Headstock thicknesser

Pete Howlett · Aug 20, 2014

I bought the linear bearings for this tool a year ago and have only just squeezed in the 3 hours development and build required to put together this great tool. It was inspired by something I saw in a Gibson factory visit video.

The video is self explanatory. However some stuff you will want to know

With a set of 3 platens I can get 9mm, 11mm and 17.4mm headstock thicknesses consistently.
The slight give in the bearings (see-saw effect) and the play in the chuck means there is a natural 'spring' loading to the drum which dissipates after a few passes producing a consistent parallel and flat surface.
Next mod for it will be some dust extraction now I know exactly the direction it is flowing from the tool - the motor on the drill also helps to direct it into a pretty concentrated area.
The headstock is screwed to the platen using the location screw hole of my headstock routing template. This is then covered with a headplate veneer. Gibson had a fancy vacuum clamping system.

The tune played is a Rev Gary Davis piece which I can't for the life of me remember the name of...

RPA_Ukuleles · Aug 21, 2014

That wins Jig-of-the-week Pete. Bearings give it nice and controlled feed.

Titchtheclown · Aug 21, 2014

Without too much alteration you could do sides and half tops and backs as well.

Mark Roberts Ukuleles · Sep 19, 2014

I use my drum thickness sander. I know it is trued and produces an even parallel thickness.
I have a temporary fence that attaches to the surface of my drum sander, and I can easily feed the headstock in for thicknessing.
I premark the thickness I want the headstock to be before attaching veneers and approach that mark lightly.
Does a great job, it's fast, and I don't need another tool setup in the shop.

ericchico · Sep 19, 2014

Mark Roberts Ukuleles said:
I use my drum thickness sander. I know it is trued and produces an even parallel thickness.
I have a temporary fence that attaches to the surface of my drum sander, and I can easily feed the headstock in for thicknessing.
I premark the thickness I want the headstock to be before attaching veneers and approach that mark lightly.
Does a great job, it's fast, and I don't need another tool setup in the shop.
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I did this on my last build. The drum sander is great for this and so much more. After making my first Uke I did not even start my next until I made a drum sander. I like Petes sliding jig though and how he shows more than one way to pet a rabbit between the ears. If your not sure what I meant by that last statement no worries I am full of BS.

Moore Bettah Ukuleles · Sep 19, 2014

I ground down a bit of the metal cowling of my drum sander so that I can do the same thing. I push the headstock through with the belt feed turned off. Easy.

Pete Howlett · Sep 19, 2014

I tried it on the drum sander but couldn't get on with it hence the tool. I also prefer 'dedicated' set-ups rather than temporary mods

Headstock thicknesser

Pete Howlett

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RPA_Ukuleles

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Titchtheclown

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Mark Roberts Ukuleles

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ericchico

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Moore Bettah Ukuleles

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Pete Howlett

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