greets from Spain (over here the are lots of Alvarados)
That finish is ridiculous. Amazing work, thank you for sharing your process!!
I appreciate it. I’ll get around to a nitro spraying series soon.
fantastic video as usual! Any tips on holding the guitar for buffing the sides to avoid catching a corner? Thanks!
Wow, nice nice job. I thought I was crazy. I use the same polishing compound for the final. Thought I was the only one. It's always worked well for me too.
Very entertaining and VERY informative.
What a beautiful instrument.
Dear gawd that finish is insane
Great video and finish. I see Stewmac recommends putting two wheels together for extra width, but you seem to be doing fine with just 1 per grit. Are those the same wheels they sell?
thank you Chris and Matt
... a great amount of detail with the best results... if it’s ok, I’ll be using these finishing videos on my 3rd guitar.. the East Indian Rosewood for the sides is not as dark as the East Indian Rosewood on the back... will it be possible to darken the sides before I begin the pore fill and lacquer? Thanks for these videos...
Loved the video, cant wait for the rest of the acoustic build!! I'm just starting my own, so it will be super useful to have the vids to follow along to!!!
You are awesome! Top professionals, I think the best channel for making custom guitars. I have already seen all your videos. I would very like to know how you build a satin finish. Thank you for all informations, I have learned so much from you!
Seriously amazing. Trying to switch careers to luthier work but it's hard to learn without a teacher and there's so many tools to get. Advice?
Hey Chris, great video, love watching another craftsman doing what they love. I also buff wood( refinishing wood clarinets) and was wondering a couple things. What type of wheels are you using, the look like a style of “ air flow” wheels I have used for years, what material are they made for? Also, I’ve used the same type of ( Frankenstein) buffers since I was a kid, still have all my fingers, lol. And just wondering why you don’t use a type of buffing/ vacuum hood to collect dust. I’ve been buffering different types of metals and wood for almost 60 years, the dust is nasty as you stated. Kills my sinus and leaves a dust on everything in my shop.
Anyway, great video, excellent explanation of your process, love your guitars as they truly are great works of art! Keep up the great work and Thanks for sharing!
Nice my tops are 0.17 mm to 0.20 mm not easy to do. Your guitars looks great
If you're using a bolt-on neck joint, I strongly suggest that you make a handle that you can bolt onto the guitar body, with a screw hook at the far end so you can hang it up. Use a stout 2' length of closet pole or something similar. For the attachment, you need to install a threaded insert into the guitar end of the handle, that matches your neck bolts. I use 1/4- 20 threads.
This handle gives you excellent control while you are spraying finish; but even better, it gives you a huge amount of security for buffing a guitar body. It's so easy to catch an edge on the spinning wheel, and then this beautiful guitar you've spent 150 hours pouring all your love and devotion into gets ripped out of your hands and violently hurled to the floor, and smashed into flinders! Trust me, you don't want that happening! If you have it securely attached to a stout handle, you have plenty of leverage to keep the buffer wheel from killing your guitar and ruining your life. And it allows you the reach to get into those tight spots without danger of losing your grip. To me, free-handing a delicate sound box at the buffing wheel, without a very secure handle on it, is almost like trying to use a hammer that has no handle.
I also make a handle for spraying and buffing the necks, for all the same reasons.
Such a good idea that I should have done years ago! Thanks so much
Great video. Right in the middle of the video when you showed how deep the finish is I just stopped and said.... wow!!!... My wife asked me why I said that so I showed her... and then she said wow too. Great job.... Also..... I waited right till the end of the video before I commented just in case there was more crunching. I feel like I'm missing out now. :)
Haha thanks! I’ll post pics of the finished guitar soon!
That’s so awesome. Quick question and comment.
What are you using to dress the buffing wheel? I understand you are just basically cleaning all the old compound and finish but what are you using to do that? Sort of looked like wood with metal, I would think maybe if the metal wasn’t very good you could get a splinter in there that would trash the top.
And now the comment. I really think Chris and Matt do an amazing job. There aren’t a ton of videos out yet and to have this good a picture and flow to the videos, sometimes takes year. I’m recent to your channel, maybe a couple or few weeks, and I totally enjoy all of your videos. Anyone who would criticize... either video or work quality... please post a link to show us how it’s really done. I’m pretty sure there aren’t any that will do so. This channel is great, the work is great, and your personalities are great. Keep it up.
Man that’s so kind of you to say. We appreciate having you along for the ride, and we plan on putting up a TON more videos.
As for the wheel dresser, there’s a link in the description. It’s a wooden handle with metal spikes that just take out all of the old compounds.
@@DriftwoodGuitars sweet. Thanks. I wasn’t trying to be confrontational at all, I’m a peace, love, and music kinda guy. I’m just hoping this channel doesn’t go into that “I would have done it this way. Your wrong for doing it that way.” I wish you guys all the success in the world, and so far all I have see is positive. Just don’t even give them the platform, delete it and move on. You guys are so great at what you do, I can’t even imagine what someone would snap back at. I’moff my soap box... you guys worry about getting that neck attached and delivering it to the customer. It’s a rocking beautiful guitar.
Oh man I never took it that way! We appreciate you watching and chatting!
I actually started using the swirl remover on my fine buffing wheel about a year ago and there's no going back. Haha
Very great informational video. I run a repair shop out of my house and have been thinking aboht getting a buffing wheel for a while now to speed up fretwork and use on the small amount of finish repairs I do. My only concern with it is how messy it will be. I know you said when you were cleaning it a lot of dust came off, does it also give off dust while buffing guitars? Just curious if its feasible to have in my space before I pull the trigger.
It is dusty for sure, but not crazy.
It will be a beauty 🤩 Would love to hear it played also 👌🏻
I would have done a demo video of the finished guitar but the clients took delivery of it right after I finished it.
I ran across your video while searching to fix a problem i have. The nitro finish on my expensive Gibson guitar has dulled where my skin contacts the wood. Im confident that the cause is the salt in my persperation (I live in Arizona). How do i fix this issue? I don't own a buffing wheel or anything. I suppose i could buy a buffer for a drill?
Thanks in advance
Michael
Looks amazing.
Nitro is best...great job so enjoyable!
Beautiful! Question I also have used Mezernza medium and fine for many years. I have switched to General Finishes water based finish for health reasons.
Do you have any experience with the Maguires on water borne finish?
I don’t, but I assume it’d work just as well.
More great stuff! I've always been a wet polishing guy because that's how I've done cars. At some point I'll become a big boy and buy a buffing wheel set up... Maybe... :D
Dude you’ll be amazed at how much better it works. Plus I use it for all kinds of other stuff in the shop.
@@DriftwoodGuitars I forgot to ask... Which Festool dust collector do you have? I'm going to pick up a rotex next time I'm at my hardwood supplier. Just seeing the lack of dust in your videos convinced me that's the way to go... Then I watched a couple vids showing the gear action on that thing... Works like a Hutchins mud hog... I can get behind a tool that does all that.
I use the CT SYS
@@DriftwoodGuitars Ok... I was looking at that one. Looks like a good price point compared to the other options, so I was worried it might be missing a feature. I think I'll go that route. Thanks!
Hi, love the wet compound technique. Just another note... 3.5mm is just over 1/8", do you mean 0.35mm?
I mean .0035” I’ve been informed that means it’s referred to as 3.5 mil. The mil is a unit of measure used in finish thickness. It’s different Than millimeters and mills.
How did you slow down the buffer RPM (at about 07:45)? Do you have two different sized pulleys on the motor?
Nice.
How would you get an arm smudge out of the finish? It seems to have reacted with my Martin (HD-35) finish.
Super fine sandpaper wet sanded then buffed out. Very similar to the process I use in this series.
@@DriftwoodGuitars 2k grit?
Correct. 2000, 3000,, then 5000 grit, followed by a polish.
I believer you are mistaken at 3.5 mils. That over 1/8 of an inch. You must have meant to say .35 mil ?
Correct. My bad
@@DriftwoodGuitars hey. Where did you go to high school. I knew a guy in high school Chris Alvarado In Miami
You look like Lucas Imbiriba
3.5 mill? Is that a way to say thousandths of an inch? Because that's how we say 3.5 millimeter and that's a stupid thick finish
No, it’s .35mm
Silicone “waxeses” are bad. Lol
Take it from a 64 year old auto and equipment detailer; WEAR A MASK while buffing or you could end up like me!! Also while you're dressing your wheels! RThats why you're sniffling throughout this video...IMHO