Granddaughter wants a classical guitar

[Kevin in California]

Ha Herman
I guess when you have a good thing going you don't change much.
I'm using a plan from a 1966 Frederick guitar but mostly just using the body size and shape. I don't stick precisely to any bracing scheme, etc.

So far the two I've made have turned out fine.

[Kevin in California]

Okay I have the back and top attached to the rims and flush trimmed to the sides.

Next on to the bindings!!!

[Kevin in California]

Well I have worked on but took a few days off over the Christmas week.

I routed channels for the binding and purfling and got them all installed and scraped flush. The perfect binding job eluded me once again but overall I'm pleased how it turned out. Hand cutting channels at the heel, top and bottom is a challenge keeping the channel level with the routed channel and getting a nice clean tight fit for the binding and purfling takes patience and a keen eye, both of which I'm loosing more of in my older age. I turn 70 in 11 days. YIPPEE.

I use the tape it all in, check and adjust the fit and wick in the CA method which I prefer as it brings the frantic level way down versus gluing using Titebond and taping as you go.

So I've sanded down to 180 grit.
My fretboard is done so the next step is to get it in place and use positioning pins for later gluing. I like fretting first before gluing the fretboard on and this generally works
okay but I also realize it can be better to glue on the board first so it can be leveled again, adjusted for relief and such before fretting. I just hate banging on the thing over the top to get the frets in. I'll ponder this a bit before moving forward.

The Osage is a beautiful color now. I wish it would stay that way but over time it will change to a light brown/tan color. That's all for now.

[Herman]

Good looking man.
When glueing of the binding, I always do it with the help of my Anja. I do the fitting, she does the taping. Sometimes I do it on my own, but with her it is easier and more relaxed. (And she helps with the center alignment, when glueing the top and back top the rim).

FWIW: I do the fretting after attaching the neck to the body. I do find the hammering on the body disturbing too, but I think the result of leveling this way is more satisfying in the end.

BTW: the alligning of the neck looks very clean !!
Herman

[Kevin in California]

Thanks Herman and Happy New Year

I did glue on the fretboard today minus frets.
I may relieve the tang nubs a bit when installing the frets over the body and just add a bit of glue. Not so much hammering needed. The rest should go fine.

Also glued on a heel cap.

[John Parchem]

Looking good! Looks like your ready to finish up the carving

[Herman]

Kevin, could you show how you carve the heel, without damaging the sides and keeping it all clean?
Never did that this way and it looks a bit tricky to me.
Herman