bordertownbrown - Posted - 09/23/2009:  14:27:09

---

Here are the hand tools I use to shape a banjo neck. The top profile has been cut with a router, pattern and a flush trim bit. the side profile is set using a pattern and a Robo-Sander,some wood is removed with the band saw and a belt sander. The first one took about about six hours to do the hand work, (I have completed four in the last three days) while the last one took about two hours. I will post more pictures in the topic if anyone is interested.






Richard Brown

Seeders - Posted - 09/23/2009:  15:11:41

---

looks great! I love shaping necks. There's nothing more satisfying than working with hand tools. I've got to post some pictures of the one I just finished making. Once I'm done moving I'll have the chance to get some up. Keep em rollin'!

bordertownbrown - Posted - 09/23/2009:  15:35:48

---

Here are some pictures of the necks just finished, they have not yet been sanded. I get the greatest satisfaction doing the work that can't be done by a machine.





Richard Brown

LarryD1 - Posted - 09/23/2009:  17:09:56

---

Beautiful work Richard.

What kind of wood was used on these necks?

Keep up the good work, and thanks for the great pictures.

eddie83 - Posted - 09/23/2009:  18:14:17

---

Those necks are amazing! he uses mesquite for his necks. They sound reallly good.

bordertownbrown - Posted - 09/24/2009:  05:08:53

---

Yes the wood is mesquite, one piece, quarter sawn with very tight grain. I start out with boards that are 2 1/2" to 3" thick and cut them into usable blanks. Next I will cut pieces that will make a two or three piece neck, then down to the smallest usable pieces for rims, etc. and manage to get about a 70% yield. I have been very lucky to find allot of this kind of material locally that has been laying around for a long time, probably cut 10 to 20 years ago. I now have enough material stashed to make about 50 necks>

Richard Brown

jvander - Posted - 09/25/2009:  18:46:28

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by bordertownbrown

Here are the hand tools I use to shape a banjo neck. The top profile has been cut with a router, pattern and a flush trim bit. the side profile is set using a pattern and a Robo-Sander,some wood is removed with the band saw and a belt sander. The first one took about about six hours to do the hand work, (I have completed four in the last three days) while the last one took about two hours. I will post more pictures in the topic if anyone is interested.

Richard Brown

---

I'd love to see more photos, particularly work-holding jigs and what parts you use patterns for.

Hand tools rule

Thanks.



73 John

strang - Posted - 09/26/2009:  05:21:49

---

quote:

---

Originally posted by jvanderI'd love to see more photos, particularly work-holding jigs and what parts you use patterns for.

Hand tools rule

Thanks.



73 John

---

QFT!!

Jigs are time-savers!

- = - = - = - = - = - = - = - = - = - = - = - = -
Bluegrass -- THE Original Country Music!