When I first decided to build my own harp, I found it really useful to read blogs and pages by other people who had done it. With this in mind, I've compiled information about the way I build harps so that you can learn something from my method, then use your own set of tools and skills to create a harp for yourself.
First, let's start with a supply list. Here are the things I use:
- Circular saw
, with a regular blade and also a plywood blade
- Bandsaw
, must be able to have 4 inches of cutting blade exposed, with assorted blades
- Coping Saw
- Electric hand drill
- Drill Press
- A good set of drill bits
in a range of sizes, from 1/16 inch to 1/2 inch.
- Hardware kit for the 29 string studio harp from Musicmakers (www.harpkit.com)
- 60 minute epoxy, as strong as you can find
- Carving tools (optional)
- A Dremel or other rotary tool with various sanding attachments
- Sandpaper in various grits, most importantly 60, 150, and 220 (if you want a really fine finish, get some 600 and 1500 too)
- Electric sander (optional)
- One piece of 1/8 inch thick aircraft birch for the soundboard, 29"x 29" which you can order from Musicmakers here
- One piece of thin plywood, about 1/8 inch thick but 3/16" is okay too, at least 29" x 12", for the box back
- Six boards for the sides of the box and the pillar, I like the craft boards from Lowes, four inches wide, four feet long, and 1/2 inch thick
- A sheet of furniture-quality, 1 inch plywood for the arch and pillar piece, 4 ft by 4 ft
- One corner brace with small wood screws, about one inch from the corner to each end
- One pint of wood stain, your choice of color
- One fresh pint of polyurethane
- Soft, lint-free rags
- Paint thinner
- Paint brushes, a few detail brushes for the soundboard art, plus a nice 1 inch brush for putting on coats of polyurethane
- Stirring sticks
- Plastic gloves
And here are links to all the posts on my blog that describe the harp-making process:
A Harp is Born
Harp Template
Rough Cuts
Arch and Pillar
Kathy's Harp
Putting it All Together
The Soundbox
Polyurethane
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