Woodworking In The Philippines

[davewe]

About 20 years ago, as a stress reliever when my son was an infant, I started building guitars. For the next 5 years or so it was a complete obsession. Built them by hand using only hand tools and traditional methodologies. Sold a few even.

 

Ultimately divorce, raising kids and making money got in the way. I told myself when I retire I'll get back to it. As I got more and more serious about our intentions to retire and move to the Philippines next year, I began reorganizing my shop and equipment: selling what I didn't need and determining what materials I did need and would ship to PI. For years I have had 2 archtop guitars in a state of being 3/4 finished. My wonderful wife encouraged me to not wait - to finish them now. So I am back to my obsession and enjoying it! Planning on a shop in the Philippines.

 

Was talking to a musician friend who traveled a couples times to the Philippines. He said, "why not teach guitar making there?" I thought that was a cool idea but perhaps impractical. It would be a month's course at a minimum. But then I thought about many of the traditional woodworking techniques I am skilled at, particularly French Polishing and wondered if I could throw together an occasional day class for bored expats who might like to work on the craft.

 

Assuming I end up in the Dumaguete area, which is our current intention, any opinions on this idea? I do not particularly need the money in retirement, but do want to continue to learn, grow and be passionate about what I do. That is if I ever get off the beach :)

 

Any BTW, anyone who ever dreamed of a handmade guitar made in the Philippines (and yes, I know there are skilled builders in Mactan) I'll be there before you know it!

 

 

Edited February 16, 2016 by davewe

[Queenie O.]

Nice project there Davewe

 

Yes there are skilled guitar makers here in Cebu. The challenge in the Philippines though, is that there is not much of a variety of wood here for sale.

Not sure what kinds of wood you would be needing, but it's something to consider.

Maybe you can adapt what is here to suit your needs.

[davewe]

Nice project there Davewe

 

Yes there are skilled guitar makers here in Cebu. The challenge in the Philippines though, is that there is not much of a variety of wood here for sale.

Not sure what kinds of wood you would be needing, but it's something to consider.

Maybe you can adapt what is here to suit your needs.

Top woods like spruce and cedar I would bring with me. For back/sides - local tropical woods can be used. But supplies are a consideration for sure.

[Mike J]

The back of the guitar looks like a very nice piece of fiddleback maple.  Yes?

[mogo51]

Great looking guitars, good luck with your classes if you get them going.

[davewe]

The back of the guitar looks like a very nice piece of fiddleback maple.  Yes?

Yes. That guitar is European spruce topped and European maple back and sides.

[Jack Peterson]

Yes. That guitar is European spruce topped and European maple back and sides.

 

Dave, as Queenie has said your Wood Supply may be a problem but as luck would have it, we have a very good supplier we used for the house build, in this area I am sure he will be of use to you for Supplies, when you are here maybe we can put you together with him and you can chat some requirements.

[not so old china hand]

A great way to get rid of stress and a fine looking guitar.

 

My woodworking has never been that fine but still enjoyable although time constraints have meant that I rely heavily on power tools. With retirement coming up I look forward to improving my hand-tool skills.

 

I like the shot of the three luthier's planes. Did you make them too?

[davewe]

A great way to get rid of stress and a fine looking guitar.

 

My woodworking has never been that fine but still enjoyable although time constraints have meant that I rely heavily on power tools. With retirement coming up I look forward to improving my hand-tool skills.

 

I like the shot of the three luthier's planes. Did you make them too?

The bronze ones were made by Chris Laarman. No longer made, they are very much in demand. The 3 wooden planes were made by legendary English planemaker Bill Carter. Both Chris and Bill are true artists.