Steel Guitar Builder

Hi guys, long time no see... , a few weeks ago I finaly decided to get back at building and finishing my # 5 that I started 3 years ago it was on my working bench all that time cause I started to build it when #4 was finished, and also I sold #4 so I had more room , I took a little break from building steels cause I had a few medical problems but I feel fine and dandy now, I also done some major renovation to my house and studio the last couple of years that kept me busy and also doing gigs concerts, and studio work, I got almost all the parts done, I even made the front roller bridge, nut rollers and keyhead with my home made milling machine the only thing I haven't made yet is the tension springs for the changer but im hoping to get Bent to make me a shaft so I can make them the same size has he does, im ok for now cause I still have some left from the last order from Bent that he made 3 years ago for me, I don't work everyday on it like I use to cause im a grandfather now and I spend a lot of time with my grandson and he keeps me busy , I've uploaded a few pics to show where im at with it right now and will keep updating this post until its finish, Bent...!, if you remember this is the steel that I wanted to stain red from the stain you've sent me...I don't know what kind of staining im gonna do yet, either all red or just the front and back, this steel has some nice birds eyed it should be nice when finished.

Hey Pat, Nice to see you again buddy! Wondered where you went but your message explains. Like you, I am enjoying the grandkids and all that fun stuff! You mean a shaft for making the springs? That's so easy man. You have a 4" length of 3/16" round stainless? Well, you chuck this in your drill and use your sander or grinder. Run the revolving rod against the grinder until you have a nice slope down from the 3/16" to a 3/32" diameter about 1" long. There's the mandrel for your spring making. The hardest part is actually to get a nice round eyelet in the end to hook over the hole in the lowering bar. When you invent a great way to accomplish this let me know asap!

Your new steel is taking beautiful shape and I am glad to read that you are selling them!
I will be done with 008 in a couple of days and will post pics before sending it off to Norway.
Nice to see you again my friend!

Good to see u back Pat. Looks like a great start please keep us posted....Stormy

Just finished with the inlays ...it's coming along fine.

That's looking nice.

Ron Mc

Here's some new update pictures of Comeau#5

Here's two more pictures

Cabinet looks great Pat.

Gotta love a red PSG...looking good Pat...BF

I'm gonna get in trouble for this, but Pat, I was surprised you did it this way. I was thinking, stain it first, then put the inlay in. But there was lovely grain in that maple, and the stain seems to hide it. Oh well, I'm unlikely ever to have that problem, birdseye maple is super rare over here in UK.