Jacks first! KMG 000 deep body success kit

[Jackspt28]

Hello, I am progressing on my first build (KMG 000 Deep body Success kit). This will be given as a gift. It is going together well using the Success manual. I added a sound port (clover) and just closed the box and routed the channels. I purchased the Professional routing fixture from Ken. I had toured the Martin Factory and saw the way they rout the bindings. The fixture Ken makes is very much like the Martin Process. I was a little nervous about routing the channels at first, but it turned out to be a simple process with this tool. Getting ready to glue the bindings tonight. No major mistakes yet (that I know of) except for cutting a backbrace too short, (Ken promptly sent a replacement). I have attached a few pictures below. Already thinking about #2!! Suggestions /comments good or bad welcome , Thanks , Jack.

[Kevin in California]

You are doing nice work there Jack. Are you having FUN? Pretty gutsy doing a sound port on your first.
Nice.

Kevin

[Jackspt28]

Thanks Kevin, Yes I am having fun and already thinking about my next one (Dread in Black walnut/ stika soundboard and abolone rosette). I'm going to do an inlay on the headstock on this one, just ordered a precut celtic symbol in abolone. Thanks for the compliments.

[ken cierp]

Great job on the sound port - is it reinforced on the inside?

[Jackspt28]

Thanks Ken, I laminated a piece of 1/64 aircraft ply on the inside with West systems epoxy before I cut the soundport. I used a block of EPP foam as a clamping caul to glue it to the inside, worked great and conformed well. I will post a picture tomorrow.

[Jackspt28]

Picture of soundport reinforcement.

[dave d]

Congrats on the excellent results so far! Very nice, clean work.