Man I just absolutely love this video, because everything you say is just "oh some of this, some of that, one of these, one of those, you don't need a great one just get one" It's wonderful it's so down-to-earth and I don't know if you used a single technical term or not in the entire process!
Love the Foxfire books. Every time the kids get sick I whoop out Issue #1, some turpentine and some polecat grease. The kids make a miraculous full recovery in minutes. Just finished my Foxfire banjo project after a 20 year stall in the process. Now I’m onto a Siminoff Mastertone banjo project.
I make my own walnut stain also. But instead of alcohol I use apple cider vinegar to keep it from molding. I also put in a piece of steel wool to help it darken. Then stain it before putting it in smaller containers.
man i dig your videos. i dabble in instrument building as a hobby, so its super cool to see what other people do too. keep em coming man! awesome claw hammer vids too.
This is a timely video for me as I transition from machine based woodworking to a more traditional style. Also, Foxfire books are great references for many down-to-earth pursuits.
I have whats left of my great grandfathers banjo. I'd like to get it to play in some fashion again. it's not in the best of shape. The body is intact but missing everything except a couple of handmade tuning pegs.
Best to find one used on eBay, that's where I found this one. And definitely don't buy the cheaper black mechanical USA-made shaper--make sure you get a solid brass one like this.
