To be honest, I find making the looks of a guitar immaculate the most challenging issue of the whole building. The construction, thicknessing and the allignments, I find the most interesting parts. But no one notice that parts that make a difference.
Since the begin of mankind: Pearls before swines.
Florentine Cutaway
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Kevin in California
- Posts: 2806
- Joined: Mon Dec 19, 2011 4:19 pm
Re: Florentine Cutaway
I struggle some with the immaculate part Herman, but I'm working on it. Part of what will get me there is thinking about the process before I begin the work. Little thinks like the kerfing. With normal kerfing it is very hard to notch it without breaking some out that you don't want broken. I can see how the reverse, or even solid kerfing would provide a much better foundation to notch nice and clean. Stuff like that I will be working more on in the future.
Re: Florentine Cutaway
There are several ways to approach the neckcarving, But after taking off the bulk I proceed with the middle of the neck. First I cut straight towards the side of the fretboard
Then I make the bottom of the neck flat to about 1 mm of the endthickness (for scratchremovement)
Then I start to make the profile. Here it will be a "low oval" with a quite flat area on the bottom. Almost a bit D-shaped. There are no profiles. I do it by eye and fingerfeeling. And this time I have a Furch-guitar (2000$) around for example. I check the straightness of the profile along the neck, by looking from the fretboardside. It give a very accurate view on how fast the curve gets away from the edge.
When I get to the final dimensions, I switch for spokeshave and rasp to a scraperblade. This I also use for checking the staightness of the neck.
When all seems straight and with the right profile the curved profile is sanded with a long strap of sandingpaper 120#.
Next we will move to the connection of the heel and headstock. Plus for Dave the volute.
Then I make the bottom of the neck flat to about 1 mm of the endthickness (for scratchremovement)
Then I start to make the profile. Here it will be a "low oval" with a quite flat area on the bottom. Almost a bit D-shaped. There are no profiles. I do it by eye and fingerfeeling. And this time I have a Furch-guitar (2000$) around for example. I check the straightness of the profile along the neck, by looking from the fretboardside. It give a very accurate view on how fast the curve gets away from the edge.
When I get to the final dimensions, I switch for spokeshave and rasp to a scraperblade. This I also use for checking the staightness of the neck.
When all seems straight and with the right profile the curved profile is sanded with a long strap of sandingpaper 120#.
Next we will move to the connection of the heel and headstock. Plus for Dave the volute.
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Kevin in California
- Posts: 2806
- Joined: Mon Dec 19, 2011 4:19 pm
Re: Florentine Cutaway
Herman that modified D shape is what I've gravitated toward as what feels good to me.
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Dave Bagwill
- Posts: 5951
- Joined: Tue Dec 13, 2011 7:44 pm
Re: Florentine Cutaway
It's about time you get to that volute. Where have you been, world-traveling or something? LOL.
Thanks Herman..
Thanks Herman..
-Under permanent construction
Re: Florentine Cutaway
Sorry Dave, my daughter is moving to another house. And staying at ours for a few weeks. We are busy.
I know you have little time, old man. But be patient.
I know you have little time, old man. But be patient.