Guitar neck build using hand tools only

[@oulcuntyballs8527]

Great work. Thanks for taking the time and effort to share. Very relaxing to watch. Well done, I hope that you continue to share your builds.

[@rauschguitars]

Thank you! I'm currently filming another build, do stay tuned!

[@victorortiz193]

Awesome... trapezoidal looks comfy...

[@rauschguitars]

I've been playing this guitar daily for a few weeks now, and I'm very happy with how it feels. I'll definitely do more trapezoid necks in future.

[@bhartissimo]

@@rauschguitars It is an interesting profile for the neck. Glad to hear that it's comfortable.

[@rauschguitars]

@@bhartissimo Yes, I'm really happy with it. You should try it sometime. If you don't like it you can always round it over, but I can't imagine anyone not liking it!

[@drewcarroll827]

Hopefully you show the complete build. I really enjoyed this. Inspires me to use more hand tools.

[@rauschguitars]

I'm working on a build now where I'm filming the complete process.

[@NeoGeoEch13]

Great build and nice trick with the tape on the back of the sand paper to avoid tearing.

[@rauschguitars]

Thanks! I think I picked up that trick from Twoodfrd. His channel is full of great stuff.

[@stevebolander9276]

Great work! I learned a few tricks, and I'm even more inspired to continue learning to build guitars. I'm currently attempting to scratch build my first neck. Thanks for the lesson/video!

[@rauschguitars]

Good luck! The first neck seems so scary, but once you get it done you realise it's not that bad. At least that's how it was for me.

[@Pinkxz_]

You finished?

[@stevebolander9276]

@@Pinkxz_ I've now made a couple. They're far from perfect, but each one is a little better than the previous one!

[@frankiechan9651]

Hi, Popped over from Reddit Luthier. Your nice, zen-like video has put me in a good mood to start my day off. There are some neat tricks that you use that I'm filing away for future reference. Thanks :)

[@rauschguitars]

Thanks so much! That makes my day!

[@CongealedMilk]

a small "hand-drill" from dewalt that you called cheating counts as a hand tool. This video gives me hope that someday I can make a guitar. Beautiful work!

[@rauschguitars]

Thank you, I'm always happy to inspire!

[@Gstation9]

I like your work. Very rewarding experience than working entirely with power tools.

[@rauschguitars]

Thank you Micheal. It relaxes and challenges me at the same time. I love it!

[@Oulfellid]

I really enjoyed watching this. Thanks very much. Great skills.

[@rauschguitars]

Thank you!

[@laffytaffy1879]

Great Job!!! I enjoyed this video so much. My methods is pretty much the same with hand tools only also. Keep up the great work.

[@rauschguitars]

Thank you! Hand tools are definitely more tedious, but the process is enjoyable.

[@MrSuganutz]

real nice to watch. i bought all power tools and im on my 2nd build. you make it look easy. to see you do it so effortlessly by hand really enlightens my thoughts. thank you for your work, and for sharing.

[@rauschguitars]

Thank you, although it's definitely not as effortless as the video editing makes it seem.

[@waymakerv1060]

Hey Yo! Comforting page. You can produce. Well done! This enjoyable scenes! See you again friend!

[@CoenBijpost]

Looks gorgeous, but that neck profile 😱 So much shoulder and a flat back? Oof. Doesn’t look very comfortable, tbh… But to each their own! I did learn a lot from the tools you used. So thanks for this impressive video 👍

[@rauschguitars]

Thanks for the compliments! The trapezoid neck profile is something I came across doing research into ergonomic guitar design. It's surprisingly comfortable actually. Since your thumb has a solid plane to rest on, it feels like your grip is more stable. It definitely works for me!

[@Ibaneddie76]

I really dig your neck contour it's square and looks ergonomic!

[@rauschguitars]

I find it super comfortable!

[@harshitrawat9494]

Beautiful work. 👏🏼 this deserves more likes.

[@rauschguitars]

Thank you very much!

[@mgcnashville6615]

Good job. Looks like you had some tear out on the tuner holes. Drill half and half from each side to prevent that.drill a pilot first to mark for your step bit. Never seen a neck carve like that. Looks interesting! Not sure it would be for me. But cool nonetheless. Idk how u do all that with hand tools. Must've taken a while.

[@rauschguitars]

Thanks, and good catch! I ended up plugging the tuner hole and re-drilling it. The drill pulled the neck up, which caused the tear-out. I'll be modifying the drill table soon so I can add a clamp or two, which will take care of that problem. The neck is actually surprisingly comfortable. It's hard to describe, but your grip feels more solid and stable when your thumb has a flat surface to press on.

[@tomalexiou9573]

Hello, fantastic job and skill! Please tell me the name of the tool for the truss rod channel cut? Can you please do a video of cutting body curves by hand?

[@rauschguitars]

@@tomalexiou9573 Thank you, Tom! For the trussrod channel I used a Stanley #50 Combination Plane, that I bought from a vintage tool dealer. You could also look at router planes for the job, they work just as well. I'm busy filming another build at the moment, so stay tuned for updates!

[@tomalexiou9573]

@@rauschguitars Thank you for the quick reply.Your video series is excellent and inspirational!

[@tomalexiou9573]

@@rauschguitars Thank you!

[@evanbarker5611]

Great ryoba technique.

[@rauschguitars]

Thank you!

[@clyderoberts7182]

Impressive job

[@rauschguitars]

Thank you

[@Ibaneddie76]

Great job!

[@archangelguitarsusa9205]

What brand is that plough plane? The only one I can find is the Veritas one and the fence doesn’t come out that far. The one you have looks a lot nicer too

[@rauschguitars]

It's a very old Record 050 that I was lucky enough to find on Ebay a while ago. They are great tools if you manage to find one.

[@archangelguitarsusa9205]

I’ll definitely be on the lookout for one! Thanks for the info man!

[@frankryan8100]

Well done... well done.

[@rauschguitars]

Thank you

[@DannyBeardsley]

Absolutely wonderful! 👏👏👏👏

[@rauschguitars]

Thank you!

[@dendyfebian9004]

😀😀😀 finally you use a little bit, cheat mode...nice 🙏

[@rauschguitars]

Hahaha, glue-ups are stressful!

[@dendyfebian9004]

@@rauschguitars hahaha..ok, because sometimes cheat up mode is the best solution when work stresses us out...keep on going...💪💪💪

[@leoneddy1492]

Very nice work, at 15:00 are the two side strips you glued on and held with the rubber for the purpose of securing the finger board while using the radius block and then removed for when you install thee frets? . Years ago I made my first fretless Bass and that was all hand crafted (apart from drilling the machine head holes) I used a small Router plane that you pushed just holding with one finger and thumb in each hand.

[@rauschguitars]

Those two strips are just "invisible" binding, so you don't see the fret slots from the side.

[@kosaponglusang4595]

Great work ♥️

[@rauschguitars]

Thank you!

[@rumeunner3245]

Made exactly like the old makers did in the days before power tools, "I didn't see the electric screwdriver 😜" existed. And I also like the lack of long winded dialogues, annoying music tracks played over and over, and the absolute silence while working - with only the tools doing the speaking.

[@rauschguitars]

Thank you

[@rullopat]

How the hell you manage to cut straight with the japanese saw and nothing to guide your hand, I really don't know. Amazing skills!

[@rauschguitars]

The cliche answer is "practice". I try not to put a lot of pressure on the blade. As soon as you push down on it, you'll start going skew. I also accept that some cuts will be bad, so I leave enough material so I can plane things to where they should be.

[@NPHomeStudio]

Can you name the hand tools you used for this build? :) Especially the one you used for the routing of the truss rod cavity! Thank you! Great video man!

[@rauschguitars]

For the truss rod cavity I used an old number 50 plough plane. Other tools I use for building are a number 4 and number 6 plane, a router plane, chisels and Japanese saws. May I should create a website with all my tools sometime...

[@NPHomeStudio]

@@rauschguitars Yes! A list of tools I think would greatly help others who's looking into making guitars with minimal tools! A list would really help people in buying their own tools, a list would help them look for those specific tools, especially to those buying online! Or maybe a video of a tools rundown would also be great, what are the tools you use, what to use it for, and tips how to use it! But those are just suggestions! Great video man! Looking forward for more!

[@AlexArcady]

Very inspiring, thank you

[@rauschguitars]

Thank you for watching!

[@halcyonstew]

Brilliant video. And what a great looking neck. I have a question though: Why do you size the fretboard twice? At about 11:30 you mark and then trim the fretboard edges before fretting. Then you size the fretboard again (12:55). Doesn't the first sizing risk making the fretboard not square and thereby affect fretting? Not being critical or anything, and your work speaks for itself. Just a newb trying to learn (I've subscribed!)

[@rauschguitars]

The first trim was just to remove most of the excess material, the second trim was to make space for binding. I make sure the center line of the fretboard is aligned to a the center line of the miter box, so the sides being square is not important. Thanks for watching!

[@halcyonstew]

Ahh, ok. That makes sense. Thanks for the reply. Looking forward to see what you do next!

[@V081WLBlue]

'Cheat mode on' lol, that's allowed!!! Do you do a complete guitar build using only hand tools? I've want to build one like that for years, no thickness sanders, edge planers, routers, drill presses, etc!!!!

[@rauschguitars]

Yes, except for soldering and bending wood, I don't consume any electricity in my builds. I enjoy the peacefulness of it, even though the processes are a lot more elaborate most of the time.

[@JasonQuackenbushonGoogle]

what do you use for bending?

[@rauschguitars]

@@JasonQuackenbushonGoogle My wife's clothes iron! It's ruined now and she was understandably unhappy. I recommend rather buying a used iron for the workshop. 😂

[@Jim12410]

Word thats awesome

[@rauschguitars]

Thank you

[@forsakensounds]

Thanks a lot for the video. Amazing work ! It's really inspiring seeing this kind of skill and expertise. Congratulations ! :D

[@rauschguitars]

Thank you Paulo

[@JasonQuackenbushonGoogle]

how did you arrive at the dimensions for width, length, depth etc? were you working to an established plan or were these custom dimensions for the build? also, why no biscuits for the scarf joint?

[@rauschguitars]

The nut width was based on my favourite Ibanez, then I used fretfind2d (github.com/acspike/FretFind2D) to calculate the rest based on scale length and string spacing. The neck thickness and shape was done by feel. I never thought of adding biscuits to the scarf joint, also haven't seen it done before. I'll consider it for future builds, thanks!

[@mattiecreates]

its crazy how straight you can cut with that saw.. i always veer off line by 1/16th or more if im cutting more than 8 to 15 inches

[@rauschguitars]

Thanks, I've had a fair bit of practice!

[@Crime_pays]

This is great. Hoping to replicate this with a classical head stock. Obviously I'll be very limited in terms of the styles i can choose

[@rauschguitars]

Good luck! It's an awesome hobby.

[@David-yl6bc]

Haha, plough plane for the trussrod looks so much fun compared to a router 🙂 Did you consider using a gibson style trussrod that needs a beveled recess? I want to build an SG and am a little afraid that this might increase the neck diving because of the additional weight.

[@rauschguitars]

The plough plane is great as long as the grain direction plays nice. That's rarely the case with a scarf joint though. I really don't see the point of using Gibson style truss rods when there are more modern alternatives.

[@thefungai1]

What is the name/brand of the tool you used to rout the truss rod channel?

[@rauschguitars]

I believe it's a number 44 plough plane, made by Record.

[@DeddycationMusic]

What is the name of tool to make the space for that truss-rod, sir?

[@rauschguitars]

That's a plough plane. It's a great tool if you're lucky enough to find one.

[@DeddycationMusic]

@@rauschguitars i really curious like : is it possible to make a guitar neck with the whole hand tools? Then i found this video and the video just answer my curiousity, but it's the first time for me to see the tool called plough plane like you used in the video. Thanks for the information, sir. God Bless you 😊🙏

[@rauschguitars]

@@DeddycationMusic it's definitely possible! I've built a few guitars and I only use hand tools. You also don't need as many rare tools as I use. For example, for the truss rod you can use a home made router plane. Look up Paul Sellers "Poor man's router" to see how to make one.

[@sofiodotcom]

LOVE the ebony binding on fb

[@rauschguitars]

Thanks! I'm a big fan of that style as well.

[@emanueljuarez7348]

Sorprendente!

[@tomalexiou9573]

Please tell me what hand planes to buy.Thanks!

[@rauschguitars]

My most used planes are the number 4 and number 6. If you can find decent used ones near you, that's a great way to start! You'll also need a way to sharpen them. I use diamond plates, but there are many great systems out there.

[@tomalexiou9573]

@@rauschguitars Thank you.

[@XHuntinatorX]

What size is the large hand planer you use to level the bigger pieces like sides of the neck and fingerboard? I am assuming the larger planers are more accurate for this?

[@rauschguitars]

My big plane is a no. 6, and yes bigger is better in this case!

[@XHuntinatorX]

@@rauschguitars Thanks, enjoying your content!

[@martgryfny]

I don't uderstand why did you cut off the headstock wings and then glued them back?

[@rauschguitars]

It gives me space to work with a handplane down the side of the neck, which makes things a bit easier.

[@majungclaus]

Incredible! What kind of a pull saw are you using (e.g., at 2:10). I'm worried that my current pull saw would be too flexible to take on something like this Also, I'd love to just see a list of tools if you can share!

[@rauschguitars]

That there is my first pull-saw, made by Wolfcraft. I own better saws by now, but that one still does a fairly good job, even after taking a lot of abuse during our recent home renovations.

[@MixingGBP]

Subscribed…amazing work. What brand and model of wood insert are you using at 31:19? I’ve not seen the ones like yours with hex drive.

[@rauschguitars]

Thanks, I really appreciate the compliment! I got the threaded inserts are from a random Ebay seller, no branding or any other info unfortunately. Sorry I can't help further.

[@jackpidlow]

How do you manage to be so precise with the handsaw? 🤯

[@rauschguitars]

When you let the saw itself do the work, instead of putting pressure on it, it holds a line much better. I also practiced quite a bit before starting to build guitars!

[@yukmainkayu]

Nice video

[@rauschguitars]

Thank you

[@512banana1]

i don't understand why you would chop the head stock in 3 pieces and then glued them back together?

[@rauschguitars]

In order to dimension the neck, fretboard and binding, I do a lot of planing along the side of the neck. By removing the headstock wings I'm basically just getting them out of the way, giving me a straight surface to plane. Glueing them back does add an extra step, but in this case I think it's worth it for a better result and easier workflow.

[@512banana1]

@@rauschguitars thank you so much sir!

[@Allguitarinfo]

What brand is the japanese pull saw i need one .this one looks good

[@rauschguitars]

Back then I was using a cheap Wolfcraft saw from the hardware store. It's good for learning because of the thicker blade. I've since upgraded to Z-Saw for all my saws. They're excellent!

[@j.lietka9406]

When you sharpen the hand plane blade, is it better to go in one direction instead of back and forth?

[@rauschguitars]

I can't imagine it making a difference when using a honing guide and sharpening stones, but I'm not expert. I just do what works for me.

[@j.lietka9406]

@@rauschguitars ok thank you

[@tobaccorich]

Where can I find that device that you cut the truss rod cavity with ? Great Skills.

[@rauschguitars]

That's an old number 50 combination plane or plough plane. You could also use a router plane for the job though. You can get them new from Veritas, or look for used ones on Ebay. Depending on where you are, you could check fine-tools.com for new and vintagetoolshop.com for used.

[@tobaccorich]

@@rauschguitars THANKS for the reply

[@valenciaj25]

Does anyone know what type of wood was used

[@rauschguitars]

Hi! I used maple for the neck and ebony for the fretboard.

[@Elo_madu]

I wish the name of the tools you are using are Tagged on the video. I will love to put them down

[@rauschguitars]

Unfortunately I don't have a list of tools available.

[@drake.hansen]

What is the Jig called that you used for the Fret slots?

[@rauschguitars]

That's a fret slotting miter box. They're available from various luthier suppliers at different price points.

[@nguyennambinhguitarchannel3467]

5:05: what tool do you use ?

[@rauschguitars]

That's a very old Record 050 plough plane, they're quite rare. You could also use a router plane. Paul Sellers has a great design for one you could make yourself.

[@mellowyellow3309]

Wow 🤘🤘🤘

[@Binhguitar2007]

Your fretboard blank is so thick right?

[@rauschguitars]

Well spotted! That one could have been quite a bit thinner. I remember the ebony very cross-grained and not fun to work with, so I didn't thin it down any more than I had to. It could easily loose 2-3mm thickness though.

[@Binhguitar2007]

So how thick is your completed fretboard

[@rauschguitars]

@@Binhguitar2007 It's about 6mm on the sides. Usually I try to aim for 4mm.

[@Binhguitar2007]

@@rauschguitars thank you

[@Binhguitar2007]

Can i radius the fretboard just use spokeshave or handplane with sand paper, or must use radius block?

[@Vothtrucks]

It,s not " How to " it,s more " watch me "

[@PAUL.72]

I didn't understand why,,you cut all the wood,,and then stuck it in the ears?

[@rauschguitars]

It's easier to plane the neck and fretboard straight when the headstock isn't in the way.

[@bscguitars2278]

Allot of extra finicky moves that aren't necessary.

[@rauschguitars]

But how else would I make a half-hour long video?

[@johnatanbass]

what is the name of that tool you made the slot for the tensioner?

[@rauschguitars]

I used a plough plane here, but a router plane will also do the job.