Truss rod channel using hand tools only

May 27, 2022 5:38 AM

handtoolbuilds

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111761

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999

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How I cut a truss rod channel using only hand tools. Most of the work is done with a 6mm chisel, before moving onto the router plane.

In channel rod we, trusst

4 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Something something truss rod in your moms channel…

4 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

My favorite stuff. Lutherie, woodworking and handtools!

4 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Today I learned what a Truss Rod is for.

4 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

(watches him cut channel with chisel) "you know there is a plane you can use to cut groves like that" (uses it) "oh" (reads description)"oh"

4 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

The chisel is a little faster and is a great way to establish the channel. The router plane is the satisfying part though!

4 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

My dad was a luthier when he was younger. I can remember him taking logs and turning them into guitars using nothing but hand tools.

4 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

If, if only there was a tool for this

4 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I know right! Think of all the time I could save!

4 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

4 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Nice, but I am lazy and would of just used me mill for this...

4 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I would love to have a mill!

4 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

One of the benefits of growing up with parents that worked making moulds for metal foundries. But, they way you are doing it is great. 1/2

4 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Besides, chisels are the under rated tool of the tool box. Using one right shows true craftsmanship.

4 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

This is super slow even in time lapse!

4 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I know it would be much faster with power tools, I enjoy the process though.

4 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Measure once, cut twice!

4 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Just checked out your builds. Beast, keep it up.

4 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Thank you! I'm busy editing my current, almost complete, build. I'm very proud of how it's turning out.

4 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Great woodworking. I’m planning on building a shortscale bass body from scratch as I have a neck and pickups

4 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Good luck! The cavities are a challenge, but it's a rewarding experience.

4 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

OMG. I thought this was solid wood. You put so much effort into this. As it’s my first proper build I’ll probably just use a slab

4 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Maybe a semi hollow someday but bit to advanced for me now. Much nicer than having a pick guard or access for control cavity on the back

4 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Is the end result somehow better than if you used power tools?

4 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

No. A power router will do it faster and cleaner. I build to relax though, and there's nothing relaxing about a power router!

4 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

This is the way. I have a few old instruments (1890s-1940s) when they were mostly all handmade. Absolutely incredible craftsmanship.

4 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Nothing beats playing the first power chord through a Marshall amp on an electric guitar that was built without using any electricity :)

4 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I did that on the first electric I build, before getting a router. Looks waaay easier in this video than it was for me at the time.

4 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

The magic of video editing makes it look easier. Luckily I enjoy the challenge.

4 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Is there a yiutube channel

4 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Fun Fact- A dude once said "fuck this noise, let's do it the easy way" and invented the fender stratocaster

4 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

I don’t trust this.

4 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

Oh fuck work that wood.

4 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Why is this so satisfying?

4 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Nice chisel!

4 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

I'm very happy with the Narex chisels!

4 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

4 years ago | Likes 51 Dislikes 6

I never not laugh at this. Plus one for you

4 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 1

Amen

4 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

For anyone wondering, a truss rod does in the neck of a guitar to allow you to adjust the bow in the neck. Caused by string tension

4 years ago | Likes 389 Dislikes 4

I thought they made a storage spot for their metal rod, thanks

4 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

And banjos. Don't forget the banjos! ?

4 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Like to add that it's used in electric and steel stringed guitars, but not nylon guitars since the tension from nylon strings is lower.

4 years ago | Likes 18 Dislikes 0

And because the neck is much thicker.

4 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 0

Got to admit, took me longer than it should have to realize it's NOT a youtube channel dedicated to hand tools.

4 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Step one: don’t work with employees who use a chisel as a paint can opener.

4 years ago | Likes 7 Dislikes 0

Step two: use employees head to close paint can?

4 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

Lmaooo

4 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

I'm not much of a handyman but I know that's what a flathead screwdriver is for.

4 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Are we just going to watch someone play with their wood?

4 years ago | Likes 156 Dislikes 5

Shhhhhh im busy

4 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

I’d say based off the types and amounts of certain websites, yes.

4 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

I truss him to hand my tool and channel my rod

4 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

It’s okay, I’m learning while watching

4 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Playing with my wood relaxes me and helps me sleep. I try to do it every night.

4 years ago | Likes 39 Dislikes 0

As you should

4 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

4 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

Only when they try to truss their rod in

4 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Props on the commitment!

4 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

6mm ≈ 240 thousandths of an inch

4 years ago | Likes 20 Dislikes 3

"24 hundredths" would be the same but simpler and "about 1/4th" would be the easiest to imagine.

4 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

6mm is pretty easy to imagine. AND it doesn't need any fractions to work with.

4 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 1

There’s actually a unit for it - a mil is a thousandth of an inch. Very frustrating as an engineer when people shorten millimeter to mil…

4 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

10cc = Amazing Band

4 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Thanks, UCB, that "240 thousandths of an inch" will come in handy to know.

4 years ago | Likes 12 Dislikes 0

“…or the thickness of one pickle from a McDonald’s™ bigmac!” -Americans

4 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

But.... routers...

4 years ago | Likes 36 Dislikes 1

Routers are for posers. Chisels all day.

4 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 2

I want one with WiFi 6e

4 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

No, this is so much neater and cleaner. Didn't you see those razor-sharp chisel lines?

4 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 2

Apparently you’re using dull router bits.

4 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

I would be if the end result looked worse than this.

4 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Lol! You can use a knife and straight edge first to cut clean edges, then chop out the middle

4 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

I have a Bosch rotary knife that has a built-in straight edge for just such an occasion.

4 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

And today I learned about a new tool, I'm going to have to try one of those, thanks!

4 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Uhh...I was trying to make a joke about using a router.

4 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

You're a router!

4 years ago | Likes 12 Dislikes 1

I'll show you a router!

4 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

are expensive

4 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Chisels get rediculously expensive. Especially if you're talking about professional craft stuff. Router would save a lot of money

4 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

If making guitars, pretty sure dude can afford. Not THAT expensive.

4 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Unfortunately good hand tools can be even more expensive than power tools.

4 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

*looks at 5k worth of hand tools collecting dust in his storage unit*. Sigh. Yep.

4 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Look at their name.

4 years ago | Likes 15 Dislikes 0

One could argue that a router is a hand tool.

4 years ago | Likes 5 Dislikes 1

The thing he uses to clean the channel is a router plane but a power router is not a hand tool. You’d use a router table for a truss slot.

4 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

You need a plow plane if you’re going to continue making that slot with only hand tools

4 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Normally I would use it, but to avoid a knot I had the center line running slightly diagonal and I was too lazy to square up the side again.

4 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

Hot glue a board to it with a shim at one end to make it parallel to your centerline

4 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Do you just enjoy the method/craft of using hand tools as opposed to using a router?

4 years ago | Likes 6 Dislikes 0

Hand tools often afford more control and precision. I can get near drill press straightness with my eggbeater hand drill.

4 years ago | Likes 3 Dislikes 0

Hell yes! For me, building is about relaxation. I often enjoy the process more than the result.

4 years ago | Likes 12 Dislikes 0

makes sense. Cool stuff. I am embarking on my own first wood working project (kitchen cabinets) and cannot imagine doing it by hand lol

4 years ago | Likes 4 Dislikes 0

I'm a diy-er (so very different vibes) but I used a chisel for the first time recently and now I want to chisel everything! It's super

4 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0

relaxing and satisfying. Sadly my house renovation to sell doesn't require much nuanced work. But thinking of taking it up as a hobby. Any

4 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

suggestions on "easy" first projects for a newbie like me? Also I'll check out your YT channel. Thanks for the cool post. :)

4 years ago | Likes 1 Dislikes 0

Look up Paul Sellers on youtube, as well as his site commonwoodworking.com. He got me started.

4 years ago | Likes 2 Dislikes 0