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Hey guys. Been a while. I'm looking for more tool/jig ideas. Specifically, I'm looking for those that you don't necessarily need, but make a common task so much easier that you can't imagine not having it now. What's at the top of your list?

Got the stewmac vise. Haven't had it long, but.. wow.

I recently made a neck removal jig. I've done plenty of resets without - just clamps and cork backed blocks will still do the trick. But for the material cost (scrap and hardware) and the quick assembly time I cant believe I hadn't made one sooner. Being able to move the guitar freely is awesome.

I also made a shop vac hose holder that is more adjustable than I'll probably ever need, but its been great for quick easy dust collection anywhere you need it. Just put a wand in it, aim it and turn it on.

Those are my recent favorites. How about you guys? What saves time/makes life easier in your shop?

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Does anyone have a program that will print a template  from  a  late  sixties Martin fretboard with a rare 25.4 inch scale like a

  1969 N -20?. Please contact me with thanks. If you could print the template up and give me some exact measurements at the center 5th,9th,and 12th that would help me big time re-fret this replaced fretboard in my mock69N-20.Also the exact nut to center  saddle measurement is needed.Be great if you can give me these  in 32nds inches.This would help with thanks  fo sure to get things right. I tried to print a template  from Canadian luither school link but does not seem right so no frets slots are being cut till I find the problem. Was not getting the A string harmonic on the old neckso something was wrong.-Rob

Did you try the StewMac calculator? Fret Calculator

Best,

Doc

An un-sung hero in my shop is a keyless chuck on my drill press. Sounds silly but I love that thing every day.

Frequently drilling means, pilot hole, clearance hole, countersink.

I've had my keyless chuck for more than a decade. If I had to go back to a key now for every bit change, I think I'd quit!

Great suggestion, David. Thats exactly the kind of ideas I was after. Simple "upgrades" that save time. Thanks.

The most useful item in my workshop, alright shed, apart from the kettle is the single edge razor blade. I use them all the time for cutting trimming, removing paint, scraping finishes, removing dribbles and runs and much more. Wouldn't like to shave with one though.

Steve

Stewmac string height and neck relief gages plus a set of wire gages to measure string height over frets sizes 0.010 to .022 (guitar) and .020 to .040 (bass) In measurement there is consistency.

Considerably more elegant than mine!

That's what I use for checking nut heights on violins and cellos

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That's funny.... seems that most of us have the same little "go-to" gauges, but just in different configurations. Great minds, etc.

I really like the handles/holder setup you have there. Organazation is an amazing time saver all by itself. Thanks for the pic.

Here is a simple to make jig to help with lighting. Just two White laminate panels screwed together like a "T" in cross section. It reflects a lot of light and is good for reading straight edges.

A couple of examples; a 60's ES345 and Epiphone Caballero

Thanks, Paul. Looks like that could be useful too.

Keep the good ideas coming!

Here's one I'm never going back on. It's an outgrowth of this conversation. Lacquer curing fumes Thanks to the folks with suggestions in that thread.

 I spray lacquer outside but have humidified, heated air and don't want to live with off-gassing fumes. These work like a champ. 

Might be the best money I ever spent.

They make such a big difference in indoor air quality I keep the little slow one quietly running 24/7.

Even with no finish curing in the shop, if it is off overnight, the air is noticeably worse in the morning when I open the door.

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