Marcus Chen
Painting a guitar body requires a holder to achieve a high-quality finish. The holder should allow for easy manoeuvring and rotation of the guitar body during the painting process. While commercial options are available, such as the StewMac Freehand Holder, DIY solutions can also be effective. These DIY solutions typically involve using a piece of wood, such as a scrap piece of wood or a generic table leg, attached to a pipe or dowel, which can then be hung or clamped to a stand or workbench. The key considerations are the strength and stability of the materials used, as well as ensuring that the holder doesn't touch the paint edges of the guitar body.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Materials | Wood, metal, PVC pipe, electrical conduit pipe |
| Tools | Drill, screws, clamps, saw, glue, wire, hook |
| Design | Flat or angled, with or without a stand, portable or fixed |
| Function | Spray painting, staining, drying, sanding |
| Considerations | Strength, stability, ease of use, cost, safety |
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What You'll Learn
Using a vice clamp
Prepare the Materials
You will need a vice clamp, which you can attach to a sturdy workbench or table. Additionally, you'll require a wooden handle, such as a broom handle, a shovel handle, or a wooden dowel about a foot and a half long. Ensure the diameter is around an inch or slightly larger. You will also need some wood screws and a drill for making pilot holes.
Create the Guitar Holder
Start by cutting your chosen wooden handle to the desired length. Drill two holes at one end of the handle, ensuring they align with the neck pocket of the guitar. These holes will be used to attach the handle to the guitar body with screws. You may also want to flatten one end of the handle to make it easier for the screws to go through.
Attach the Guitar Body
Carefully drill pilot holes in the guitar's neck pocket, being cautious not to drill all the way through. Use wood screws to attach the handle to the guitar body securely. Make sure the screws are tight enough to hold the weight of the guitar.
Clamp the Guitar
Now, you can use the vice clamp to secure the guitar body. Place the guitar with the attached handle into the vice clamp and tighten it securely. Ensure the clamp is stable and firmly attached to your work surface.
Painting and Maneuvering
With the guitar body securely clamped, you can now begin the painting process. The vice clamp setup allows you to easily maneuver the guitar as needed. You can rotate the guitar body within the vice clamp to access different angles and sides for a uniform finish.
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Drilling holes for hooks
First, select an appropriate material for your guitar holder. It can be made from wood, such as a scrap piece of lumber, a wooden dowel, or even an old shovel or broom handle. Alternatively, some people use metal conduit pipes, which can be aluminium or electrical. The material should be strong enough to support the weight of the guitar.
Next, you'll want to measure and mark the drilling spots. If you're using a wooden dowel or similar material, drill two holes at one end, ensuring they don't go all the way through. These holes will be used to attach the dowel to the guitar body using screws. If you're using a pipe, flatten one end and drill four holes around this flattened section. This will allow you to hang the pipe from hooks or attach it to a stand.
When drilling the holes, it's important to use the correct drill bit size. For the wooden dowel method, the holes should be slightly larger than the screws you'll be using to attach the dowel to the guitar. For the pipe method, the holes should be large enough to accommodate hooks made from coat hangers or heavier wire.
After drilling the holes, you can insert screws or hooks. If using screws, make sure they are long enough to provide a secure hold but not so long that they protrude through the guitar body. If using hooks, bend coat hangers or sturdy wire to create hooks that fit snugly through the holes.
Finally, test the setup by hanging or attaching the guitar holder to a stand. Ensure that it is secure and can bear the weight of the guitar. Adjust as necessary to achieve the proper balance and stability.
Remember to work carefully and take the necessary safety precautions when drilling and handling power tools. With these steps, you should be well on your way to successfully drilling holes for hooks in your guitar body holder for painting.
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Using a stand
Materials and Tools
The materials you use for your stand are not too important, as long as they are strong enough to support the weight of the guitar. Many people use wood, such as scrap lumber or a generic table leg, which can be easily sourced or purchased at a hardware store. Others have used metal, such as aluminium or electrical conduit pipe. You will also need some basic tools like a drill, screws, and possibly a saw.
Design and Construction
The design of your stand can vary, but it should have a way to securely attach the guitar and hold it in place. Here are some ideas for the design and construction:
- Cut a length of wooden dowel or a sturdy stick, such as an old shovel handle, to about 18 inches. Drill pilot holes in the wood to fit your guitar's neck pocket, being careful not to drill all the way through. Attach the dowel to the guitar body using wood screws.
- Flatten one end of a 1" electric conduit and drill holes for attachment. The other end should fit snugly onto a 3/4" pipe, which can be used as a stand.
- Use a piece of scrap wood that is thinner than the width of the neck pocket. Screw the guitar into the wood using the existing neck pocket holes. Attach a piece of dowel or a handle, such as an aluminium mop handle, to the scrap wood. For added stability, use a piece of electrical conduit pipe as a horizontal cross-piece to support the handle.
- For a simple stand, use a speaker stand and PVC tubing. Attach the tubing to the guitar and then hang it from the speaker stand.
Placement and Environment
When using a stand, it is important to consider the placement and environment to ensure a successful paint job:
- Place the stand in a clean, protected area away from wind, direct sunlight, and sources of dust or debris (such as trees or plants). Concrete or asphalt surfaces are recommended.
- Consider the spray pattern and angle of approach when positioning the stand. Aim to spray directly at the surface to achieve an even coat and reduce appearance issues.
- If using a horizontal stand, take advantage of gravity by spraying in a way that allows the paint to flow out and finish flat.
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Choosing the right materials
Wood:
Wood is a common material used for guitar body holders. It is readily available and easy to work with. When choosing wood, consider the type and thickness. Softwoods like pine or cedar are easy to drill and screw into, but harder woods like oak or maple will provide more strength and durability. Thinner pieces of wood may be more flexible, so choose a thickness that can support the weight of the guitar.
Metal:
Metal pipes or tubing, such as aluminium or steel, can be used for the stand or hanging mechanism. Metal provides strength and durability, ensuring that the guitar body holder can withstand the weight of the guitar without bending or breaking. Consider the diameter of the metal pipe or tubing to ensure it can support the guitar securely.
Screws and Fasteners:
Screws are essential for attaching the guitar to the holder. Choose screws that are long enough to provide a secure hold but not so long that they protrude through the guitar body. Consider using screws that fit the existing neck pocket holes or pilot holes that you can drill into the wood. Additionally, fasteners such as clamps or wire can be used to attach the guitar body holder to a stable structure.
Hanging Mechanism:
If you plan to hang the guitar body holder, consider using a sturdy hook or coat hanger that can bear the weight of the guitar. Alternatively, you can bend heavier wire to create a hanging mechanism. Ensure that the hanging mechanism is securely attached to the guitar body holder to prevent accidental drops.
Stability and Rotation:
To achieve a stable and rotatable guitar body holder, consider using a sturdy base or stand. A simple stand can be created using a piece of wood or PVC tubing. For rotation, you can attach the guitar body to a rotating handwheel shaft, allowing you to easily turn the guitar as needed during painting.
Remember, the key is to choose materials that are strong enough to support the weight of the guitar and provide a stable platform for painting. With the right materials and careful construction, you can build a functional guitar body holder that makes the painting process easier and more efficient.
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Attaching the guitar
Prepare the Guitar Body:
Before attaching the guitar to the holder, it is important to prepare the guitar body. This involves marking the areas where you will drill holes or attach screws. Identify the neck pocket of the guitar, which is where the neck of the guitar joins the body. This area will be used for attachment. You can also decide whether you want to attach the guitar body directly or use a mounting block, which is a piece of wood that fits into the neck pocket and provides a stable base for attachment.
Choose the Right Materials:
The materials you use for attachment depend on your guitar's design and your personal preference. Common materials include wood, metal, or PVC. Choose materials that are strong enough to bear the weight of the guitar and won't flex or break during the painting process. Consider using scrap wood or a wooden dowel, which can be easily drilled and screwed into the neck pocket. Alternatively, you can use metal conduit pipes or tubing, but ensure they are sturdy enough to support the guitar.
Drilling and Screwing:
Drill holes in the neck pocket of the guitar body or the mounting block. Be cautious not to drill all the way through the guitar body to avoid damaging it. The number of holes may vary, but typically two to four holes are sufficient. Next, attach the guitar to the holder by screwing through the drilled holes. Ensure that the screws are tight and secure. If using a wooden dowel or conduit pipe, drill corresponding holes in the dowel or pipe to attach it to the guitar body.
Adjustments and Stability:
After attaching the guitar, make any necessary adjustments to ensure the guitar is stable and secure. If using a mounting block, you can add a piece of trim or raise the block slightly to prevent the paint from chipping when removing it. Consider the angular stress on the holder due to the offset of the guitar body and adjust accordingly. Test the stability of the setup before beginning the painting process.
Additional Tips:
When attaching the guitar, consider the spraying technique you plan to use. For example, if you prefer to spray at a 45-degree angle or suspend the guitar horizontally, adjust the holder's design accordingly. Ensure that the guitar can be easily manoeuvred and rotated to access all surfaces during painting. Always prioritize stability and security to avoid accidental damage to the guitar or the surrounding area.
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Frequently asked questions
The materials used to build a guitar body holder include wood, metal, PVC tubing, and electrical conduit pipe.
You can attach the guitar to the holder by drilling holes in the neck pocket and using screws or glue to secure it in place.
It is recommended to spray paint the guitar body while it is hanging or suspended, rather than laying flat, to achieve a more uniform finish. When spraying outside, do it over concrete or asphalt, in a clean area protected from wind and direct sunlight, to avoid potential issues with dust, sap, pollen, and bugs.
Yes, there are commercial guitar body holders available for purchase, such as the StewMac Freehand Holder, which is designed to make spray finishing easier and more efficient.
