Bob_C - Posted - 01/03/2012:  14:07:09

Well, here's my first effort, 11" pot, 24.75" scale, Rickard hardware with Gotoh tuners. I used Home Depot red oak for the pot, poplar for the neck (same source) and LMII fingerboard and head plate. I've decided that I probably shouldn't have stained the oak (it would have looked better natural). But the darned thing does sound like a banjo and now I have something to learn to play with. I have to thank Rudy and Dan Pennington for their online building tips (I used them extensively), also Bill Rickard for the wonderful hardware.

                                                                               cheers!  Bob

LNP - Posted - 01/03/2012:  14:14:23

That's is a good looking banjo Bob. Larry

scooter46 - Posted - 01/03/2012:  14:41:07

Looks like you did a nice job. Larry

Shawn Hoover - Posted - 01/03/2012:  14:56:20

Wow, excellent work, Bob! Who would've thought a banjo made from Home Depot wood could look that nice? Very cool. I'd like to hear it, too!

Bill H - Posted - 01/03/2012:  14:58:39

Very nice. Lets hear it!

george pereda - Posted - 01/03/2012:  15:05:43

that looks great.

Bob_C - Posted - 01/03/2012:  15:11:23

Thanks everyone. I'm still working on my bump-a-diddy and I have to figure out the digital recording thing but I'll try and post something to give an idea of the sound. I've already started on a new neck and pot (mahogany and maple) to see if I can improve on my first effort.

                                                                                                        Bob

Edited by - Bob_C on 01/03/2012 15:12:41

Greg in VA - Posted - 01/03/2012:  15:27:55

Thats just flat out nice...

Waltj - Posted - 01/03/2012:  17:02:08

Extremely nice build! I like the oak stained like that.
Walt

Quickstep192 - Posted - 01/03/2012:  17:39:01

I'm going to politely disagree on your comment about staining the oak. I think it looks great! The stain on that oak really goes nicely with the hardware as does the head. Really nice looking banjo.

Dexter - Posted - 01/03/2012:  17:53:43

quote:I second that....great looking banjo...kind of has that enoch tradesman look. What kind of tools did you use?

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Originally posted by Quickstep192

I'm going to politely disagree on your comment about staining the oak. I think it looks great! The stain on that oak really goes nicely with the hardware as does the head. Really nice looking banjo.

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Bob_C - Posted - 01/03/2012:  18:48:05

As far as tools, I have a Sears 12" craftsman band saw that I used on the block rim and to cut the neck blank. I turned the rim to final dimension with my cheapie Harbor Freight bench top drill press with a sanding drum. I rounded over the rim top on a router table with a 1/4 round bit. Other than that, various rasps, files and my Dremel tool knock off. I stained it with Transtint dyes and finished with a couple of coats Formbys tung oil.

                                                                                   Bob

zacherrmann - Posted - 01/03/2012:  19:15:41

Nice banjo! Really like that Oak!

zacherrmann - Posted - 01/03/2012:  19:16:14

Nice banjo! Really like that Oak!

HolyGrass - Posted - 01/03/2012:  19:21:18

very nice work! I'm gonna have to try turning a rim down with my drill press soon... what size sanding drum did you use?

great work, again!

Bob_C - Posted - 01/03/2012:  19:25:54

I think my sanding drum is 2x2.                    Bob

ps  Every time I put on fresh drum I had to fiddle with the it to get it to spin true again (it's kinda wobbly).

Edited by - Bob_C on 01/03/2012 19:30:18

olpete - Posted - 01/03/2012:  19:31:24

Tremendous first effort ! I'm sure it sounds as good as it looks!

aeroweenie - Posted - 01/03/2012:  19:35:17

Great job!  I also like the stained oak, it is visually interesting.

Dexter - Posted - 01/04/2012:  10:03:27

quote:Bob, thanks.....you may have inspired me....those tools are within my reach!!!!

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Originally posted by Bob_C

As far as tools, I have a Sears 12" craftsman band saw that I used on the block rim and to cut the neck blank. I turned the rim to final dimension with my cheapie Harbor Freight bench top drill press with a sanding drum. I rounded over the rim top on a router table with a 1/4 round bit. Other than that, various rasps, files and my Dremel tool knock off. I stained it with Transtint dyes and finished with a couple of coats Formbys tung oil.

 

                                                                                   Bob

 

 

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erikforgod - Posted - 01/04/2012:  10:04:28

sweet lil banjer!!!

Bob_C - Posted - 01/04/2012:  11:21:00

The two things I had the most trouble with was fitting the neck to the pot (my jig for this was kind of feeble...) and making the bridge (now I know why the  hand made bridges that are commercially available are a bargain!). I used my drill press/sanding drum to fit the neck to the pot, for the next one I'm going to make a nice jig for the band saw.

                                                                                                          Bob

blindsniper - Posted - 01/05/2012:  00:38:14

Congratulations on having finished your first banjo.  I'm working on my first too.  Lets hear some sound clips