A VISIT TO JIM OLSON'S SHOP - 5
A nice set of Brazilian Rosewood.
Precision is an ever present concern for any guitarmaker, and Jim's
work is remarkable for its precision.
Just a few of the routers Jim uses. Typically he will set up
a router for a certain job and use it just for that job. This increases
the investment in routers but saves a lot of time and increases precision.
More routers -- these are for cutting the purfling and binding ledges
on the back of guitar bodies. They are mounted in jigs made by Jim
which are very similar to those sold (or at least, plans and parts) by
LMI.
This jig is for bending sides. Jim has four, one for each body
shape. Jim uses silicone rubber heating blankets made by Watlow
to provide the necessary heat, and the various clamps hold the sides in
place.
Jim recently bought a laser engraving and cutting tool, and to demonstrate
it to me, he made this nice little sign. It took maybe 5 minutes,
and the lettering is cut very cleanly to a uniform depth. Quite
amazing!!!
This website and all of its content, text and images are copyright ©1997-2004 by Charles A. Hoffman. All rights reserved.