Official Luthiers Forum!
https://luthiersforum.com/forum/

My Entry Lap Steel
https://luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10134&t=39720
Page 1 of 1

Author:  Kent Wilkinson [ Thu Mar 14, 2013 4:25 pm ]
Post subject:  My Entry Lap Steel

I have been working on it a few weeks. I made a template of a explorer but I downsized it. 22.5 inch scale. Traced onto a poplar plank 2 inch thick. Then onto the band saw. I picked up a piece of 1/4 inch Zebro Wood for the fret board. The fret board was the scairest part for me :shock: . I put it off then just jumped in and did it. It was probably the easest part so far. I had a Stew-Mac fret jig, saw and template. Went really smooth. The hardest part for me has been cutting the head stock angle. I used a small hand saw on both sides then then leveled it with a hand plane. There has been tons of sanding and there is still allot left. My spindle sander make it easy to do the sides. I have the fret board glued on. I ordered Gibson tuners since it's a Explorer from Sam Ash. I also ordered the jack plate, Bone for the nut, Bridge. I had a Kent Armstrong Jazz Humbucker that some one had me replace with something else. He gave me the pick up when I was done. I have some some car paint left over from a restoration project that I might use. The bone nut I ordered isn't wide enough. I am trying to come up with a idea of something else I can use as a nut blank. I thought about buying a pin turning blank and cutting it down. I'm a little tight on cash. The Break down is below of How much I spent so far. I might buy a maple dowel rod and slice off pieces for the and just do dots. Does anybody have any idea I can use for the fret board markers for some one on a budget? This is my first build so I am trying to be creative, but am a little lost. I'm thanking I can come in about $120.00. Maybe.

Bridge from China $6.95 ( Amazon )
Poplar about 3 bd ft $7.50 Local Store
Zebra Wood for Fret Board $3.00 Local store remnant
Gibson Tuner $59.00 ( Sam Ash )
Jack Plate $6.95 ( Sam Ash )
Pick up Free

Author:  Kent Wilkinson [ Thu Mar 14, 2013 4:28 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: My Entry Lap Steel

Template pictures below.

Author:  Chris Pile [ Thu Mar 14, 2013 4:51 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: My Entry Lap Steel

Diggin' it so far!

Author:  nickinbruns [ Thu Mar 14, 2013 6:32 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: My Entry Lap Steel

Cool.

Author:  Randy Jones [ Fri Mar 15, 2013 10:20 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: My Entry Lap Steel

Yessir, I do want to build a lap steel someday. Great addition to the challenge!

Author:  Kent Wilkinson [ Sun Mar 17, 2013 6:04 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: My Entry Lap Steel

I inlayed the fret slots with maple today. I am happy with the results. I just need to figure out what to inlay for the position markers.

Author:  Clinchriver [ Sun Mar 17, 2013 6:26 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: My Entry Lap Steel

Might have to do one of these. Were expecting David Lindley's solo from Jackson Browns Redneck Friend on your video laughing6-hehe

Author:  Kent Wilkinson [ Sun Mar 17, 2013 6:40 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: My Entry Lap Steel

Actualy I don't know how to play one. Lol. I will probably get one of my Dobro playing friends to play it for the video.

Author:  Kent Wilkinson [ Thu Apr 04, 2013 3:22 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: My Entry Lap Steel

I was wanting to do one large inlay at the 12th fret. So I cut the ivory out today. It looks too big and off ballance being this big. What do you think? I and thinking about making a new one about half the size and maybe putting a ebony peg head overlay on and inlaying this one on the head stock. I layed the on to see what they look like.

Author:  ZekeM [ Thu Apr 04, 2013 4:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: My Entry Lap Steel

I think it would look nice on the headstock. It's a little large for the fretboard for my tastes.

Author:  Kent Wilkinson [ Fri Apr 05, 2013 6:00 am ]
Post subject:  Re: My Entry Lap Steel

I think your right. I will use on the head stock. I am going to do something different on the fret board.

Author:  Kent Wilkinson [ Sat May 18, 2013 9:48 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: My Entry Lap Steel

I have been on hold do to lack of funds. Friday I will order the tuner hole jig. So she be making progress this week end.

Author:  Kent Wilkinson [ Sun Jul 28, 2013 8:12 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: My Entry Lap Steel

Progress up date.

Author:  Kent Wilkinson [ Wed Jul 31, 2013 7:03 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: My Entry Lap Steel

More on my Lap Steel build. I carved out the pick up cavity today. Used a mallet and wood chisel. Getting closer. I need to buy a set of forstener bits to drill out the cavity for the volume pot. Playing catch up.

Author:  Kent Wilkinson [ Wed Aug 07, 2013 6:52 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: My Entry Lap Steel

Bought a set of Forstner bits from harbor freight. So saturday I am planning on drilling out the rear of the body for the volume pot. [:Y:] Will post pictures after. Still having a hard time trying to decide on haw to make a nut.

Author:  Kent Wilkinson [ Sun Aug 11, 2013 6:53 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: My Entry Lap Steel

Carved out the rear body cavity for the volume pot and installed it. Took apart a small flood light bulb and removed the lense. I am going to use it for the rear cavity cover. I will install a small LED in the cavity that will come on when the guitar is plugged in. I need to buy a 1/4 inch jack plug and drill it out then I can wire it. Really close to being ready to play. The last 2 pictures are of my helper. Pictures won't load. Will try again later.

Page 1 of 1 All times are UTC - 5 hours
Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group
http://www.phpbb.com/