Need your advice: built-in tension at waist

[Dave Bagwill]

Okay, redwood - it loves to chip, and it did, at the waist during a sawing operatio. Dang.

Anyway, it was not a large chip BUT large enough that the binding will not cover it.

If I push the rim together a little bit at the waist when gluing on the top and bottom, the fit will be good, but some tension will be built into the structure.

What else is feasible?? Well, I could save this top for another guitar, and make another top.

How serious a thing would the tension be?

[Kevin in California]

Supported by the top and back, I don't think it is ever going to come flying apart.
How much are you talkin here?

[John Parchem]

If you are ok with the look of a deeper waist I do not think the tension would be a huge issue. I see a bunch of projects using turn buckle clamps in both bouts that I am sure are putting tension on the same bend you are talking about.

[Dave Bagwill]

Well, I'm now encouraged. (Of course, I will not hesitate to blame both of you in all the luthiery forums and publications that I possibly can, if the thing comes apart on me. Not :-))

The lam sides are STIFF. So there is a little pushback, more than on solid sides, but I think it will work.

[ken cierp]

Seems like a good idea -- its not going to throw something else out of alignment -- right?

[John Link]

Without seeing a picture, I cannot be sure, but this seems to be a classic case for unique, arbitrary, DECORATION.

Cut out a triangle, put perfectly mitered purfling around it (showing what a craftsman you must be), and inlay it across the binding, purfling, and top, like a little wedgie. Or a heart. Or make a little squiggly. Or a couple of bars. Make them from abalone, or white pearl, or gold pearl, or black pearl.

Why add another problem to the one you already have. TURN YOUR MISTAKE INTO AN ASSET. Such little decorations are very appealing and make you look like a New York designer instead of the klutz you know you are.

Mistakes - opportunities for inlay.

[Dave Bagwill]

Nope, nothing else will get thrown out of alignment.

John Link - I'm not that good, dude!!!