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Optimizing Spanish Heel Block Size for Guitar Neck Construction

Sat, 26 Jul 2025 13:24:36 +0200

When building Spanish guitars using the traditional Spanish heel method, one recurring question is:
“What’s the minimum board size I need for the heel?”

This article shares some practical information to avoid wood waste and make use of leftovers from neck blanks.

Hand plane explained: Understanding Bedding Angles

Thu, 26 Dec 2024 13:03:03 +0100

The bedding angle refers to the angle between the blade of the hand plane and its sole. This angle plays a crucial role in how the plane interacts with the wood surface during use. It is fixed and cannot be adjusted, as it is determined by the design and construction of the plane.

Building a Violin Graduation Punch

Sun, 12 May 2024 09:49:00 +0200

Violin Graduation Punch (also called Thicknessing Punch) is a specialized tool used by luthiers to create precise thickness of the top and back plates of the violin. Its metal needle punches small marks in the wood, providing precise guides for the hollowing process and ensuring efficient thickness control. By using this tool, luthiers can eliminate the need for constant caliper measurements, streamlining the workflow.

Choosing the Right Solder: Lead-Based vs. Lead-Free

Wed, 03 Jan 2024 14:25:49 +0100

In our lab there are several spools of solder alloys, both lead-based and lead-free. We have both of them in various wire diameter. To make it more complicated... they also come with various amounts of various flux. If you look further, in our refrigerator you will find different kinds of solder paste. So why this variety and which one to use and when?

Which is Heavier: Swamp Ash vs. Mahogany vs. Alder?

Sat, 30 Dec 2023 12:21:57 +0100

Which wood to choose for guitar body, based on weight, price and tone?

Most people, including ourselves, commonly assume that Swamp Ash is much lighter than Alder, given that water washes away heavy organic compounds. It is often mentioned that Swamp Ash is rare, the lightest, and therefore more expensive.

Visual difference between chrome and nickel

Mon, 25 Dec 2023 13:53:12 +0100

What is the visual difference between chrome and nickel?

Which one should I choose for my guitar? Chrome or nickel? Perennial questions.

How to correctly drill a pilot hole?

Mon, 25 Dec 2023 11:16:18 +0100

A pilot hole is a small hole drilled before screwing a screw into wood. It helps prevent surface lacquer cracking on the guitar and reduces the risk of wood splitting, especially with hard wood. A bonus is that the screw will be installed directly, following the path of the pilot hole.