Six StewMac Tools I Use Everyday In My Shop

The six tools Chris can't live without:
StewMac Guitar Shop Tape Deck: stewmac.sjv.io/mgVarM
StewMac Super Glue: stewmac.sjv.io/oeZGPO
StewMac Brush-on Accelerator: stewmac.sjv.io/EajqWK
Japanese Fret Saw: stewmac.sjv.io/e4PBOD
OptiVISOR Headband Magnifier: stewmac.sjv.io/WD36ee
Luthier's Digital Caliper: stewmac.sjv.io/DVzbko
Guitar Repair Vise: stewmac.sjv.io/mgVa2e
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[@ryanc3760]

I think a guitar breakdown for an Eastman acoustic would be fantastic!

[@davedavem]

Getting a good tape dispenser is all about being in the right place at the right time. I once walked into a store and the guy said "hey! can you watch the store? I need to buy my lunch." He walked out. 5 minutes later he came back and said, "wow, you didn't steal anything. Here, have this." From that day on, me and my family benefited from the most excellent of tape dispensers.

[@DriftwoodGuitars]

That’s awesome haha! Thanks for sharing.

[@1Mong0]

I love my tape dispenser. One necessary update it needs is a small flip latch (and a groove in the axel) to retain the axel into the body. Everyone picks it up by the tape roll and unless you have long fingered hands to also grab the body, you just get the tape. Easy update that I think would be loved by everyone who uses it.

[@LA3Music]

Love these videos Matt and Chris

[@ragnarironspear1791]

Love watching your videos i find them fascinating

[@mypronounismaster4450]

If you're looking for material for a video, I'd be interested in your thoughts on different types of glues...Titebond wood glue, hide glue, superglue, epoxy... the whole range and what your experience has been, likes, dislikes, examples. Include the reversibility of each, even, say, superglue. I know it's not technically reversible, but there's still the process of taking two pieces apart that were glued with it. You do this on a nut that's been superglued. But even two pieces of wood, how's each glue come back apart--- razorblade? cutting torch? dynamite? hehe...

[@jeremyvonk6853]

I just picked up my first Tape Deck! They are awesome.

[@xOpenmikeknight]

"I'm getting older and so are you" >me watching the day before my birthday completely shook

[@Buildingskynet]

On point information as always. Buy once, cry once when it comes to your tools.

[@julesbrunton1728]

A good craftsman never blames his tools...because he uses good ones appropriate for the job

[@scottmorris4914]

Good show guys. Always helps to get and idea of what is actually being used tool-wise. Been meaning to pick up a couple of the “indispensable” tape dispensers. Perfect timing. I did go up to StewMac, they are on sale, but no BOGO 1/2 off. They are selling at 12% off, like the one in the video. The empty dispenser is 20% off. Just FYI

[@Yosser70]

The good thing about Stewmac, is that anything they sell is either absolutely unnecessary when building guitars, or available elsewhere much cheaper! So if stewmac make is and no one else does, you don’t need it and if they do, by from them rather than Stewmac :)

[@deewilliams6129]

Totally agree about their guitar maker’s vise. It will change your life! 👍🏻

[@kenoakee]

stewmac ad

[@pablo7182]

These are my must haves for setups: nut files, feeler gauges, fret rocker, string action gauge, fret files, crowning file, cleaning products and oil for fretboard. Like these guys said, you do get what you pay for so don't cheap out, pay the extra $5-10 for a known brand.

[@jennifer6833]

Would you guys be willing to do a video about how to carve different shape necks? Like a D or C shape neck, and the opposing processes for each!! I’ve been following the two of you since your start here on KZbin, and have enjoyed your content plenty. Are you guys going to “fix-up” one of those big acoustic guitar brands guitars soon? That’d be an awesome video process to create, too (I know your business has exploded with orders since, but just curious).

[@Raven-ep6pq]

The vice is called a pattern vice for gun stock carving.

[@BeauHannamGuitars]

nice through shot at 3:55 !!!!

[@DriftwoodGuitars]

We just got a new probe lens! Thanks.

[@popsmorris5887]

The right tool for the right job can make all the difference.

[@charlesolson9019]

I have that same excellent caliper, but it isn't StewMac branded. My favorite tool that I bought just for guitar building is one of those little brass finger planes, for shaping braces.

[@jimdoner3443]

The tiny StewMac nut and saddle vise, it too has an infinite number of uses and can be clamped into the larger vise

[@mbontekoe3358]

Living in Europe StewMac tools and supplies are very expensive to us - Import duty, shipping and local sales tax (21%) more than doubles the US price plus the delays to receive them

[@gregholmberg2]

Grizzly has that vise for $125. Called a "Pattern Maker's Carving Vise".

[@LandryGammon2024]

Got mine at Woodcraft on sale for about $100. The key difference in StewMac’s is the addition of the round handle. That’s it.

[@Hexspa]

It’s like $143 now and the stewmac one is about $175. Makes no sense to drop the lifetime warranty over $32

[@timbeaton5045]

Yes. It's true. I'm old. Harsh, but fair!

[@HandToolWoodGuy]

The fret saw is more than worth the money; they are better and sharper than any other fret saw on the market. They are a no brainer, and I would not use anything else. Regarding the vise, I use a standard wood working vise because it is what I have, and I've adapted my workflow to it. But a crap vise will cause untold misery; they are worth every dime for a good one.

[@JoshRoxton]

13:53 Vernier Calipers :)

[@eyeofamon]

That style of vise is more commonly known as a "pattern maker's vise," and can be found from lots of places - Woodcraft, Grizzly, MCLS, etc.

[@deewilliams6129]

Most of the others have a hand crank instead of the wheel. IMHO, the wheel is much more convenient, and it doesn’t get in the way nearly as much.

[@charlesweers1261]

woodcraft has a patternmaker's carving vice thats like stewmac's vice check it out.

[@jakewall5450]

You guys should make a video on the martin road series D10e. I've been thinking of getting one.... i see you guys care about your work. I need a decent sounding guitar. Any suggestions, anyone?

[@HandToolWoodGuy]

Calipers are like 10mm sockets for mechanics

[@christianboddum8783]

I find the SM fret pull-saw hard to control with freehand work, which it is not made for I'm finding out ;-) I prefer a pull-saw from Rockinger which is a smaller size and is very nice for fret slots FWIW

[@bobc.5698]

Have you done a video on KZbin thoughts on acoustic guitars pick guard vs no pickguard?

[@charlesweers1261]

Woodcraft has a Patternmaker's carving vice that's like stewmac's check it out.

[@OpenWoodShop]

You replaced your pegboard. (Now THERE'S something you use everyday! )

[@DriftwoodGuitars]

Very true.

[@dlinemusic]

I love you

[@dlinemusic]

There, I said it!

[@DriftwoodGuitars]

Hahaha thanks!

[@arcarioandsons]

I had the magnifying visor for a while... And there's new ones that are just world's better, the new ones allow you to swap out the front magnifying glass for different strengths and there's absolutely nothing surrounding the glass, so your peripheral vision is still in tact and the light is uptop and adjustable, plus they're like half the weight of those old school ones, it weighs absolutely nothing and requires you to do a heck of a lot less monkeying around to make them comfortable. Once I got the new kind I've yet to touch the old one I have like you, seriously it's a different world!

[@DriftwoodGuitars]

I’ve tried those dozens of times and hate them haha. I’m sure glasses like these must be pretty different depending on the user.

[@arcarioandsons]

@@DriftwoodGuitars yeah I've definitely got neck issue so the weight to me is a huge factor! I also love the glass with nothing else around it, for me I feel like I'm less distracted and it's an easier user experience. I absolutely love these videos by the way, you guys make really excellent content that's very relaxing and fun to watch!

[@brooksphillips2234]

Are you saying stew mac has newer better ones or another brand?

[@3000LeftyMagician]

When do you decide to use between the 20 and 30 glue for a crack in an acoustic?

[@Hexspa]

LMI is closed now. Alternative fret wire rec?

[@walterrider9600]

thank you . do the dial calipers measure in the thousands ? i have a set i got in the mid 70's but getting hard to read , old geezer you know lol .

[@DriftwoodGuitars]

They do!

[@StefanGBucher]

Loving your channel! But.. the FLORIDA in your logo is left of center, the ACOUSTIC is a bit too far clockwise on the circle, and HANDCRAFTED is a bit too far counterclockwise.

[@kristyleger6938]

Where are you? We check for an addition to your KZbin channel and nothing ! Are you all OK ? Miss your videos!

[@davedavem]

I see a proper Foredom in the background. Can't find them anywhere in the UK!

[@DriftwoodGuitars]

eBay!

[@Chris-ed3cr]

@@DriftwoodGuitars Could take a look at Otto Frie or Rio Grande tools especially if they have sales on. I have no connection with them other than a customer for years. I like the Mitutoyo calipers or as I've always called them Vernier gauge. I am in NZ though so you will have to cut me some slack!!

[@barryc9115]

Not being a smartass, or claiming that it’s not the best glue for the job these days. But, what did they use prior to superglue?

[@DriftwoodGuitars]

Mostly hide glue.

[@trevorgwelch7412]

Please build me Jimi's Isle Of Wight Guitar . Aug 1970 .

[@waynejones6215]

Got that 3 year guitar ready yet

[@DriftwoodGuitars]

Working on it.

[@SkyscraperGuitars]

100%

[@gregsmall7238]

If stu mack has a new address can you tell me what it is .I wanted to purchase a soldering iron. The order form was sent back to me with my check un cashed saying went out of business went to there web sight can not find a address really ticked me off .

[@DriftwoodGuitars]

I’m not so sure they offer mail order via check. I believe you have to buy from the website.

[@richardpalanca8014]

13:55

[@dericdomino]

if its stew mac it aint cheap

[@georgevanwin]

I got to correct you guys on one thing. That tool you refe to as a 'caliper' are NOT caliper, the correct name for it is a VERNIER. Ok, grouse over. I am an 80yr old English man that worked in engineering most of my life and I get antsy when I see tools wrongly identified.

[@BrainDeadBeats]

Do you think he broke the 3000 year old guitar again.

[@TheCleaner6969]

Stew Mac overpriced. Back in the day you had great quality with diy tools you can make your stuff & Stew Mac wasn't around. People need to stop pushing Stew Mac.