How I join tops and backs

[Kenny Wiebusch]

I thought I would show my simple way to do this. This is a redwood top I am going to try out. I cut a wedge off of the outside of each piece. I was lucky enough to find some old counter top in a trash pile. I have several pieces and use them often. I clamp angle aluminum in such a way that it compresses the plates evenly when you push them in. Straight board pieces would also work such as nicely milled poplar from Hone Depot. After pushing them in to put some compression on the seam, I clamp the ends down. Notice the nice even glue squeeze out. That's what you want to see!

[Herman]

Smart thinking Karl! That is an easy way to do it.
There are several ways to join the plates, and they all fall back to the same principles.
This is my way:

[John Parchem]

I use a tool from lmi

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If I have a small plate (for a ukulele or head stock veneer) I use binding tape. I tape it as shown. When pressed flat the tape has to stretch and pulls the seam tight. To press flat I just clamp to my bench on some wax paper.

NikkosUke (2).jpg (84.96 KiB) Viewed 1677 times

[Kenny Wiebusch]

I have also used the tape method with good luck. As long as the seam is perfect it does not take a lot of compression. Herman your method looks great!
My name is Kenny BTW. I have tried to fix that on my profile with no success.

[Herman]

Kenny, BTW is a strange surname!

[Dave Bagwill]

Good one, H.