One tool you didn't list was the infamous Shinto saw-rasp. OTOH, I've never seen anyone use a Microplane zester or spice grinder for Luthiery work. Same basic tools, but at different scales. The Shinto uses hacksaw blades, while the Microplane uses cheese grater blades. My flat (zester) and round (spice grinder) Microplanes arrived today. I mod stock necks to 20mm thickness, a flat triangular heel, and a trapezoid profile. I use a router and sled to thickness the necks, then hog away the heel shoulders with an angle grinder and a 40-grit disc. Then I do a trapezoid neck carve with a Shinto. The Microplanes looks like they will be perfect for shaping the shoulders of the headstock and volute areas - the Shinto is somewhat large and aggressive for that work. "Right sized tool for the job". Often a smaller version of a tool is better for guitar building. Then again, I'd hate to do a trapezoid carve with just a zester!
@@normbarrows2 The microplane tools are now discontinued. They only do zesters. I’m crestfallen!! The Shinto felt a little too agressive. Tools are very personal I guess. I like the zee files for fret work but the other StewMac fret files don’t do it for me. I’m about to enter the world of cnc. Be afraid. I certainly am. C
@@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking Z files are sold out every time I try to get one. But I'm mostly modding new replacement necks, so I don't usually have to level and crown. I find the Stew-Mac fret end dressing file useful for rounding the bottom corners of already installed frets on replacement necks. Rolling with sandpaper usually takes care of the rest. If you're willing to put in the time, you can actually do hot dog ends on pre-installed frets with them. While they might call them kitchen utensils, the Microplanes are still perfectly good woodworking tools. I'll be trying them out on guitar 15. It's getting the 20mm thicknessing, triangular heel, trapezoid profile - and a Parker Fly style headstock. I only thickness to the nut line, which sort of leaves a volute just above the nut line on the back. That's the area I plan to use the Microplanes on.
I think you have to edit this video and add the beloved cabinet scraper! You speak ever so highly of them! 😆😆 Love all your videos you are an inspiration!
Good advice! I have a very similar belt/disk sander & use it all the time. They are dirt cheap here in Canada, and I have often wondered why more luthiers don't rely on them. Along with my oscillating sander, a random orbital sander, and a super cheap one inch belt sander, I get everything done that I need to, including some minor metal fabrication. Thanks for the video.
Belt sanders are really useful. I’m frequently using it to shape and sharpen things. I have a grinder I have never used because the sander is faster and flatter.
I agree with everything you listed. I retired as a carpenter/cabinet maker so my drills, routers and sawzalls are more name brand. I have been buying some lighter tools such as a 12 v Bosch reciprocating saw, Dewalt 8 v screw driver and so on. I want to build acoustic so a table saw is in the near future, and I think the portable Delta with T-square fence will be my choice. I also need the vice and just bought a drill press. i think eventually I may need a thickness sander, but for now I am buying my stock already sanded. T.Y. for this video
Cool video. I'm subscribing! I'm still pretty green in guitar making (doing my second scratch build right now) but I've got almost 20 years of experience as a builder, handyman, painter/decorator, electrician, carpenter... and the list goes on. Basically jack of all trades. It's so cool for me to see the variety of videos about essential tools in guitar making. Seems like 70% of every luthiers list is related to style/approach to the craft and the rest of it are hand planes, chisels, files, rasps... and of course premium quality factor. About that, imagine that I'm using Parkside tools as well. The only difference is that my set is doing heavy duty works for the last 3+ years. Really good value for the money. On the other hand I don't recommend similar tools from Aldi. Ferrex brand. Unfortunately I had to scrap most of these long before their time... So, Lidl - yay!, Aldi - nay! My personal experience. Anyway, I'm rambling. Thanks for the video!
Ramble on it’s all good stuff. Lidl tools work for me. I don’t expect much but they just work. My truss Rod router cost £25. Cheap enough for it to just be dedicated to tat one task. Stick with me and let’s make a guitar c
Ooooo, so close to that 1000 subscribers! What I really like is that you understand that things are pricey. So useful to know where to spend more money, and where to save a few quid! Nice job ☺️
Thanks so much. For many this is a hobby so it matters how much it costs. Spending money where it’s most needed makes sense. Thanks for you comment. The 1000 subscriptions thing is a personal goal as much as anything. I actually need a ton more viewing hours before I’m considered interesting by UA-cam. It keeps me active at the very least. C
@@thegreatwragginski3093 it is tempting to be more outspoken, but keeping it light makes sense right now. We are in a dreadful place in the UK though and Liz Truss will not be the answer. C
Never built a guitar, and don't really have the tools needed. But after watching this video and the others from Chris, I'm starting to get serious about considering building a guitar! Specifically a Les Paul Junior! 😎
I wouldn't mind a video going over selecting tone woods. It's there any reason to select one over another outside of weight or the way the grain looks? Detemple guitars told me one time they tuned their necks and bodies to be the same resonant pitch which makes sense but does it really matter?
Choice of woods is less critical with electric guitars. Mahogany and maple being the most common types used. Maple is bright and Mahogany is deep. If you stick to the traditional varieties used in instrument making you will end up with a functional guitar. Selecting other varieties is fun and unless you choose something inappropriate, like pine for a fretboard, you should be ok. Simply consider how the properties of the material suit the function. There are no rules but common sense is king. C
@@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking Chirs I just ordered a Squier Starcaster to make plans and templates. If your interested I think I could afford the posts to send you a copy when they are done Free lol keep it up for newbie’s
Solder was skipped over. I learned a long time ago to use SN63 (eutectic) for any electronic component and liquid flux. I think it is applicable to guitar electronics but I have seen videos using a 60/40 and wondered why?
Not really skipped over it simply didn’t occur to me in the context of Top Ten Tools. I’m the son of an electronics engineer and TV repair man. My dad used solder from many sources. To be honest it’s a mystery to me. I bought some solder on a reel about 4 years ago. It works fine. What it is precisely I have no idea but it solders satisfactorily. I have no recollection of ever discussing what solder he used or that I should use. He’s 87 and I could ask him but I suspect he’ll look at me blankly and say ‘fluxed solder for electronics’.
Hi there - Got most of these except the press and radius block. Maybe I should get into guitar making when retired ! You own a dog ? We can hear one at the end !
When you recommended the soldering station, were you recommending a specific make or model, or just a soldering station in general? I had a soldering station once, but I wasn't happy with it. I'd be curious to know what you use for de-soldering. In fact, a video on basic guitar electronics would be cool. I like to mess with guitar electronics.
I use that station because it was a reasonable price but with fast heat, good quality and variable temp. It’s also robust and the stand is chunky. For de soldering I have a cheap solder sucker. The pump action syringe type. All Amazon sourced.
I have also met some serious tools in my life, ha. Good tip with the micro-plane - going to have to check that out! I'd be interested in whether a proper woodworkers workbench is necessary, or if not - what is ideal?
Just one important question sir chris reynolds..im 42 years old..Intersting to become a luthier.do you think my age are fit to continue planning to be a luthier..thanks sir.
Yes, absolutely. Most of the people on my course were 50 or over. Beware of paid courses. There are few national courses in the UK or you might find an apprenticeship. It’s not going to make you rich though. Unless you make very high quality acoustics and charge accordingly
🤣🤣🤣 I love the boris shout
One tool you didn't list was the infamous Shinto saw-rasp. OTOH, I've never seen anyone use a Microplane zester or spice grinder for Luthiery work. Same basic tools, but at different scales. The Shinto uses hacksaw blades, while the Microplane uses cheese grater blades. My flat (zester) and round (spice grinder) Microplanes arrived today. I mod stock necks to 20mm thickness, a flat triangular heel, and a trapezoid profile. I use a router and sled to thickness the necks, then hog away the heel shoulders with an angle grinder and a 40-grit disc. Then I do a trapezoid neck carve with a Shinto. The Microplanes looks like they will be perfect for shaping the shoulders of the headstock and volute areas - the Shinto is somewhat large and aggressive for that work. "Right sized tool for the job". Often a smaller version of a tool is better for guitar building. Then again, I'd hate to do a trapezoid carve with just a zester!
@@normbarrows2 The microplane tools are now discontinued. They only do zesters. I’m crestfallen!! The Shinto felt a little too agressive. Tools are very personal I guess. I like the zee files for fret work but the other StewMac fret files don’t do it for me. I’m about to enter the world of cnc. Be afraid. I certainly am. C
@@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking Z files are sold out every time I try to get one. But I'm mostly modding new replacement necks, so I don't usually have to level and crown. I find the Stew-Mac fret end dressing file useful for rounding the bottom corners of already installed frets on replacement necks. Rolling with sandpaper usually takes care of the rest. If you're willing to put in the time, you can actually do hot dog ends on pre-installed frets with them.
While they might call them kitchen utensils, the Microplanes are still perfectly good woodworking tools. I'll be trying them out on guitar 15. It's getting the 20mm thicknessing, triangular heel, trapezoid profile - and a Parker Fly style headstock. I only thickness to the nut line, which sort of leaves a volute just above the nut line on the back. That's the area I plan to use the Microplanes on.
Totally with you on the 3M Stikit Gold, so many uses and it lasts for ages.
@@nickpearsonuk I can’t imagine being without it! So expensive in the UK. I end up buying it from the USA on eBay.
I think you have to edit this video and add the beloved cabinet scraper! You speak ever so highly of them! 😆😆 Love all your videos you are an inspiration!
Thanks Chris. I really do love me a cabinet scraper. The effectiveness and simplicity of them is impossible to beat
Good advice! I have a very similar belt/disk sander & use it all the time. They are dirt cheap here in Canada, and I have often wondered why more luthiers don't rely on them. Along with my oscillating sander, a random orbital sander, and a super cheap one inch belt sander, I get everything done that I need to, including some minor metal fabrication. Thanks for the video.
Belt sanders are really useful. I’m frequently using it to shape and sharpen things. I have a grinder I have never used because the sander is faster and flatter.
Digital vernier caliper comes in very useful
I have one and use it frequently.
I agree with everything you listed. I retired as a carpenter/cabinet maker so my drills, routers and sawzalls are more name brand. I have been buying some lighter tools such as a 12 v Bosch reciprocating saw, Dewalt 8 v screw driver and so on. I want to build acoustic so a table saw is in the near future, and I think the portable Delta with T-square fence will be my choice. I also need the vice and just bought a drill press. i think eventually I may need a thickness sander, but for now I am buying my stock already sanded. T.Y. for this video
Good luck Ted. I hope you have many years of successful building ahead of you. I wish I could have started with your skillset.
One of the first kitchen items I bought was a microplane. Lol I use it for hard cheese and garlic. Never knew they made wood working tools
I recently discovered to my horror, that they seem to have stopped making tools altogether and now only make zesters and graters. C
@@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking oh interesting. Well suffice to say, they work great for carrots. Lol
@@MrGibsn1960 they really do!!
wonderfull , useful
Glad you think so!
Cool video. I'm subscribing! I'm still pretty green in guitar making (doing my second scratch build right now) but I've got almost 20 years of experience as a builder, handyman, painter/decorator, electrician, carpenter... and the list goes on. Basically jack of all trades. It's so cool for me to see the variety of videos about essential tools in guitar making. Seems like 70% of every luthiers list is related to style/approach to the craft and the rest of it are hand planes, chisels, files, rasps... and of course premium quality factor. About that, imagine that I'm using Parkside tools as well. The only difference is that my set is doing heavy duty works for the last 3+ years. Really good value for the money. On the other hand I don't recommend similar tools from Aldi. Ferrex brand. Unfortunately I had to scrap most of these long before their time... So, Lidl - yay!, Aldi - nay! My personal experience. Anyway, I'm rambling. Thanks for the video!
Ramble on it’s all good stuff. Lidl tools work for me. I don’t expect much but they just work. My truss Rod router cost £25. Cheap enough for it to just be dedicated to tat one task. Stick with me and let’s make a guitar c
Ooooo, so close to that 1000 subscribers! What I really like is that you understand that things are pricey. So useful to know where to spend more money, and where to save a few quid! Nice job ☺️
Oh and you’re totally right about Boris!
Thanks so much. For many this is a hobby so it matters how much it costs. Spending money where it’s most needed makes sense. Thanks for you comment. The 1000 subscriptions thing is a personal goal as much as anything. I actually need a ton more viewing hours before I’m considered interesting by UA-cam. It keeps me active at the very least. C
@@thegreatwragginski3093 it is tempting to be more outspoken, but keeping it light makes sense right now. We are in a dreadful place in the UK though and Liz Truss will not be the answer. C
Love your channel Chris, congratulations on 1k subscribers!
Sadly 3 dropped out in the last day. But just had one more hero sign up. 2 to go!!
Wonderful stuff Chris. Great viewing as always. Who knew tools could be so much fun;)?
Depends on the tool Tony. Some tools are fun some are scary. Some are politicians.
Never built a guitar, and don't really have the tools needed. But after watching this video and the others from Chris, I'm starting to get serious about considering building a guitar! Specifically a Les Paul Junior! 😎
It’s an addictive passion. Once you start…. C
Good content ❤
Thanks Arny. C. There’s 30 or so vids on the channel. Take a look it’s all useful stuff I hope. C
I wouldn't mind a video going over selecting tone woods. It's there any reason to select one over another outside of weight or the way the grain looks? Detemple guitars told me one time they tuned their necks and bodies to be the same resonant pitch which makes sense but does it really matter?
Choice of woods is less critical with electric guitars. Mahogany and maple being the most common types used. Maple is bright and Mahogany is deep. If you stick to the traditional varieties used in instrument making you will end up with a functional guitar. Selecting other varieties is fun and unless you choose something inappropriate, like pine for a fretboard, you should be ok. Simply consider how the properties of the material suit the function. There are no rules but common sense is king. C
Good job for the new guys and gals
Thanks Tim. That’s the target audience
@@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking Chirs I just ordered a Squier Starcaster to make plans and templates. If your interested I think I could afford the posts to send you a copy when they are done Free lol keep it up for newbie’s
Solder was skipped over. I learned a long time ago to use SN63 (eutectic) for any electronic component and liquid flux. I think it is applicable to guitar electronics but I have seen videos using a 60/40 and wondered why?
Not really skipped over it simply didn’t occur to me in the context of Top Ten Tools. I’m the son of an electronics engineer and TV repair man. My dad used solder from many sources. To be honest it’s a mystery to me. I bought some solder on a reel about 4 years ago. It works fine. What it is precisely I have no idea but it solders satisfactorily. I have no recollection of ever discussing what solder he used or that I should use. He’s 87 and I could ask him but I suspect he’ll look at me blankly and say ‘fluxed solder for electronics’.
It is just solder isn't it? Isn't it!!?
@@Aja-nt SN63 solder has no plastic state so the likelihood of s cold or fractured solder joint is slim to none.
@@Aja-nt Solder is definitely solder.
Hi there - Got most of these except the press and radius block.
Maybe I should get into guitar making when retired !
You own a dog ? We can hear one at the end !
I don’t have a dog. That yapper is visiting my neighbour. Irritating as it is.
Well these things happen!
Keep up the good work ! @@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking
Are your microplanes specifically designed for wood, or are you able to use the cheap standard planes you can find at the store for lemons/cheese/etc?
I believe microplane products are all the same. I have a zester in my kitchen and that seems pretty much the same item.
When you recommended the soldering station, were you recommending a specific make or model, or just a soldering station in general? I had a soldering station once, but I wasn't happy with it. I'd be curious to know what you use for de-soldering. In fact, a video on basic guitar electronics would be cool. I like to mess with guitar electronics.
I use that station because it was a reasonable price but with fast heat, good quality and variable temp. It’s also robust and the stand is chunky. For de soldering I have a cheap solder sucker. The pump action syringe type. All Amazon sourced.
@@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking Solder suckers are ace
I have also met some serious tools in my life, ha.
Good tip with the micro-plane - going to have to check that out!
I'd be interested in whether a proper woodworkers workbench is necessary, or if not - what is ideal?
Blimey. I’m not even finished with the upload yet and you’ve watched it!!!
I used a standard work bench with a tool gulley. Absurd. I simply put a plywood top over it and added rubber matts. Much better for me.
Get video. Thanks.... Subscribed!
Thanks very much. I hope it helps
Thanks so much for your support. C
Just one important question sir chris reynolds..im 42 years old..Intersting to become a luthier.do you think my age are fit to continue planning to be a luthier..thanks sir.
Yes, absolutely. Most of the people on my course were 50 or over. Beware of paid courses. There are few national courses in the UK or you might find an apprenticeship. It’s not going to make you rich though. Unless you make very high quality acoustics and charge accordingly
@@chrisreynoldsguitarmaking thanks for the reply sir reynolds..sorry for not mentioning my nationality.im from the philippines..thanks for the tip.
A tool is useful. Most politicians are not.
I must agree
Donald Trump > boris johnson
Yes. Tools aplenty. Both now out of power but still responsible for the terrible state of our countries. Thanks for pitching in Ed. C