I don’t have any big machines apart from a router and bench drill so it’s still hand tools for me

@jonhodgson I started working with only a Stanley smoothing plane which belonged to my dad and bought a Stanley block plane. I’ve never used a radius dish and used to do all the side shaping with the block plane and…   Read more»

Ive been doing some web checking and wax based polishing compounds seem to be good for instrument polishing. Some varnish sellers make ones that are specific to their product but good luck with getting anything from outside UK at the…   Read more»

Slow polishing speed is needed in my opinion as it’s easy to soften the finish by using a high speed. Also very easy to rub through. I’m not sure about Autosol as its for chrome which is a hard metal…   Read more»

@darrenking
Thanks 650mm will be ok and I would need a sanding disc as well please. I live in Annan SW Scotland DG12. If ordering through M&C they have my full details in the members area. I’ve ordered the fret scales.

@unusual-muse Different planes are used for different applications eg for jointing two pieces together a longer sole plane is best, but you still have to do a bit of work with a hand scraper to get a good join. Mark…   Read more»

@eddie6string
I didn’t know there is another instrument museum. I used to go to Bicester with work and always managed a free afternoon for a trip to Oxford. Don’t think I will be there again.
 

@robin Ive found the leaflet that I got last time. It’s proper title is Edinburgh Univesity Collection of Historic Musical Instruments Reid Concert Hall Bristo Suare Teviot Place EH8 9AH tel 0131 6502423 to arrange a visit its not that…   Read more»

@robin It will be interesting to have a discussion about different body sizes. Early guitars were much smaller than modern ones and it was regarded as a ladies instrument to play in the parlour. There are some great examples in…   Read more»