Lowe Guitars shop notes

Talk about modding or building your own guitar from scratch.
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BTL
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Re: Lowe Shop Notes

Post by BTL » Tue May 07, 2019 7:28 pm

So, here are some of the pieces currently in the pipeline for Summer NAMM.

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Re: Lowe Shop Notes

Post by BTL » Sat Jun 01, 2019 1:34 pm

Now that the partition wall is finished and the shop space is back in order, I can focus on building instruments for Summer NAMM.

I cut and installed nuts on a bunch of necks:

Image

The next step in these builds is to install machines and threaded inserts in the necks:

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Re: Lowe Shop Notes

Post by BTL » Sun Jun 09, 2019 4:56 pm

Today was the day to install threaded inserts.

First I locate the insert on the neck with an awl, mark the location with a sharpie, and drill on the drill press.

The Irwin clamp keeps the neck from rocking on the frets during the process.

Image

Next I tap the hole, and using dedicated sacrificial inserts I locate and drill center holes that allow the mounting bolts to penetrate past the insert and into the neck.

I modified a cheap screwdriver to use as a driver for the inserts.

Image

Finally, I install the insert, lock it in place with thin CA, chase the threads, and tap the wood below.

Once it's time to attach the neck, the locating pins assist with any fine-tuning of the mounting holes in the body that may be required. 

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Re: Lowe Shop Notes

Post by Rgand » Mon Jun 10, 2019 6:58 am

Those are some mighty nice looking guitars in the works.

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Re: Lowe Shop Notes

Post by BTL » Mon Jun 10, 2019 10:45 am

Thank you so much!

There are a few more that will be revealed over the next week or two.

I may have gone a little overboard for Summer NAMM...:D
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Re: Lowe Shop Notes

Post by BTL » Wed Jun 12, 2019 5:42 pm

The pace of progress is accelerating as Summer NAMM approaches.

All necks now have nuts installed, and most have inserts.

My buddy Dan's CAD>CNC>mill>prep>finish work is well represented as he CAD>prepped both Ridler VI bodies and CAD>finished the Primaluxe IV body.

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Re: Lowe Shop Notes

Post by Rgand » Wed Jun 12, 2019 9:00 pm

Holey Shamoley! Look at those babies. Nice, nice, nice.

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Re: Lowe Shop Notes

Post by BTL » Thu Jun 13, 2019 2:06 pm

Thanks!

We're officially on the map: Booth 2014

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Re: Lowe Shop Notes

Post by BTL » Sat Jun 22, 2019 10:29 am

I love new hardware day more than my birthday.

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Re: Lowe Shop Notes

Post by BTL » Sun Jun 23, 2019 7:07 pm

Today was machine day...I am a machine machine.

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Re: Lowe Shop Notes

Post by Shadoweclipse13 » Sun Jun 23, 2019 11:17 pm

Love it! You're right, there's nothing quite like getting a bulk order of parts in the mail. I don't order as much as you do, but it's so great ;D
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http://www.offsetguitars.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=104282&p=1438384#p1438384

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Re: Lowe Shop Notes

Post by BTL » Mon Jun 24, 2019 11:25 am

I know, right?

:D

Speaking of which, I just ordered 400 of these for Summer NAMM:

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Re: Lowe Shop Notes

Post by Rgand » Mon Jun 24, 2019 2:19 pm

BeeTL wrote:
Mon Jun 24, 2019 11:25 am
I know, right?

:D

Speaking of which, I just ordered 400 of these for Summer NAMM:

Image
I love it! :D :D :D

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Re: Lowe Shop Notes

Post by BTL » Tue Jun 25, 2019 5:55 pm

From day one with the inline headstock shape people said it reminded them of a bottle opener, so I continued the theme with the 3+3.

I think the logo on a bottle opener and a business card is all I will need for attendees at Summer NAMM to remember my brand.

:D
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Re: Lowe Shop Notes

Post by Shadoweclipse13 » Tue Jun 25, 2019 7:22 pm

BeeTL wrote:
Tue Jun 25, 2019 5:55 pm
From day one with the inline headstock shape people said it reminded them of a bottle opener, so I continued the theme with the 3+3.
I think you should incorporate a bottle opener on one of the next guitars itself :D :D
BeeTL wrote:
Tue Jun 25, 2019 5:55 pm
I think the logo on a bottle opener and a business card is all I will need for attendees at Summer NAMM to remember my brand.
I think your guitars and basses will do that just fine 8) But a little extra swag never hurts either. If you ever make a run of some stickers, I'd happily send you a few bucks to have one to display in my garage ;)
Pickup Switching Mad Scientist
http://www.offsetguitars.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=104282&p=1438384#p1438384

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