Side bend and laminate work

Side bending work was completed. Bended African black wood and Yellow cedar were epoxy laminated for the MD body shape. Both African BW and Alaskan yellow cedar were thinned to 1.5mm thickness. I have been using an old electrical lump based bending machine. The machine still works good. For the Epoxy laminate work, I use at least 10-pcs of cast iron heavy duty C-clumps. Laminated side showed a perfect flatness and shape for the MD body.

Neck blanks and Top bracing

I did neck blanks making and top bracing install. For the neck blanks, I selected a 1"x4" Honduras mahogany material. I cut and glued to a three-piece laminated blanks. I have been using the three piece laminate construction for my steel strings models, because this construction has the best stability and strength. This blanks will be sitting in idle at least three weeks to release the gluing stress.

For the top bracing work. I start with a Brazilian RW bridge plate install. Then, I move to the X-bracing. Then, I install rest of bracings. I usually shape those bracings before install to the top. Bracing materials are Adirondack spruce. The last photo is the completed top. However, the final scalloping and brace shaping have not been completed.

Back making

     I did back making this week. I have been using the 12' radious for my back. I also have been using the lattice bracing for my back. The back bracing material is Sitka spruce. This is the strongest spruce, and the the best material for the back bracing. For the lattice bracing installation, the vacuum clamping system is the mast tool. You can see the completed back already shows a nice doming shape.

     Next week, I will make a neck blanks, because the neck blanks need couple of weeks to stabilize after a laminating work.