1959 2013 LP Build

[vanhalen5150]

I got a lot questions and comments through PM's from my other build I started last year. I should have taken more pics as I went along. Thought I'd start a new build here even though this is an amp forum. Hopefully some will find this interesting and maybe encourage the odd few to give things a try. No timeframe on this one so Ill just poke away at it from time to time and take photos.

Ok.So..

I got some flame maple from the Quebec Laurentien mountain range. Very nice stuff for LP tops. I used a #6 plane to square up the edges and Tightbond glue to fit together.

The 2 C clamps are needed to keep the 2 pieces from sliding and torquing when pressure from the long clamps is applied. I let the top sit for 2 days, even though the Tightbond dries within 24 hours.

[vanhalen5150]

The top is 1" thick right now, but Ill take it down to 5/8" before starting the carve top.

You can see the glue line, but this will be pretty much invisible when sanded.

[vanhalen5150]

I'm using a African Mahogany body and Sipo Mahogany neck blank from Stewmac. Very nice quarter sawn pieces and a pretty good value I think. Sipo is extremely hard compared to Honduras. I hope my saws will get through this stuff!

[vanhalen5150]

Used some particle board to cut my carve top templates. These are about 3/4" I think. You need to print out about 7 of the total size and the cut them down a bit. I used a glue stick on the board and then just layed them over. Rough cut with a ban saw and then some light sanding. Just a basic guide so dont over do the outcome on these.

These templates where designed by Scott Wilkinson aka "ExNihilo".

[6burgh]

Watching really closely. Taking notes.

[vanhalen5150]

Good, because I might need to look at those.......

[6burgh]

Ha!

Quick q? What is that max resaw height on your bandsaw? I want to bring my resaw capability in house rather than going to the community center.

[jimmyride]

Nice ! I'm very excited about this project. Keep it coming!

[vanhalen5150]

Ha!

Quick q? What is that max resaw height on your bandsaw? I want to bring my resaw capability in house rather than going to the community center.

I think its about 5". Its just a tabletop version. The trick is just go slow and cut in a lot of relief cuts.

[6burgh]

Ha!

Quick q? What is that max resaw height on your bandsaw? I want to bring my resaw capability in house rather than going to the community center.

I think its about 5". Its just a tabletop version. The trick is just go slow and cut in a lot of relief cuts.

Awesome! I've always thought it had to be larger for tops... You're already helping me save on getting my own build going! Thank man!

[axeman]

Awesome, don't stop. Please be very detailed so I can learn

[vanhalen5150]

Awesome, don't stop. Please be very detailed so I can learn

I shall do my best with as little controversy as absurdly possible.

[vanhalen5150]

Compared my Stewmac blank to the plans. Off by about 1mm. I'll leave it that way as sanding will remove a bit from the back. I draw a center line down the blank.

[vanhalen5150]

Line up the template straight along the centerline. I'm just using a tabletop bansaw. Trick is to go very slowly.

[vanhalen5150]

I cut ouit a lot of relief cuts first leaving about 1/16" from the actual line. I have a spindle sander but I used a drum sander on a drill press to show you dont need all the tools like a large shop. Since the drum is not as wide as the blank, you have to flip it over and do from both sides. It takes time but does work. Start with a coarse drum and then use the fine. You really have to make sure you get out all of the bumps here because this is also what you'll use to cut the maple top as a guide when you trim the top edge.