Pictures of the neck jig. I'm finally back to working on it!!!!

OK, I'm done with the 3 guitar repairs.  Lots to do on each of them but it is now done.  So back to the neck jig project.  As I said before, I don't recall where I saw a pic of this device or even know how close I am to the original design.  I think everything that I would need for it to work has been incorporated, but then again.....who knows until I try it.  So here it is. 

So the unshaped neck gets attached to the underside of the structure.  The screws will attach to the neck where the truss rod channel will be routed out after the fact.

It's off centered because the mitre slots on the table saw are not an equal distance from the dado blade on each side.  I still have to add the sides of the unit to what you see here .  These sides will be what slides in the mitre slots.  Well I was just about to go and add the sides but my wife just brought me a huge bowl of ice cream.  And The big bang theroy is on in 20 mins......Oh well, tomorrow?

working on a few new projects, try to finish some old projects

Where does the time go?  I've got to find more time in the day for guitars.  So lets start on the oldest projects.  I'm still working on the Cherry AS20 bolt on and the 5-string Bass.  I ran into a road block as I had to install a subpanel for my bandsaw.  So that is all fixed up and finally ready to go.  Next is the neck jig.  I was hoping to have that done 2 nights ago but I had to go install a shelf for a friend of mine, then go pick up a computer that needs fixing.......I guess being a "retired" IT guy means I still work on computers.....drat!!  Then last night I picked up 3 repair jobs on some vintage Fenders (bass and tele) as well as a Aria Pro II bass.  That one is my favorite, I can't get enough of the Aria Pro stuff. 
So I have all this on my plate as well as working 6 days a week right now with some friends of mine.  Where does the time go?

Working on a new jig

So yesterday, I started working on a jig that rough cuts the back profile of the neck.  It basically hangs the guitar neck over a dado blade and with incremental movements from side to side it cuts the curved profile of the neck.  I for the life of me can't remember where I saw a picture of one in use, but it sure appeared to be a great tool that would get tons of use in the shop.  Right now I route the neck blank down to the thickness I want it, then pull out the rasps and files and go to work on the contour of the neck.  If this jig works as I hope it does it will remove a ton of time that I currently spend shaping.  I'm about half way finished with it, but it should be ready to try out tonight.  I'll post some pics of it.  Like I said, I don't remember where this idea came from and I only remember seeing one picture of the jig in operation.  It could be that it won't work at all cause I didn't remember some hugely important element, or more likely, didn't see some hugely important element in the picture.  Oh well, it's still fun to build things and try them out.

Custom Pickguard

Hey all!!  Just wanted to post a picture of the latest little project completed.  A custom wood pickguard.  This one is solid Walnut and replaces a broken plastic single ply guard on a Yamaha Pacifica.  It is Tung oiled and sanded to 1000 grit, then waxed to match the finish on the guitar itself.  Check out the pictures.  If you have a pick guard that needs replacement, let me know.  Custom wood pickguards can be had for 120.00 and up.  Yeah, it's expensive, but they look WAY COOLER than the standard plastic pile of crap and it beats buying a new guitar...Although, I can supply you with a brand new APS Custom guitar instead if you like.......lol

Holy cow it's almost Christmas

Hey all,

I can't believe it's almost here.  just got the tree up and it's looking good.  Anyway, hope everyone has a great christmas and most excellent new year.  I'm busy working on a few guitars as well as a number of side projects.....not related to guitars but at least wood working related.  Things have slowed down in the workshop this season but fully expect things to pick up in the new year.  So for now, happy holidays and lets rock in the new year.

Thanks,
Andy

New Projects

I am currently working on 2 projects.  One is an awsome looking cherry top AS20 bolt-on.  It's gonna be killer.  The other is a 5-string bass made of Paduk and maple.  Paduk is one of the most amazing looking woods once it is all oiled up and sanded.  I like working with it much more than quilted maple, and I think it is much nicer.  These guitars will be amazing, call or e-mail me if you are interested.
Andy
http://www.apscustom.com/
andy@apscustom.com

Finally, I'm getting my shop space back!!

Finally, after what feels like months of getting no work done, the shop is mine again.  We have been storing the contents of my mother in law's house in our garage.  Not to mention, the non-required contents of our own house.  Well that has finally been moved out onto the driveway for a garage sale this weekend.  Now I have the daunting task of arranging the shop.  that always takes a few trys to get it right but at least it is coming together.  The first project, a 5-string bass.  Look out boys, I'm back in business.....YES!!