Kerfed Lining Jig

Taking the summer off building so I can get other stuff done of my DIY home improvement list and get out and have some fun, but I also have a list of jigs to build over the summer.. I have a different style of kerfed linings I want to start using ao I need a way to make them myself.. step 1 make a jig to cut the kerfs.. not my idea there are lots out on the internet, this one is based on one form here:

http://www.anzlf.com/viewtopic.php?t=1269

I like it because it is self contained once adjusted it should stay that way and not need much tweaking.. seems to work.....

Mandolin Hiatas & Some Jigs

I've got a few things about the Mandolin I've been working on that I am not happy with and I'm not sure how or even if I can change it at this late stage so I've put it on the back burner for now and will get ready to start a new build probably in September since between work and fun this month is looking very full..

I've also been working on some jigs. Lutherie is full of jig and even if you have all you think you need you always seem to come up with more or a better version of one you have.. I went on a course with Charles Fox this summer and he is certainly the master of jig and process for the guitar builder..

I've got a fair number of ideas for improvements or new jigs to help thing along.. The main one I just finished is a universal mold, I had one but this one is better it incorporates a method of centering the end block for a bolt on neck, thus making neck alignment easier -- I hope.. Plus I made a couple of jigs to aid in making standard parts for the hell block and bridge blank.

Improved universal mold

T-track & bolts center the end block

Kind of boring parts cutting jigs

Summer is Almost Done

Yes I know, but it is true....

Although I have not been doing any building I have got a lots done beside the list of around the house projects, I built a side bender for a Tenor Uke which I will be hopefully using shortly, as well as the inside forms for it and a bending for for the next Tenor Guitar I'll also be starting shortly, I finished upgrading my neck tenon jig and built a little rotating sander for truing up sides.

I built a rotating table for my side bender and Worksharp sharpening system.

I've also started making a new top for my first MandoCello.. and I've got this little side project I'm playing with.. Oh and I seem to have acquired a new scroll saw....

Some Jigs

Worksharp on top

Side Bender on top

Side project, 1/2 size violin repair.. 

GAL Convention & Next Instruments

I was lucky enough to go the the Guild of American Luthier's convention in Tacoma last week. A great event  with lots of good information exchanged and some good music as well.. I also came back with a bit more wood :-)

Summer is a bit too busy and humid for guitar building but I have been working on a number of new jigs & tools and I'll get them posted here sometime in the near future.

Summer is also a good time to sort out the next instrument designs and get all the moulds etc for them built.. This falls projects so far look like a Tenor ukulele build of all Canadian woods and a new Tenor Guitar for me.. Rick's Tenor turned out so well I'm going to make another for myself that hopefully will turn out as good and end up being my sort of go to instrument.. Of course I should just replicate the design I used for Rick but there is no fun in that so I'll be doing a scaled down version of a Gibson LO body. I used the LO body shape for the Mandocello but this one will be about 0.88% of that size and 21.375" scale length again. probably and arm bevel as well but no need for fan frets.

I've been debating the wood as well but it is looking like it will be Zircote & Ancient Sitka Spruce (3000 year old spruce from a bog in Alaska), so it will be a dark looking guitar..

I now officially have more wood than I know what to do with, well not really i know what to do with it I just need time to do it :-)

Some Gal Photos:

Harry Fleishman bass

One of Jeffrey Yong's guitars violates a lot of rules about guitar building but sounds GREAT

Retopped Ovation By Kinnard Guitars with Larry Robinson rosette

Howard Repogle's Ukes

Some more Harry Fleishman guitars

Summer Projects

So the humidity is not the best for building guitars right now but I am still plugging away at pore filling the parlour guitar and it is almost done... whew.. I'm going to be trying a new shellac formula on it for french polish from Shellac Finishes called Royal Lac it sounds very promising..

http://www.shellacfinishes.com/

I'm using the time to sort out a few more jigs or update some, this seems a never ending task I've got a few new ones I want to make and I am also almost done updating my neck tenon jig to make it more users friendly.. I'll post those when done

Also I'm working on fixing up the first non-dulcimer instrument I ever made a Mandocello.. I seriously screwed up on the design and now I'll be replacing the original flat top with a carved arch.. I just jointed the top (some decent Yellow Cedar) tonight..