3 Gouges that every Guitar Builder needs in their Workshop - Tool Tuesday

[@stephendixon8575]

Please, please listen pack to the audio at 2:22 - Now I know you almost certainly said, it was the most important gouge in ‘a luthier’s arsenal’ but, however many times I’ve played it back, it still sounds like you said "the most important gouge in a luthier’s arsehole!". Apologies for for my ashamedly childish humour, but the tears rolling down my cheeks compelled me to pass this on! Obviously I’m easily pleased, but you made my day 👏👏👏

[@leemccomish1923]

A world unknown to me, until now. Thanks for posting

[@murfbass]

That was a surprisingly focused discussion, Ben. Thank you.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

I am.. trying to keep myself in check.. also Talitha is getting better at removing the unnecessary waffle.. we make a great team. Thanks for watching. B

[@MrRichadlam]

Suggestion for a new build series / challenge that isn't time based. You should have a limit to the number of tools you start with, say your choice of 10. The build should be a fairly challenging from scratch build. You are allowed to use as many extra tools as you want during the build (I know you wont be able to resist!), but for each extra tool added you have to do some kind of forfeit / change the guitar design (to be decided by one of your employees / students selected at random each time) this could make for some interesting problem solving when working with basic tools, or some very funny videos with some (potentially evil) forfeits!

[@glennwhitlock1272]

Nice. Sharp. I'm not allowed sharp things 🥺. Mrs. Crowe's holdall at airport security=swimming costumes X 4, evening wear X various. Ben's holdall=58 gouges. Rock 'n' roll. 🤘

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

I truly would feel naked if I didn't have at least one sharp implement on me at all times.. since my intellect surely doesn't count it has to be a pocket knife, multi-tool or 58 wood carving gouges ;) B

[@camilofreydell8232]

Ben, I drool at how sharp and perfectly cutting your gouges and chisels are, is there a way you could do a video on how to sharpen them without special appendages?

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Hey Camilo, thank you.. I've spent a lot time experimenting with different techniques and a few of them are already in videos.. I am going to reshoot a bunch now though so watch this space.. or I should say check out the side channel kzbin.info/door/GEww2nhBs9qT-hfL3QuqSQ Thanks for your support! B

[@stevesowerby3333]

Many moons ago I worked for Henry Taylor tools and I loved making gouges. Great company. Gorgeous carving tools. 😁👍

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

That is a very very cool thing to have on ones resume.. the tool maker is the makers rock star in much the same way that the luthier is the rock stars rock star! B

[@stevesowerby3333]

@@CrimsonCustomGuitars Thanks Ben 😊👍

[@svendiagraham]

I am curious about saw usage and choice for specific tasks in a build. Possibly something along the lines of essential saws for guitar building. Both machine and hand saws. I really love the tool tip episodes and they seem to come and go randomly.

[@LRBerry]

I really enjoy videos like this because I've always been fascinated by watching what can be done with the right tools, materials, knowledge and skill. Also, I love seeing vintage tools as I wonder what they have been used for in the past, what were they used to make? My fascination just goes on and on. I'd like to see a video on the planes.

[@scottedelen5325]

Damn. Tool Tuesday Broke Wednesday I love it!

[@Jessica.Amelia]

I totally agree with those three. I also use a large (1”?) in-cannell gouge for doing volutes, and the swept gouge from LMII for doing ne k heels. Add those two to yr set and I’m totally there.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

I agree with your additions.. I've never really played with gouges for neck carving but feel I am missing out somehow! B

[@Jessica.Amelia]

@@CrimsonCustomGuitars the swept gouge I was talking about is probably more useful for neck heels on acoustics than electrics but I just like using it.

[@bobvines00]

Ben, could you simply go through all woodworking tools from basic to specialized. I'm not a woodworker, but certainly do appreciate the skill required after years of watching Carpenters & Cabinetmakers, et al. on TV & now on KZbin. If you don't want to make such a long series, please go through _all_ tools needed for _guitar_ building, along with the ones that aren't _needed_ but really make things easier or faster or more accurate. My skills are more of the Machinist & Blacksmith skills, and I tend to " _over_ do it" using micrometers, etc., i.e., working to 0.001-in. (0.0254 mm) just because I can even when not needed!

[@ThomasMoore.1]

Delighted you made this video. I have wanted an answer to this question for a long time. Thanks

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

My pleasure! B

[@x9x9x9x9x9]

I always forget how much I love this channel. Its really weird. I will watch for a few weeks then slowly stop for some reason then a few months later a title will catch my eye (the guitar pick one) and I will be reminded how much I love this channel and then in a few months I will probably stop watching and the cycle will repeat.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

hey.. I'm glad you always come back.. I have the same relationship with a number of channels, there is a point where you can have too much of a good thing I suppose? Also doing it this way you get to binge watch a new series or something which is always fun imo. Thanks for your support. B

[@gramursowanfaborden5820]

i feel like i helped inspire this video, this makes me happy. carving with gouges is one of my favourite things. look at that bag! i don't want to sound threatening, but it's a good job i don't know where you live, i would be tempted.

[@jonathanoakey4745]

Thank you, I don't know if this was inspired by my comment on the last video but it directly addressed it! I may need to buy myself some gouges now.. :)

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Hey Jonathan.. glad to help, it may well have been your comment.. I was trying to figure out what to do for Tool Tuesday and while talking with Talitha this just popped into my head fully formed.. and since I see all the comments I think it safe to say yours stuck in my mind! Thanks. B

[@ryanwilson5936]

Great stuff Ben! These videos have been very informative for people like me that are just starting out. I’m going the acoustic route though. I think it would be helpful to see bench-top alternatives to floor standing machines such as drill presses and band saws and such. Have a good day!

[@robinfawcett7973]

Dont think I've seen a gouge in use on a GGBO vid - people have trouble sharpening the curved blades. I asked my grandad how to sharpen them and he said "Practice, Patience & Persistence lad"!

[@NicoViergever]

What would i like to hear more about? In general I just about like any topic you come up with; very interesting! But I watched a video by Will's Easy Guitar where he discussed types of woods in terms of hydrophilic (e.g. maple) and hydrophobic (e.g. rosewood) woods. Could you discuss the properties of different types of woods and consequences, e.g. for finishing options?

[@jacksolomon451]

The biggest gouge is Gibson pricing amirite? I'll throw myself out.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

All that marketing and back pedalling has to be paid for somehow :) B

[@brocktechnology]

I was gonna say stew-mac but you were first.

[@tonesdeaf]

I'd like to see a vid on sharpening gouges - or have you already done that one ?

[@kennethluebberke8216]

On the shotgun style build, the fretboard could be a multiple wood (like ebony and a slightly lighter color wood) down the length for a barrel like look. Just a thought. Can't wait for that build! Cheers on tool Tuesday.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

I really am looking forward to that one myself.. it will take a LOT of time but should be awesome in the end. B

[@kennethluebberke8216]

@@CrimsonCustomGuitars I think your fans would be happy with a long build again. I really have enjoyed the meticulous longer builds. Look forward to each vid.

[@StingrayForLife]

2:22 - It took me a couple of times until i heard arsenal instead of *rsehole :D

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

you can actually see, in the youtube stats for this video, a short spike where people have rewound that bit a few times!! I love it :) B

[@markgordon4368]

I have two, I use them a lot 👍

[@kayosiiii]

hmmm, my favourite gouge for removing material quickly, is a 13mm 8 guage, I don't have 18mm 6 guage but I do have a 5 guage and that one is *way* slower at removing material. Also question where does one aquire bevel inside guages? Lets say that individual that wishes to aquire said gouge lives about as far away from the UK as humanly possible.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

I've had a lot of luck with ebay in the past.. you can always take a standard gouge and very slowly to avoid over heating the steel grind it flat and then reverse the grind.. or go to www.vintagetoolshop.com and hope we have some in stock.. we ship worldwide :) B

[@scaira60]

Ben that was helpful, I bout 2 gouges last year I think one was a #6

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

glad to be of service.. gouges are one of those things that people often buy loads of at the start and then are disappointed when they are little used.. not that I want to promote frugality with tool buying if I really think about it :) B

[@scaira60]

Hey Ben, I just built my first electric guitar a tele style from scratch, but after I assembled it I noticed the neck is way too thick like a baseball bat. My question is how much height of the neck is supposed too stick out of the pocket above the body? I tried to use the normal 5/8” deep pocket but my neck is sticking up almost a 1/4” above the body so I had too adjust the saddles all the way up to the highest I could go. Thanks Ben. Scott

[@RainMakeR_Workshop]

No6 Straight Gouge and No4 Straight Gouge is easy enough to search for online. But an actual name rather than a description would be easier for online shopping for the 3rd one.

[@jeremycraft8452]

I say, “‘just’ building guitars;” it is the highest art form, of course.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

One of.. but thanks.. I still think there is more detailed and difficult work in making a good chair tbh.. maybe I should have a go to see? B

[@alihaggis78]

I encountered the radius problem when routing out pickup cavities for my bass. Ended up making my own 6mm radius chisel from some drill rod and a file handle.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

I sincerely admire your mind!! (there was no way to say that that didn't come out weird sorry..) B

[@alihaggis78]

@@CrimsonCustomGuitars sometimes when you need a tool you just have to make a tool

[@tomandolin9623]

I still want to see a wedged wooden hand plane set-up and use video! please.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

This is a very good idea.. subscribe to the Crimson Guitars Extras channel and I will see what I can do.. B kzbin.info/door/GEww2nhBs9qT-hfL3QuqSQvideos

[@jamesmacdougall9862]

Question: So for some cruel reason, the only gouges available at Lee Valley are odd number gouges, whereas you recommend 6 and 4. In your opinion, for simple carved tops, should I go with a 7 and 5, or a 5 and 3? Thanks Ben!!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

7 and 3 actually would be awesome.. a bit tighter and a bit flatter respectively and you will get the job done well. B

[@petecoates6410]

Very timely Ben - thanks ! Just about to do my first hand carved maple cap. Any brands to look for ? Or will a cheap Chinese 1” carving gouge carefully sharpened and honed get me through? Or am I going to hate myself for cheaping out ?

[@petecoates6410]

Well. A day later and i find myself having ordered a sweep 6 and 4 ashely isles and learning how to razor sharp an old Chaloners pattern makers gouge. Guitar making ......its a rabbit hole and a half !!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

perfect choice.. cheap chinese gouge would have never held its edge for you. Happy Carvings! B

[@walterrider9600]

thank you Ben

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

My pleasure! B

[@scguitars]

Didn't know I needed a macaroni gouge until today 😅🤣 in all seriousness these will be useful when I go back to fix my GGBO build. Great info as always 😁Here, Ben? I have hit a wall with producing new content until I get more £$€. Would you be mad if I took 'inspiration' from your pick video and made a video of making multi laminate picks out of scrap wood veneers? Of course I'll meantion your fantastic video 😅 ~Steven

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Hey Dude, if I ever get mad at someone taking inspiration from my work then I really need to be taken out back and quietly disposed of.. I get a huge kick out of seeing what you and other people like you do so please, make away! As for the gouge.. macaroni, flutearoni and various others have such cool names that they never make it into my tool shop, I just have to have them all to myself :) B

[@scguitars]

@@CrimsonCustomGuitars from the man himself so if anyone complains at me for copying content I have the screenshots 😅😅 Just some busy work until I get back on track and will give people at least something to watch 😁 have my new kit ready to go. Just need the hardware! It'll be an interesting one that's for sure... an interesting disaster 🤣 ~Steven

[@LockStoppageSandwich]

I am 100% sure I saw some fluteroni on the shelf. Whilst out food shopping a few hours back

[@mattyburrows9059]

.legend has it Ben carved the mayan crystal skulls

[@davep2075]

How about finger planes? Do you use them

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

every now and then I do.. I really want to make a few at that. B

[@SmartiePantsShop]

Can you tell my significant other that I should have a full set of Crimson tools... I think coming from you it might be believed ..

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

certainly, I am a bit biased, but PaulDeano's other half.. you have to give in and let him have a full set of Crimson Tools, you want him to be happy don't you? Tell you what, email me with proof of ID and I'll sort out a personal discount coupon and signed (sic) levelling file or something to sweeten the deal! B

[@SmartiePantsShop]

@@CrimsonCustomGuitars oh man... I gotta show her this now!

[@frankmormon2503]

I do deserve them!! I do !

[@T0tenkampf]

You didn't mention what # the small inside ground gouge is...#8 or so?

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

I'm not really sure tbh.. you need one slightly tighter than 1/4" radius or at least bang on 1/4" to be used in pickup cavities etc.. B

[@binkolney196]

tell us about scrapers

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

good call, this I will do! B

[@guitarxplorer2022]

Monumental video Thank u

[@timort2260]

Can you help people like me I refurbish guitars my main struggle is removing the finishes on acoustic in all the tight places.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

scrapers, lots of finely shaped and very sharp scrapers! B

[@timort2260]

@@CrimsonCustomGuitars thanks only recently figured out how to sharpen them so hopefully that will get easier with more practice

[@andreaswagner6022]

....you deserve them..... here is my shop..... :-D :-D

[@S-T-E-V-E]

Makes the term Gouge your eyes out a little bit more real and terrifying!

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

ooohh! ouch!! B

[@davidchester5784]

Can anyone recommend a small incannel gouge? I've had trouble finding one online.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

I really should have timed this for a moment that I had loads of stock at the vintage tool shop.. vintagetoolshop.com/search?q=inside+gouge we've only got a few big paring ones which is rather sad, I'm sorry. B

[@dasschaf2476]

Ashley Iles do a range of 6mm incannel gouges up to sweep 8. Expensive though at about £28 each. If I was you I would grab an old 4 or 5mm veining gouge off eBay for a fiver and regrind it incannel, maybe with a dremel or a compressed air die grinder if you have one.

[@lewisbrown958]

Does anyone else talk to Ben in their heads when they are building a guitar and run into a problem? Or is it just me 🤔

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

I so sincerely wish I could actually hear that in real time and could maybe subliminally help then and there.. that would be an awesome super power! B

[@lewisbrown958]

@@CrimsonCustomGuitars you usually still do

[@bartmoorthy9513]

Not while building, but while watching Ben's videos. (eg. "No, Ben! Don't do that!" - when he said he would first said he would go with the picket fence idea for the GGBO).

[@davep2075]

I never built a guitar. Im a frame maker gilder. I talk to him all the time. Rabbit skin glue gesso and gold.

[@T0tenkampf]

Ben does....

[@Ob1311-x8b]

👍

[@farikomike524]

I'm taking a break from Ep 2 7 piece laminate to watch this video....I can't bear to see you upset 👍👍

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

You are a wonderful individual and I greatly appreciate your sacrifice! B

[@craigdawes1533]

I don't need them ...... but I want all the tools in your shed

[@Azzheasman]

Was very confused for a second i thought this was going to be about gouging your guitar! 1 taking a neck pickup screw out with a butter knife, gouge in the side of the neck 2 taking a scratch plate off with a flat driver in a drill not a phillips screw driver, gouge in the body 3 tightening an input jack with long nose pliers gouge in your hand, drop guitar gouge out eyes when headstock snaps..

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

so much pain in such a short comment, I winced at all three points! B

[@szczerzo]

One day I'm gonna do a guitar body using ony my whittling knife.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

film that and let me know.. I would love to watch the process! Seriously.. B

[@camerontgore]

Oh no, somebody stop me... I'm looking at tools from the Vintage Tool Shop!?!? Actually don't stop me

[@flaxguitars6846]

I want them and I deserve them. That's all I'm taking away from this.

[@escargotomy]

Almost spit out my drink because I thought he said luthier's arsehole...put on my headphones and turns out it was luthier's arsenal. That's very different, of course.

[@mrspliffdoctor4807]

New favorite word: Fluteroni

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

isn't it just great!? When I first read that in a book on old tools I knew that I just had to have one, whether or not I actually had a use for it was entirely secondary to the process.. the name is just awesome! B

[@rickbaker4571]

I love when Ben tells us how you "only need" when it comes to tools. It's like Bill Gates telling you that you really don't need money. : )

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Hey Rick.. I really do have a weakness for tools and almost no self control when I see a good deal.. it has always amazed me how few gouges I really use on an average build though.. B

[@rickbaker4571]

@@CrimsonCustomGuitars Ben, after watching you all of these years, I'm certainly aware of your "habit" and hope your wife can get you in rehab soon. LOL As always, thanks for the insight, your knowledge on such in invaluable to everyone that is in ANY type of woodworking... you are THE BEST!

[@duffduff4948]

Hmm the humble gauge - I don't believe I have ever used one hence this stupid question but how does one sharpen a gauge with an internal bevel? and what the hell is a macaron for heavens sakei!!!!

[@duffduff4948]

** Gouge even ** bloody autotext :)

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Hey duff duff, macaroni is an interesting and rare u shaped gouge.. and to sharpen an inside ground gouge you use a flat stone on the back and a slip stone or polish imbued dowel inside the bevel.. B

[@duffduff4948]

@@CrimsonCustomGuitars ah yes that makes sense thank you. 'Interesting and rare' if I didn't know better I might interpret that as the language of a gouge collector :)

[@Kevin-nr9lj]

Ben definitely does not have a tool problem. You need more tools

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

I like you!! B

[@seeteasea5497]

Anyone else here because Ben made you feel bad for not watching this video?

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

My work here is done :) THank you. B

[@seeteasea5497]

@@CrimsonCustomGuitars no worries Ben lad, just keep those Guitars coming, try not to burn yourself out though man, look after yourself and remember to buy more tools. Purely for therapeutic reasons of course

[@sheumack]

Saw the title. Left disappointed this wasn't a Bruce Lee fight training video.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

I would be a broken individual after that.. but feel like my life was complete. B

[@davanders2006]

Ben I can't believe you're misleading the public like this. I found it so hard to believe myself. It feels like the sky is falling after hearing you say, YOU ONLY NEED ONE. You need to redeem yourself. We need tools. We need tools that we don't even know what they're supposed to be for or do. We need tools filling our garages. Build sheds and fill them with tools, and then fill the house with them and then buy a new house with a bigger garage. That's what us tool junkies do. HAHA

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

Hey David, you made me lol! Thank you, you are of course correct, I was forced to make this video at chisel point! B

[@kennethnielsen3864]

54th.

[@semprequevoceleroscomentar7752]

Like!

[@johnhudson9167]

Damn - 3 gouges?

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

I mean, I have a hundred or so but really really don't need the bulk of them when all is said and done. I like having a few more than that to hand, say 6 or 7, but that's pretty much it unless you are doing huge amounts of carving etc. What does your selection look like? How many are absolutely essential? B

[@dopala0557]

Keren banget... bang,... mohon saran kritiknya.. di cannelku.. ya bang... aamiin...

[@justgonnagetbetter1037]

As long as I'm gouging and not being gouged.

[@mykhough6614]

So can I sell you back all the other gouges I bought from The Vintage Toolshop? On second thoughts, no. I like them too much.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

I was going to ask you to go and wash your mouth out but then you saw sense again Myk :) B

[@AnthonyLHarding]

Build a guitar using every gouge in that bag.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

That.. that sounds like a challenge I could get behind! B

[@dougiedrever7168]

ok this is completely irrelevant to this vid, i digress, but for next years unofficial great guitar build off why not do prizes specific to each finalist rather than fifth place gets this etc, i guess you will have the same crowd of youtubers involved that can help out with stuf,f so the prize givers get together and decide, what would we give them to help them out? bit more random as you dont know who will get there, but you can talk together and go ok,fifth prize will be worth x amount, what do we see they really need and so forth you can get together and go, we'll chip in this, so the entrants dont know what they might win and you dont know the prizes until its all sorted and final vid, so have a level of prize specific to the winner, you see what you can help them with and thats the prizes they get

[@Graywolfls]

Never ever to many gouges and chisels

[@dappawap]

I alost bought the wrong ones last week. This video saves money.. Without templates I end up chiseling everything

[@oogkauwgum5123]

2.22 Did he just say "the most important gauge in a luthiers arrshole"?

[@dasschaf2476]

Yes, yes he did 😮

[@nangyala]

Now, it cannot be unheard

[@dasschaf2476]

@@joebryant8500 up the Arsenal, ooh err missus 😱 Gooner's delight 😋 Have to ask Arsene Wenger about that one!

[@dasschaf2476]

@@nangyala As a native speaker of fifty years good standing, I can confirm that Ben says "arsehole". Where do I collect my £50 fee for this service???

[@RealityStudiosInc]

can confirm

[@666tonsofsquirrels]

Make a guitar with nothing but hammers. Seriously. Nothing........ but hammers. If anyone can do it, it's you.

[@cmdrsocks]

Just hammers might be impossible, but there are some traditional Swedish carpenters on KZbin that could probably do it with just an axe.

[@jonlavigne3270]

So using you teeth is bad, right? Asking for a friend.

[@CrimsonCustomGuitars]

technically yes.. though if you filmed it I guarantee a LOT of views, so may be worth a punt? B