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I`m thinking about trying to build 2 guitars at the same time.Trying to catch up a little.I`m looking for pros and cons from some of you who do this.

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James W Bolan
Nashville Tennessee

I have done 2 at a time but 3 at a time works well for me. Enough to make economy of motion and effort without any one portion of the work dragging on long enough to get tedious. Space is a major limiting factor, just storing extra builds while they are not on the bench takes quite a bit of room. Shop conditions must be very stable as well, things sit around open a lot longer while waiting their turn in process. For me the builds need to be the same basic model, while details can vary a good bit. I don't think I could make it work trying to build different size/style guitars at the same time.

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Brian

You never know what you are capable of until you actually try.

https://www.howardguitarsdelaware.com/

I just made 12 electrics.

The making isn't the problem.

The finishing....

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I read Emerson on the can. A foolish consistency is the hobgoblin of little minds...true...but a consistent reading of Emerson has its uses nevertheless.

StuMusic

Just give it a try and see how you like it. I usually focus on one at a time, but I prefer to have two in progress at different stages, so if I have a hold up on one (like humidity problems) then I still have something to work on. Since I don't use power tools much, doing tasks in batches doesn't really save any time compared to doing them one at a time.

That's how I build, two at a time. Given my pace, two is just about right. If I had more time to dedicate during the week, I would consider three, but that could mean bracing tops a month apart or delaying spraying a few days between each day's shooting, and that is just stretching the time too much for me. Even with two going on right now, getting the 2nd up to the point of bracing, which is where the first is, has taken me over a month! If I were doing a third guitar, that would be another month until I finally brace tops! Too much time delay for my liking.

I would look at how much time you have to dedicate to building each week and decide how that time could be allocated to two or three guitars and still keep them progressing at the pace you want.

Ken

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http://www.casperguitar.com

I like doing two at a time as well. I'll also bang out a bunch more stuff once I get my jigs all set up. Like if I set up my band saw for resawing back and sides I may as well do it till the blade dulls.

I'd say at least 2 at a time.
Ya got a tool/jig set up,
do the operation faster.
Like Stuart said though,
the finishing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I always do two at a time, it does not take a lot longer than one. When I've done three it felt a bit more like factory work but was efficient. I'm about to start three once again though.

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It's not what you don't know that hurts you, it's what you do know that's wrong.

Two is a great way to go for me, and three is even better. Four, I think, would be too much.

Try it, and see how it works for your building style.

By the way, I whipped together another go-bar deck, and that makes a big difference for me.

Lincoln

Makes since to me .I`m going for it.

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James W Bolan
Nashville Tennessee

It can be a real time saver if you are able to run extra parts while you are setup for an operation. I usually cut enough braces for 5-10 guitars at a time (my bracing is fairly standardized over all my shapes) even when I may only be working on 2 - 3. The same with slotting fretboards. If I've already got the saw setup for slotting I'll run fretboards for all the builds I have in process plus any future builds that I have on my order list. Bridges, inlays, kerfing, neck blanks, all work well in batches. Once you get into the habit of doing this then your building really speeds up. Instead of having to make everything as you go you simply grab it off the shelf and carry on. I find it more enjoyable.

Josh

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Josh House

Canadian Luthier Supply
http://www.canadianluthiersupply.com
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House Guitars - Custom Built Acoustic Instruments.
http://www.houseguitars.com

FWIW as a newbie I have found that doing 3 at time is working well for me. By having multiples you have a better chance of improving your skills for each phase of the construction. I destroyed #2 but learned a heck of a lot from going through the mistakes. #3 I experimented with a non-instrument lacquer and the results were dismal but then again learned a ton about finishing. So I say absolutely several at a time what ever you are comfortable with building.

I've been doing 2 at a time, and I find that voicing in tandem can be very helpful. Get both tops roughly to where you want them, and then go back and forth. Shave a little on this one, shave a little on that one. One will get to where you want it sooner than the other, and you can use that one as a standard for the other.

I'm also liking Somogyi's thought of having a top always available in the shop that you use as a reference. I'll be taking his course this fall, and I look forward to coming home with a top that will just stay on the wall, to be referred to as needed.

Steve

I've done up to 6 at one time. Only did that one time,as Zlurg said,the finishing is a killer. Did 4 this winter and at least once before and that is much better. Am happiest doing 3 at once. At three there is a sense of efficiency but not an overwhelming feeling.More is a bit more hasseled and less it seems one is wasting time. Also on multis one may tend to be more careful and make less mistakes............but if you make one sometimes it can be multiplyed by the number being build. I think one has to do the number that works for them,be it 1 or whatever number. For me the efficiencies come in set-ups.Doing the processes so you only do the set up once for all the guitars. Cutting the pieces at one time with no set up changes etc. Doing only one shape or size is a help when working this way but not a requirement. To control RH I have to work only in the winter months especially for the glue-ups so I try to get the most out of each winter season. It seems to work for me YMMD.
Tom

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A person who has never made a mistake has never made anything!!!

+1

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http://www.casperguitar.com