Lowe Guitars shop notes

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BTL
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Re: Lowe Guitars shop notes

Post by BTL » Mon Jan 17, 2022 6:50 pm

Buttoning down a couple of conversion necks. Another little detail I haven't mentioned in a while is that I put a little beeswax in each pre-drilled screw hole. It helps the wood screws thread in more easily and also makes them less likely to seize up and strip out over time.

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Re: Lowe Guitars shop notes

Post by BTL » Tue Jan 18, 2022 7:00 pm

More details...I feel like I have been saying details a lot recently. It's starting to sound weird. Details...hmmm.

So, I use these inserts with red paint on them over and over as drill guides to allow the neck mounting machine screws to sink deeper into the neck. Once set, I drip thin CA around the perimeter to lock them in. Then I chase the threads and tap the maple using...beeswax. By the way, these EZ Lok inserts are designed for metal, so I clean the pink goop (thread locker) before I use them in wood.

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Re: Lowe Guitars shop notes

Post by BTL » Wed Jan 19, 2022 4:13 pm

The base plates and blades are a success, thanks to my buddy Dan on CAD and the fine folks at Send Cut Send. I made the bends in the base plates manually using an Irwin 8R Vise Grip sheet metal crimper.

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Re: Lowe Guitars shop notes

Post by BTL » Tue Jan 25, 2022 2:19 pm

The bobbins are in and everything fits beautifully. I love it when a plan comes together!

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Re: Lowe Guitars shop notes

Post by BTL » Wed Feb 02, 2022 8:41 pm

This may be my new daily driver.

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Re: Lowe Guitars shop notes

Post by BTL » Fri Feb 04, 2022 11:43 am

Stop me if you've seen this one before...

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Re: Lowe Guitars shop notes

Post by BTL » Sat Feb 12, 2022 12:50 pm

A clean, well-lighted place.

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Re: Lowe Guitars shop notes

Post by BTL » Sat Feb 12, 2022 8:30 pm

I spent today setting up pickups with quick connects. Lots of stuff in the pipeline.

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Re: Lowe Guitars shop notes

Post by BTL » Sun Feb 13, 2022 1:53 pm

I use EZ Lok 329-004 inserts to mount Thunderbird pickups. I drill and tap them like my neck inserts, I use a 4-40 screw and washer to set the depth into the body, and then I glue the washer in place. This ensures that all of the compression force from the surgical tubing is exerted on the insert and there is no force actively pushing the pickup out of the body. It's a bit fussy, but I think it's worth it, especially because my plug-and-play pickup system encourages pickup swapping.

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Re: Lowe Guitars shop notes

Post by Shadoweclipse13 » Sun Feb 13, 2022 1:58 pm

Ooh, I like how you use inserts for the body-mounted pickups!!!
Pickup Switching Mad Scientist
http://www.offsetguitars.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=104282&p=1438384#p1438384

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Re: Lowe Guitars shop notes

Post by BTL » Sun Feb 13, 2022 3:14 pm

Shadoweclipse13 wrote:
Sun Feb 13, 2022 1:58 pm
Ooh, I like how you use inserts for the body-mounted pickups!!!
Thanks! There may be a better solution out there, but this follows the same process as my neck inserts, so it works for me. The only negative is that EZ Lok doesn't offer a #3 option, so I'm stuck with 4-40 screws. It's no big deal for Thunderbird pickups, but could be for others.
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Re: Lowe Guitars shop notes

Post by BTL » Fri Mar 18, 2022 6:22 am

So we're all on the same page, I have been asked to add the following disclaimer to the OP:

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
EDIT:

This thread is about documenting my building activities and processes and sharing ideas. It is not about generating sales. I do not take custom orders and if I do have something that is currently for sale, I'll create a specific FS thread detailing that.

Thank you!

Brad Lowe.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Re: Lowe Guitars shop notes

Post by Shadoweclipse13 » Fri Mar 18, 2022 7:01 am

Hey Brad! I've commented a few times on how I like how you use the threaded inserts. Do you have a link to where you buy them and what sizes for necks and pickup mounting? I'm thinking about getting into that for some stuff...
Pickup Switching Mad Scientist
http://www.offsetguitars.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=104282&p=1438384#p1438384

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Re: Lowe Guitars shop notes

Post by BTL » Fri Mar 18, 2022 7:17 am

Owner, Lowe Custom Guitars

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Re: Lowe Guitars shop notes

Post by Shadoweclipse13 » Sun Mar 20, 2022 6:37 pm

BeeTL wrote:
Fri Mar 18, 2022 7:17 am
Hey! I buy 10-packs of 8-32 and 4-40 EZ Lok carbon steel inserts from Zoro. Thanks!
Thanks dude!!!
Pickup Switching Mad Scientist
http://www.offsetguitars.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=104282&p=1438384#p1438384

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