#014 - Lou Shields Resonator update #2

So Regan's cousin came over to play and I had time to get a little more done.  Since its -284 fuckin degrees outside, I had to figure something out so I could work inside and not make such a mess.  My solution?  Duct tape a vacuum hose to my router.  I got the top bound, but realized I told lou to order 2 strips instead of 4, plus I ran out of tape.  I'll have to go pick up more of both tomorrow.  Here's a few pics for now.

#014 - Lou Shields Resonator Sound holes

Regan is upstairs with her grandparents right now, so I took advantage of the situation and got Lou's soundholes cut out.  They still need a little cleaning up to try and get them a little more mirrored, but they came out better than I expected.  When he first gave me the drawing, I thought it would be a nightmare, but he allowed me to simplify it slightly to account for the dremel bit.

#014 - Lou Shields Resonator neck update

Finished carving it with some help from CJ.  He asked me to teach him how to sand, so I let him rough sand the other half when I finished with the carving.  Here's a few pic, they don't come close to doing it justice.  It kept picking up too dark with the flash, its more of a chocolate brown tone than it looks here.

#014 - Lou Shields Resonator

Well right now I have the neck half carved.  Gotta take a break due to a sore wrist and shoulder.  Hand carving flamed claro walnut is a workout.  My stepson CJ wanted to take a few pics of me working for my site and his "instant gram" page, so I'll post a few of those.

#014 - Lou Shields Resophonic Adventure

Well, I forgot what I've posted about this again.  I got the 1/4" x 1/2" steel bar glued in last week, and the fretboard and faceplate glued on the other day but I'll have to check if I took pics of that step.  Today I cut the headstock and taper, and got it sanded on the belt sander to within range for shaping.  Probably will get started on that tomorrow, I've got a lot more cleaning to do around the house today, especially in my work area.  Here's some pics for now.

Sprite decided to come inspect my work.

#018 - Soprano Shitar (aka the Dook-alele)

 My girlfriend had me do this one for the white elephant gift exchange at her work, mainly as a means to get around the no soliciting policy they have which prevents me from leaving business cards there. We're hoping it catches some attention and gets me some business.

-Salvaged Birch body bound in cream plastic
-13.625" scale rosewood fretboard
-Rosewood bridge
-Salvaged 2x4 neck
-Overall length: 21"
-Widest point of body: 6.5"

#014 - Lou Shields Resophonic Adventure

Finished up the fretwork on this one too, and installed side markers.  Lou wanted something that he'd be able to see in the dark, so I came up with the idea of using steel nails.  They're pretty reflective in low light, so I think this will work well for him.

Lou opted not to do fretboard markers, just side dots.