New project, a Koa and cedar 00

[Tim Benware]

I've done several now with both sinker cedar and sinker redwood. The biggest thing I found to be careful about is when routing off the overhang (after top is glued on) it can catch a grain and peel a piece off along the grain line. Usually is an easy fix and as invisible as the center line but if it happens don't let it freak you out.
Very nice looking set by the way.

[John J]

I had heard that about cedar. When I routed the rosette and sound hole I didn't have any issues,but I had coated the top with shellac for general protection. Maybe that will help when I do the overhang.

[John J]

Got the sides bent yesterday. Pre-bent the waist first and then bent to form in my bender. About 325 degrees for twenty minutes. Turned the heat off and let them cool before I took them out. Beautiful. Easy to bend. Sits in the mold with almost no pressure. I also bent my bindings while I had the bender out.
Contoured the heel block with my radius block ala Mr. Bagwill. Made the neck block from some mahogany from my last neck. Today I'm doing my first scarf joint. Used a jig for the bandsaw and made another jig for gluing up.

[John J]

I was a little loose on the tenon fit so I glued some thin rosewood to the sides and then shaved down to a nice snug fit. Top braces rough shaped and glued in. Cedar back strip glued in against a straight edge (great idea!). Back braces going in.

[John Parchem]

Looking great. Good solution on the tenon.

[John J]

Rim together and kerfing installed. Preparing the top slope with the mega mold. Made a couple of tapered blocks that work well. Contoured the back edge. Top glued on yesterday and today I trimmed the top overhang. Plan to get the back on tonight. Also have my neck roughed out.

[John Parchem]

It looks well on its way toward a nice looking guitar. I like the color change across the cedar top you have.