First top method

[Ray Ussery]

This is my first top...Western Red Cedar...

Method:



Top...glue line...finish side...now what do I do with the glue line? Just block sand or RO? It's been 12 hours...



Thanks, Ray

[ken cierp]

Scraper blade to clean off heavy spots then run it through the thickness sander. The bowed seam caul should have a slot in the center. This will allow the squeeze to bead rather than be spread. The slot also is helpful when installing a center stripe in the back. There is then no concern with the height of the strip. It can be shaved down after the joint dries.

[Dave Bagwill]

Could you explain the 'bowed' caul and the slot?

[ken cierp]

I'll post some pixs when I get a chance.

[Kevin in California]

Ken I like that idea about the groove for the glue line, I will put that in my clamping board. I use a piece of maple that is about 1" thick by 2.5" wide, with a slight bow, works great for clamping that seam down.

Kevin

[Ray Ussery]

Yes.. that piece of oak had a natural bow in it...(I picked it that way) so when I pulled the ends down (Maybe 3/32) it clamped the center I believe, as well as the end area...OR so it seemed anyway...could be what Ken is talking about.

Thanks for your input Ken and Dave and Kevin...the "Channel" sounds great...not sure how wide...but sure makes sense, cents...ahh since....one of those! Ha!.

Ray

[ken cierp]

Yep that's the idea --bowed in the center so it pushes down as you tighten the end clamps. Slot size is non critical about 1/4" x 1/4" or so. I would suggest clamps with better compression than cam-clamps just to make sure the blocks don't slide as the wedges are tapped in place to tighten.