Super cool build 👍👍 I don't have all the tools to do this, but I'm going to apply some of these principles & attempt to make a cigar box style 3 string guitar. Thanks for posting this
Thanks! I totally get not having lots of tools. If I didnt teach were I do I wouldn't have lots of access. But I love doing things with simple handtools. If you are interested I did an on demand video banjo building course only using 5 handtools. A drill, a file, a handsaw, a coping saw, and a simple reamer (which is optional). You can see the trailer here th-cam.com/video/xLWuYPbx4ZQ/w-d-xo.html
That depends on how big the rim is. The best way I have found is to draw two lines like a cross hair that are at 90 degree to each other. Then draw a circle the size of your rim (inside and out). Then divide the circle into how many parts you are going to have in the rim layer. (in my case 8). then you can see how wide and long the pieces need to be to fit each curved slice in. Does that make sense. It will be different for each size pot you are making. For a 12inch pot my pieces are 5.125 long at the top and 4inch across the bottom with as 22.5 degree angle on the pieces. If yours is smaller or bigger those numbers for top and bottom of the piece would change. Does that help? Hope so. if not let me know and we can maybe chat through video and I can show you.
Yes I have done that before and assembled them but I usually have to true them all up at glue up or in the case of an ashborne style pot where the hooks go through the rim I want to shape it a little so the lathe works just as well for these situations for me. I made a case for my mountain banjo that way. Routers can be super handy!
At 8:58, you really should have the Bandsaws top guide closer to the work. The blade will be a lot more stable when cutting curves and even straight cuts as well..
I get that often. I was trained by a slightly odd bird haha. I am much more comfortable and stable with them higher unless resawing. Same reason I rarely use a fence on a band saw unless it is a 10inch and above resaw. thanks for looking out and thanks for watching!
Super inspirational. I don't want to get into production and just for myself I can't get into buying one or even two cross slides. I can make things within several thousandths by hand... with time and care. Just never done bowls etc. yet at all. I make traditional-style woodwinds so have a couple years practice with spindles.
traditional style woodwinds! thats awesome. Very cool. Yeah I'm the same about not a production guy. I could never commit to making one thing or style long enough.
Very nice and instructional! I would love to build a banjo someday. 2:26 was terrifying to me tho - fingers so close to the blade, what if the work piece slipps and pulls your hand in? I'm just a hobbiest and don't need to perform operations at speed, so I've just been using hand tools to avoid the noise and danger. I just chill out in with some music and hang out with some nice safe handtools. Very relaxing.
Oh I am a handtool enthusiast! love them. You should totally build a banjo! I did whole build your own banjo online class using basic handtools only! th-cam.com/video/xLWuYPbx4ZQ/w-d-xo.html Yeah as for the table saw I have two things in going on there. From the side it does look closer than I am to the blade. But also I have a saw stop table saw and it works wonderfully.
Hey there! First of all, super sweet build. Secondly, I simy must know what that strappy clamp ya got there is and where I can get so many of them! If you'd be so kind as to point me in the right direction that would be fantastic
Thanks! Yeah they are called strap clamps. Used a lot in framing and odd ball projects. There are two kinds. Ive linked them below. The first one puts more force on the clamping. The other is great for boxes. www.amazon.com/Bessey-VAS-23-2K-Vario-Angle/dp/B00NO6XHZC/ref=sr_1_5?crid=8QGA7C1F2KSX&keywords=strap+clamps+for+woodworking&qid=1666317997&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIzLjY5IiwicXNhIjoiMy4xOSIsInFzcCI6IjMuMTUifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=strap+clamp%2Caps%2C107&sr=8-5
second kind of strap clamp. www.amazon.com/HORUSDY-Clamp-Woodworking-Holder-Picture/dp/B07BW2T7YH/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=8QGA7C1F2KSX&keywords=strap+clamps+for+woodworking&qid=1666317997&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIzLjY5IiwicXNhIjoiMy4xOSIsInFzcCI6IjMuMTUifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=strap+clamp%2Caps%2C107&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1
Interesting sort of watched strap you used on one section ring of the rim, is it able to be purchased or did you make it ? New to shop type wood working and am trying to plan for a shopping trip. Looking for a bandsaw capable of drawing true 4X4 inch lengths of hardwoods at 45 inch lengths. I can go slow with the cuts but it seems anything affordable like the Wen with a six inch cutting height isn't capable. Watching as I type, man your a awesome craftsman. Reply appreciated.
Thanks! yeah those clamps are commercially available. There are two types. My favorite is this type www.amazon.com/Bessey-VAS-23-2K-Vario-Angle/dp/B00NO6XHZC/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=band+clamps+woodworking&qid=1650593161&sr=8-5 and then the other type is this kind www.amazon.com/HORUSDY-Clamp-Woodworking-Holder-Picture/dp/B07BW2T7YH/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=band+clamps+woodworking&qid=1650593161&sr=8-8 I feel bad I never really finished off this build series. I got to into making it and just dropped the filming. But I am currently chipping away at filming another fun build.
All different places. I have a few local lumber mills I use as well as some milling and drying I've done on my own. Mainly it is a get named Gary McInturf that runs his own mill in Lawrenceburg KY. I know that may not help since you most likely are not around my neck of the woods haha! But I would look up lumber mills local to you. So what kind of banjo are you building??
@@chris9l913 OK! Cool For the neck I would stay away from oak and poplar and cedar. Poplar will have a duller sound. Oak is just nasty to work with for the most part, especially with rasps, and cedar won't handle the pressure or age as well. I would see if you could get some cherry or walnut or maple. Mainly the neck is the issue the bottom could be anything. Also you can laminate up some boards for the neck to get the thickness you need if you have to.
Is there an easy formula to calculate the lengths of the trapezoids to glue together into the rings? I feel like I should know how to get the answer but every time I sit down to do it I confuse myself
I have my way which is the least math possible. (if you pause it at 00:53 you can see the layout I am about to describe.) Here is what I do (and maybe I can shoot a short video on it). I draw it all out. 1)Drawing two circles to make a ring I draw out the ring to the final size both inside and out. 2) I draw out lines like spokes on a wheel to divide the ring into its parts. 3) Then I draw straight lines across connecting the spoke lines and making sure the rings segments fit in there. 4) I measure out a little extra from the ring and take my measurements. Yeah maybe I can do a short tutorial. Would that help?
@@JDanielGraham I'd certainly watch the video! Although I think I can probably figure it out from your description as well. Out of curiosity, do you think it would be a bad idea to try to turn something this large on a 3/4 HP lathe with a 12" throw? My options are that or to rough cut it with a band saw and finish it with a flush trim router bit and some circle templates and sandpaper
@@useyername I do a combination of both. I bandsaw off the waste and then route them round as rings then glue them up. So that when I am turning it on the lathe Im only taking a small amount off and cleaning up any traditions. I think it would be fine on your lathe just take it slow. The first banjo I made maxed out my lathe within 1/2 an inch. I wouldn't try and turn it down from octagons that is a rough ride with a lot of potential chip out with all the miters. Cutting them round before hand helps a lot with that. Also it took me awhile to figure out the right mounting setup to get it on my lathe. I ended up making a mdf sacrificial plate that I glue the rim too and then cut off in the end.
Thanks! Its a mixture I make up of Boiled Linseed oil, tung oil, and paint thinner. Most people use turpentine but I am not building up a finish with it I mainly use it to bring the woods color to the surface and enhance it. Make sure to see the final video here th-cam.com/video/pH7CLE9-1tM/w-d-xo.html Since this I put a glass tone ring in the banjo...I have to do an updated video.
@@craigjacob3704 Body/pot is made from Walnut and Cherry Neck is Walnut and Cocobolo with Acrylic fret markers Headstock is Cocobolo with steel and leather insets. You can see all the details and story behind this one here jdgraham.net/2019/09/glass-bottom-banjo/ Once Im able to record some good sound I have to update this as I have a glass tone ring in it now!
I can understand that. I had a different teacher also. I was taught proximity and respect for a tablesaw blade. I always use a riving knife but nothing else so I can see it all. I do use push sticks for small stuff and for anything that might have tension in it. I also have a saw stop. If I didnt I would get one or put other measures in place.
@@JDanielGraham You can work out safe ways to do things. For instance I'll let my right thumb get very close to the blade, but only if I hook my fingers over the fence while I do it.
@@JDanielGraham And by the way, I always take all the safety stuff off of my table saw and miter saw. I think those things create more danger than they prevent. In 40 yrs of doing this I've never had the slightest accident. But I don't suggest beginners do that either.
When he was holding the rim during the last cut the piece could have kicked back letting his finger into the side of the blade. When I showed new ones to saw I always said never touch the saw blade while it's turning and beware of kickback. I had a guy I had told not to let go of his piece of wood while making a cut, he let go and then quickly slapped his hand on the blade taking the inside of his fingers off. Luckily not cutting them off.
I’ve seen several banjos made like this over the years … and they all failed. Too many joints to fall apart as the wood shifts over time. There is a good reason for laminated rims …
I have seen some that fail especially when the wood is not dried correctly or enough before use. I based this off of the ashborn style pot from 1852. Time will tell how it survives.. I made it for myself so if it fails, that is just what happens, and I get to make another haha. But I do totally understand why laminated rims are standard practice.
Nice job and nice shop! It's not easy to fit angles to make a circle, so, I'm impressed.
oh man the one Im making right now has 72 pieces! Angles and i have a pretty decent working relationship.
Wow! 72 pieces! I can't wait to see it!@@JDanielGraham
Super cool build 👍👍
I don't have all the tools to do this, but I'm going to
apply some of these principles & attempt to make
a cigar box style 3 string guitar. Thanks for posting this
Thanks! I totally get not having lots of tools. If I didnt teach were I do I wouldn't have lots of access. But I love doing things with simple handtools. If you are interested I did an on demand video banjo building course only using 5 handtools. A drill, a file, a handsaw, a coping saw, and a simple reamer (which is optional). You can see the trailer here
th-cam.com/video/xLWuYPbx4ZQ/w-d-xo.html
You can get that course and see others here jdgraham.net/video-courses/
I. Am making my first banjo using the rim block method. Can’t get the trapezoid shape right. Would love to know the dimentions of that first block
That depends on how big the rim is. The best way I have found is to draw two lines like a cross hair that are at 90 degree to each other. Then draw a circle the size of your rim (inside and out). Then divide the circle into how many parts you are going to have in the rim layer. (in my case 8). then you can see how wide and long the pieces need to be to fit each curved slice in. Does that make sense. It will be different for each size pot you are making. For a 12inch pot my pieces are 5.125 long at the top and 4inch across the bottom with as 22.5 degree angle on the pieces. If yours is smaller or bigger those numbers for top and bottom of the piece would change. Does that help? Hope so. if not let me know and we can maybe chat through video and I can show you.
To turn the octagons into circles you could clamp the circle template to the piece and use a template bit on the router
Yes I have done that before and assembled them but I usually have to true them all up at glue up or in the case of an ashborne style pot where the hooks go through the rim I want to shape it a little so the lathe works just as well for these situations for me. I made a case for my mountain banjo that way. Routers can be super handy!
At 8:58, you really should have the Bandsaws top guide closer to the work. The blade will be a lot more stable when cutting curves and even straight cuts as well..
I get that often. I was trained by a slightly odd bird haha. I am much more comfortable and stable with them higher unless resawing. Same reason I rarely use a fence on a band saw unless it is a 10inch and above resaw. thanks for looking out and thanks for watching!
Super inspirational. I don't want to get into production and just for myself I can't get into buying one or even two cross slides. I can make things within several thousandths by hand... with time and care. Just never done bowls etc. yet at all. I make traditional-style woodwinds so have a couple years practice with spindles.
traditional style woodwinds! thats awesome. Very cool. Yeah I'm the same about not a production guy. I could never commit to making one thing or style long enough.
Very nice and instructional! I would love to build a banjo someday. 2:26 was terrifying to me tho - fingers so close to the blade, what if the work piece slipps and pulls your hand in? I'm just a hobbiest and don't need to perform operations at speed, so I've just been using hand tools to avoid the noise and danger. I just chill out in with some music and hang out with some nice safe handtools. Very relaxing.
Oh I am a handtool enthusiast! love them. You should totally build a banjo! I did whole build your own banjo online class using basic handtools only! th-cam.com/video/xLWuYPbx4ZQ/w-d-xo.html Yeah as for the table saw I have two things in going on there. From the side it does look closer than I am to the blade. But also I have a saw stop table saw and it works wonderfully.
Wow a piece of art.
Great vid. I look forward to the next step.
brilliant thanks mate
Hey there! First of all, super sweet build. Secondly, I simy must know what that strappy clamp ya got there is and where I can get so many of them! If you'd be so kind as to point me in the right direction that would be fantastic
Thanks! Yeah they are called strap clamps. Used a lot in framing and odd ball projects. There are two kinds. Ive linked them below. The first one puts more force on the clamping. The other is great for boxes. www.amazon.com/Bessey-VAS-23-2K-Vario-Angle/dp/B00NO6XHZC/ref=sr_1_5?crid=8QGA7C1F2KSX&keywords=strap+clamps+for+woodworking&qid=1666317997&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIzLjY5IiwicXNhIjoiMy4xOSIsInFzcCI6IjMuMTUifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=strap+clamp%2Caps%2C107&sr=8-5
second kind of strap clamp. www.amazon.com/HORUSDY-Clamp-Woodworking-Holder-Picture/dp/B07BW2T7YH/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=8QGA7C1F2KSX&keywords=strap+clamps+for+woodworking&qid=1666317997&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIzLjY5IiwicXNhIjoiMy4xOSIsInFzcCI6IjMuMTUifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=strap+clamp%2Caps%2C107&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1
Interesting sort of watched strap you used on one section ring of the rim, is it able to be purchased or did you make it ? New to shop type wood working and am trying to plan for a shopping trip. Looking for a bandsaw capable of drawing true 4X4 inch lengths of hardwoods at 45 inch lengths. I can go slow with the cuts but it seems anything affordable like the Wen with a six inch cutting height isn't capable. Watching as I type, man your a awesome craftsman. Reply appreciated.
Thanks! yeah those clamps are commercially available. There are two types. My favorite is this type www.amazon.com/Bessey-VAS-23-2K-Vario-Angle/dp/B00NO6XHZC/ref=sr_1_5?keywords=band+clamps+woodworking&qid=1650593161&sr=8-5 and then the other type is this kind www.amazon.com/HORUSDY-Clamp-Woodworking-Holder-Picture/dp/B07BW2T7YH/ref=sr_1_8?keywords=band+clamps+woodworking&qid=1650593161&sr=8-8 I feel bad I never really finished off this build series. I got to into making it and just dropped the filming. But I am currently chipping away at filming another fun build.
Hi, so I've been looking into building my own banjo and I was curious on where you get your wood
All different places. I have a few local lumber mills I use as well as some milling and drying I've done on my own. Mainly it is a get named Gary McInturf that runs his own mill in Lawrenceburg KY. I know that may not help since you most likely are not around my neck of the woods haha! But I would look up lumber mills local to you. So what kind of banjo are you building??
@@JDanielGraham a octagon mountain banjo
@@chris9l913 OK! Cool For the neck I would stay away from oak and poplar and cedar. Poplar will have a duller sound. Oak is just nasty to work with for the most part, especially with rasps, and cedar won't handle the pressure or age as well. I would see if you could get some cherry or walnut or maple. Mainly the neck is the issue the bottom could be anything. Also you can laminate up some boards for the neck to get the thickness you need if you have to.
@@JDanielGraham would mahogany be good for the neck also am I able to contact you by email in case I need to ask any questions?
@@JDanielGraham actually can I just message you on Instagram?
Is there an easy formula to calculate the lengths of the trapezoids to glue together into the rings? I feel like I should know how to get the answer but every time I sit down to do it I confuse myself
I have my way which is the least math possible. (if you pause it at 00:53 you can see the layout I am about to describe.) Here is what I do (and maybe I can shoot a short video on it). I draw it all out. 1)Drawing two circles to make a ring I draw out the ring to the final size both inside and out. 2) I draw out lines like spokes on a wheel to divide the ring into its parts. 3) Then I draw straight lines across connecting the spoke lines and making sure the rings segments fit in there. 4) I measure out a little extra from the ring and take my measurements. Yeah maybe I can do a short tutorial. Would that help?
@@JDanielGraham I'd certainly watch the video! Although I think I can probably figure it out from your description as well. Out of curiosity, do you think it would be a bad idea to try to turn something this large on a 3/4 HP lathe with a 12" throw? My options are that or to rough cut it with a band saw and finish it with a flush trim router bit and some circle templates and sandpaper
@@useyername I do a combination of both. I bandsaw off the waste and then route them round as rings then glue them up. So that when I am turning it on the lathe Im only taking a small amount off and cleaning up any traditions. I think it would be fine on your lathe just take it slow. The first banjo I made maxed out my lathe within 1/2 an inch. I wouldn't try and turn it down from octagons that is a rough ride with a lot of potential chip out with all the miters. Cutting them round before hand helps a lot with that. Also it took me awhile to figure out the right mounting setup to get it on my lathe. I ended up making a mdf sacrificial plate that I glue the rim too and then cut off in the end.
I also just realized that 90% of what I said was in the video haha sorry about that.
This is a great video! Could I ask, what kind of oil did you use?
Thanks! Its a mixture I make up of Boiled Linseed oil, tung oil, and paint thinner. Most people use turpentine but I am not building up a finish with it I mainly use it to bring the woods color to the surface and enhance it. Make sure to see the final video here th-cam.com/video/pH7CLE9-1tM/w-d-xo.html
Since this I put a glass tone ring in the banjo...I have to do an updated video.
What types of woods did you use?
@@craigjacob3704 Body/pot is made from Walnut and Cherry
Neck is Walnut and Cocobolo with Acrylic fret markers
Headstock is Cocobolo with steel and leather insets. You can see all the details and story behind this one here jdgraham.net/2019/09/glass-bottom-banjo/
Once Im able to record some good sound I have to update this as I have a glass tone ring in it now!
what is the size of the pot ????
Its a 10.5inch head for an 11inch pot. You can see the finished banjo here th-cam.com/video/pH7CLE9-1tM/w-d-xo.html
@@JDanielGraham thanks
I love this! How’d you get those tracking shots?
A little set from grip gear that has a track such. Super easy and fun.
Beginning woodworkers, do NOT get your hands anywhere near a table saw blade like this. I do it, and he does it, but don't you do it.
I can understand that. I had a different teacher also. I was taught proximity and respect for a tablesaw blade. I always use a riving knife but nothing else so I can see it all. I do use push sticks for small stuff and for anything that might have tension in it. I also have a saw stop. If I didnt I would get one or put other measures in place.
@@JDanielGraham You can work out safe ways to do things. For instance I'll let my right thumb get very close to the blade, but only if I hook my fingers over the fence while I do it.
@@JDanielGraham And by the way, I always take all the safety stuff off of my table saw and miter saw. I think those things create more danger than they prevent. In 40 yrs of doing this I've never had the slightest accident. But I don't suggest beginners do that either.
@@petebarrow274 I agree.
When he was holding the rim during the last cut the piece could have kicked back letting his finger into the side of the blade. When I showed new ones to saw I always said never touch the saw blade while it's turning and beware of kickback. I had a guy I had told not to let go of his piece of wood while making a cut, he let go and then quickly slapped his hand on the blade taking the inside of his fingers off. Luckily not cutting them off.
I’ve seen several banjos made like this over the years … and they all failed. Too many joints to fall apart as the wood shifts over time. There is a good reason for laminated rims …
I have seen some that fail especially when the wood is not dried correctly or enough before use. I based this off of the ashborn style pot from 1852. Time will tell how it survives.. I made it for myself so if it fails, that is just what happens, and I get to make another haha. But I do totally understand why laminated rims are standard practice.
Use a push stick. No more banjo playing if there’s an accident. Or get a Sawstop.
It is a saw stop. I was trained with comfort levels that are not for everyone haha. I am careful, i know my hands and eyes are my lively hood.