When I saw the title of this video and then saw the clip of the table saw in the intro, I almost switched off. But I am so glad I watched it all the way through because there are a number of pearls of wisdom in there with regard to other methods and tools. And anyway just the humour alone makes it worthwhile! Thanks a lot for this channel I really enjoy it.
Totally agree with your views on forearm contour. Usually I skip guitars with binding because they always dig in to your forearm and it gets to me after a while ;-) When I build my own guitars I also alter the angle like you do, it is just more natural.
Good to hear...I have read a lot of controversy on the TDPRI forum over the years...never made sense to argue about such things. Now...CNC vs Pin Router...that is a good argument! ;-)
That is fast! You are way more educated and experienced on table saws than me. Seeing as they statistically remove a finger a day in the USA, I need to just tough out with rasps and Japanese razor tooth files.
All power tools require respect and proper use. People should use tools they are comfortable with...or seek proper education to get learn how to use tools safely.
my friend built a les paul style guitar, but he put in a belly cut and a small forearm comfort cut. looks gret, very much like a prs . sound great too. i dont think the cuts had an affect on the tone
NOPE! Not even close. Believe me...you would have seen sparks! What you heard was a fence slightly out of adjustment and the trailing side of the blade cutting more that the leading side cut...just by a hair.
First guitar build is going on right now from a kit. Already bored with it, so going to start the next build from scratch, at least the body. And it will have a contour on it. Yes, build it the way you want. 1st step to this build, ordering your templates.
Hi mate, just discovered your channel. I've just started building guitars, completed my first kit and pre-made component build and I've now moved onto a rough-cut P-Bass body build which needs full contouring. I intended to use the Shinto Rasp, I must admit I've kinda fallen in love with it and I was toying with the idea of angle grinders and fancy discs as I've spent most of my working life in the motor restoration business so I'm a bit familiar with their wily ways then finishing up with traditional methods. I've subscribed and look forward to going through your videos
Steve: Talk about heresy. Im going to do something like this on a las paul special. Although it will be a fairly minimal coutour, really just a very rounded edge and belly relief. I'm a little scared. What do you think?
Demonick would indicate some rebellious tendency, so I'm not surprized. Go for it, besides belly and forearm contours on tele's, I 've done same to a TV-Jnr, " it just needed it", result: very comfortable now
@ I really dig the “tail” point on the F10, and the way the top contours with the shape as opposed to the traditional carve tops sloping center outward. Once I finish building my Jazz bass I’m thinking about attempting this design.
Yes you were lying, I did one with a chop saw, way way quicker than making a jig etc., however, I live in England so quite far to the east of you. Can be done easily with a handsaw too. Keep the offcut for testing finishes, etc. Wear a dust mask, gloves and hearing protection too.
A forearm contour to a Les Paul wouldn't look right IMO. Other than a CNC...I haven't figured out a great way to do the belly cut without a lot of handwork. OK...I figured it out...and have the parts...but I have not had the time to build and test my idea. Maybe someday.
But did you hit the bell? Wait...that reminds me that I forgot to ask people to subscribe again in that video. How on earth did you figure that out? ;-)
Just almost finished hacking one out with rasp, file and sandpaper then I see the. Damn. But I do not have kit to make jigs nor a table saw to cut it, so , thats life. am cotent.
Great video. I'm building a version of the neck contouring jig and I'm a bit unsure how to rig up the wheel on left side and the knob on the right to lock the jig in place. Would you make a short video discussing which parts to use?
Thanks. Did you ask me that question on my other video? I know I read that question recently...but probably didn't respond. Sorry. I was thinking about doing a live video on that jig...so people could ask question in real time while I have the jig on the bench...but that has not happened. I got the handle off Amazon...but it had like a 1/2" or 5/8" hole...and I was using 1/4-20 rod for the center axis. So I made my way up the Boulder Colorado to visit the world famous McGuckin Hardware...and found a bronze bushing that I was able to press perfectly into the handle hole...and it just happened to have a 1/4" center hole. Sometimes it is hard to find what you need online...and just need to go into the old town hardware store and search through the bins.
It would be a hard jig to make and sell to people. The reason why is that everyone has different saws...with different specs. I have a Baileigh 12" table saw...which is the same saw as the Grizzly G0696X...which allows me to make more shallow forearm contours. But the jig rides on the fence...which can be different for saw model. At this point, I'm willing to make custom jigs, tools, and templates for people...but one off items can be more expensive than what would make sense for most people. If you want to talk about custom production...feel free to email or call me. My contact info in listed on my website. maximumguitarworks.com
Yes...I found that video. I'm trying to figure out a jig for the belly cut...but the table saw for the forearm contour is the ticket. Really fast and easy.
Great video, as always. I really want to try the table or band saw methods for comfort contours (I recall BigD uses a bandsaw to but his forearm contours). Side note: Shinto is pronounced shin-tow, not shin-too. It's also the name of Japan's most prominent religion.
Thanks Philip. One of my specialties is mispronouncing things. I sometime do it on purpose...and some time I make up words for fun. Which is a game that leaves me confused often as to what is actually correct. Feel free to keep me straight on future videos. ;-)
Thanks for that. The reason I don't play the Tele is because it doesn't have the contour. I look like an even bigger idiot when the power chord etc doesn't happen because of the thick edge. I just put a Jim Dunlop Tele bridge pickup in my Strat Plus back in 1989.
The thing I usually post in response to those who have a cow over someone else's guitar is: #CalmDownItsNotYourGuitar 😁👍 Personally, I don't have a preference for forearm cuts. It doesn't even, bother me if there isn't one. I actually prefer to play a LP-style guitar over a Strat-style despite there being no contours. I'm sure if I checked my Silvertone S-style guitars, I'm sure they'd both have a different forearm cut than what you're showing on yours or Fenders lol.
That would be appropriate for sure. I need one when people criticize a RUclips video that someone else spent hours creating to try to help others. I really do not like social media...although I have also generated some good friends from people I have met through some social media.
Not sure what you mean? I you thinking the blade hit the clamp? Some other commenter thought that too a couple months ago. That is a steel clamp...if it hit...you would have seen sparks. The blade looked closer in the camera angle than it was. I had about 1/2" clearance. The sounds you heard was the trailing edge of the blade coming out of the cut.
When I saw the title of this video and then saw the clip of the table saw in the intro, I almost switched off. But I am so glad I watched it all the way through because there are a number of pearls of wisdom in there with regard to other methods and tools. And anyway just the humour alone makes it worthwhile! Thanks a lot for this channel I really enjoy it.
I like that. If I'm building a guitar I can make it the way I want. I did just that, the tele I made for myself has both contours.
Love your videos!
Not a fender guy but I do enjoy watching people work on guitars so... 👍
Totally agree with your views on forearm contour. Usually I skip guitars with binding because they always dig in to your forearm and it gets to me after a while ;-) When I build my own guitars I also alter the angle like you do, it is just more natural.
Glad to hear I'm not alone. although I do like the looks of binding on some guitars...with a good forearm contour it still feels fine.
@@maximumguitarworks Yes, it's the german carve that get's you in trouble ;-)
I am a wood worker thinking about making guitars ( I don't play ) a great way to remove a lot of wood fast is using a scrub plane.
I've used the block plane for this work in the past but the table saw method is amazing, Thank you
I still use the block plane...but this speeds up the process with better repeatability. That is a win!
cabinet scrapers . i use a shinto file to het the bulk off, a small number 2 plane to smooth it, then a cabinet scraper to get it ultra smooth
I just did a belly cut and forearm bevel with an orbital sander
Works really well
That is a fine looking set up Steve.
I think even dyed in the wool Tele nerds like the forearm cut.
Good to hear...I have read a lot of controversy on the TDPRI forum over the years...never made sense to argue about such things. Now...CNC vs Pin Router...that is a good argument! ;-)
@@maximumguitarworks There is nothing to argue about there either... one is super sexy and the other is, well, CNC
Lol! Very impressive. Hats off! 30 sec! And the setup before the punchline!
Simple and fast can also be fun.
That is fast! You are way more educated and experienced on table saws than me. Seeing as they statistically remove a finger a day in the USA, I need to just tough out with rasps and Japanese razor tooth files.
All power tools require respect and proper use. People should use tools they are comfortable with...or seek proper education to get learn how to use tools safely.
Safe, fast, and repeatable. Love it.
You have that right! Faster that my CNC...although the CNC can do the roundover too. But I love this jig.
my friend built a les paul style guitar, but he put in a belly cut and a small forearm comfort cut. looks gret, very much like a prs . sound great too. i dont think the cuts had an affect on the tone
Well done!
Next, let’s see a vid on the fastest belly cut in the west!
Thanks. The belly cut could be a challenge to figure that out. My head hurts just thinking about how that could be done. Too much math.
@@maximumguitarworks Similar jig on a bandsaw?
Ryan went out on his own and only seems to post builds to Instagram now...haven't seen any new workshop videos.
I like the idea, I've never been a fan of telecasters bc they are uncomfortable.
20:37 , got a piece of the clamp there, didn't ya
NOPE! Not even close. Believe me...you would have seen sparks! What you heard was a fence slightly out of adjustment and the trailing side of the blade cutting more that the leading side cut...just by a hair.
Any chance that you could go thru shaping the tummy cut and heel relief as well?
Great video! What disc are you using on on the large angle grinder? Those jigs
are amazing.
Great vid Steve! I’m wondering if you would consider putting a handle on that dragon file.. otherwise I can’t watch! 😵😬
Yeah...that would be smart, huh?
What would be the best way to round over the edge after you make the cut? Would it done by hand?
I dig it ! Thanks for your time sir .
Great vid! Nice tools! Perfect bevel. Nice work! I'll sharpen up my block plane and give it a try.
Just sharpened my block plane the other day...I certainly don't do that enough.
First guitar build is going on right now from a kit. Already bored with it, so going to start the next build from scratch, at least the body. And it will have a contour on it. Yes, build it the way you want. 1st step to this build, ordering your templates.
Nice video! Cool idea with the jig and table saw
I took the idea from someone else...tweaked for my needs. I love it!
Wish I had one of these when I was working on my forearm contour for a while today with my rasp!
I wish I had it years ago! ;-)
Could you not also do the belly cut with the tablesaw in the same way? Thanks for the vid.
Brilliant!
Impressive process!
Hi mate, just discovered your channel. I've just started building guitars, completed my first kit and pre-made component build and I've now moved onto a rough-cut P-Bass body build which needs full contouring.
I intended to use the Shinto Rasp, I must admit I've kinda fallen in love with it and I was toying with the idea of angle grinders and fancy discs as I've spent most of my working life in the motor restoration business so I'm a bit familiar with their wily ways then finishing up with traditional methods.
I've subscribed and look forward to going through your videos
Damn right sir, make it comfortable. Best :-)
And the back side for stratocaster?? How 🤔 ❓ 🤔
I still don’t understand why Leo didn’t introduce contours to the Tele seeing as every other instrument Fender produced had them
I think Leo thought interest in the Telecaster would eventually die out after Strat, JazzM, etc. were released.
I always thought that IS how it's done :D
maybe it was back in the day...not sure. I didn't invent it...but I made it work perfectly for my needs.
Table Saw for the WIN!
Not even close!
Steve: Talk about heresy. Im going to do something like this on a las paul special. Although it will be a fairly minimal coutour, really just a very rounded edge and belly relief. I'm a little scared. What do you think?
Perfect!!!
Thanks Julian. Nothing is perfect...but it is excellent. ;-)
I thought the disc grinder was quick... But this is damn quick.
And a lot less dust I think...
Forearm contour, belly cut and neck heel contour are the new features of Fender ultra series.
Oh boy, some people would probably not like my Tele/ESP F-10 body shaping idea I plan to do on my custom Tele build. 😅
Demonick would indicate some rebellious tendency, so I'm not surprized. Go for it, besides belly and forearm contours on tele's, I 've done same to a TV-Jnr, " it just needed it", result: very comfortable now
@ I really dig the “tail” point on the F10, and the way the top contours with the shape as opposed to the traditional carve tops sloping center outward. Once I finish building my Jazz bass I’m thinking about attempting this design.
WOW, Amazing. You are Good. haha
Yes you were lying, I did one with a chop saw, way way quicker than making a jig etc., however, I live in England so quite far to the east of you. Can be done easily with a handsaw too. Keep the offcut for testing finishes, etc. Wear a dust mask, gloves and hearing protection too.
A guitar should not hurt you. Point! :-) Thanks for your great videos!
True! Thanks for the comment.
Would you consider doing this and a belly contour to a les Paul?
A forearm contour to a Les Paul wouldn't look right IMO. Other than a CNC...I haven't figured out a great way to do the belly cut without a lot of handwork. OK...I figured it out...and have the parts...but I have not had the time to build and test my idea. Maybe someday.
I feel my guitar IQ going up every video I watch!
hey man keep up the great content, I just subscribed!
But did you hit the bell? Wait...that reminds me that I forgot to ask people to subscribe again in that video. How on earth did you figure that out? ;-)
Just almost finished hacking one out with rasp, file and sandpaper then I see the. Damn. But I do not have kit to make jigs nor a table saw to cut it, so , thats life. am cotent.
Great video.
I'm building a version of the neck contouring jig and I'm a bit unsure how to rig up the wheel on left side and the knob on the right to lock the jig in place. Would you make a short video discussing which parts to use?
Thanks. Did you ask me that question on my other video? I know I read that question recently...but probably didn't respond. Sorry. I was thinking about doing a live video on that jig...so people could ask question in real time while I have the jig on the bench...but that has not happened. I got the handle off Amazon...but it had like a 1/2" or 5/8" hole...and I was using 1/4-20 rod for the center axis. So I made my way up the Boulder Colorado to visit the world famous McGuckin Hardware...and found a bronze bushing that I was able to press perfectly into the handle hole...and it just happened to have a 1/4" center hole. Sometimes it is hard to find what you need online...and just need to go into the old town hardware store and search through the bins.
@@maximumguitarworks yes I did ask. Even a quick pencil sketch of the parts would be great if you have a few mins. Thanks again.
Great ideal. Can you sell the jig?
It would be a hard jig to make and sell to people. The reason why is that everyone has different saws...with different specs. I have a Baileigh 12" table saw...which is the same saw as the Grizzly G0696X...which allows me to make more shallow forearm contours. But the jig rides on the fence...which can be different for saw model.
At this point, I'm willing to make custom jigs, tools, and templates for people...but one off items can be more expensive than what would make sense for most people.
If you want to talk about custom production...feel free to email or call me. My contact info in listed on my website. maximumguitarworks.com
@@maximumguitarworks I didn't think about that, Thanks. Where do you get your stainless inserts and bolts from?
I want a my tele to have a belly cut and an arm cut
Think it's Big D that cuts contours but with a bandsaw. - also the belly cut.
Yes...I found that video. I'm trying to figure out a jig for the belly cut...but the table saw for the forearm contour is the ticket. Really fast and easy.
How about an electric planer, then a belt sander?
That's how I will do it.
There are many ways to do the job. I am always looking for ways to do things more efficiently with greater repeatability.
Great video, as always. I really want to try the table or band saw methods for comfort contours (I recall BigD uses a bandsaw to but his forearm contours). Side note: Shinto is pronounced shin-tow, not shin-too. It's also the name of Japan's most prominent religion.
Thanks Philip. One of my specialties is mispronouncing things. I sometime do it on purpose...and some time I make up words for fun. Which is a game that leaves me confused often as to what is actually correct. Feel free to keep me straight on future videos. ;-)
@@maximumguitarworks Just how they talk in Coloradoo!
@@palm444 Coloradah
Thanks for that.
The reason I don't play the Tele is because it doesn't have the contour. I look like an even bigger idiot when the power chord etc doesn't happen because of the thick edge. I just put a Jim Dunlop Tele bridge pickup in my Strat Plus back in 1989.
The thing I usually post in response to those who have a cow over someone else's guitar is: #CalmDownItsNotYourGuitar 😁👍
Personally, I don't have a preference for forearm cuts. It doesn't even, bother me if there isn't one. I actually prefer to play a LP-style guitar over a Strat-style despite there being no contours. I'm sure if I checked my Silvertone S-style guitars, I'm sure they'd both have a different forearm cut than what you're showing on yours or Fenders lol.
That would be appropriate for sure. I need one when people criticize a RUclips video that someone else spent hours creating to try to help others. I really do not like social media...although I have also generated some good friends from people I have met through some social media.
@@maximumguitarworks I know exactly whatg you mean. Can't stand it, either. I use it for guitar groups. That's it lol.
How is your clamp recovering from the injury? LOL :)
Not sure what you mean? I you thinking the blade hit the clamp? Some other commenter thought that too a couple months ago. That is a steel clamp...if it hit...you would have seen sparks. The blade looked closer in the camera angle than it was. I had about 1/2" clearance. The sounds you heard was the trailing edge of the blade coming out of the cut.
@@maximumguitarworks Yes, I thought so because of the sound it happened to make just where the clamp moved above the blade.
oh yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!
Thanks Marc...success is fun.
Watching these angle grinders biting into the wood made me nervous, I admit. 😅
Yeah...it is a commitment for sure. The more powerful the tool...the faster you can mess up! ;-)
Ridiculously faster than any method
A lot of feathers before you got to the meat, but a great presentation nevertheless.
Traditions are there to be broken.
No mask?
Just grab it with both hands and head over to your belt sender. 30 seconds, DONE.
fastest forearm 23 mins long