A Norman Blake style OM

John J · Post by **John J** » Thu Dec 17, 2015 11:04 pm

Number six for me. I was planning to use a black limba back and side set I had for this one, but scrapped that after my sides cracked across the grain while pre bending the waist. So this will be a cherry and Engleman spruce guitar. The cherry bends wonderfully, however I had a small goof in marking the waist when I bent the sides. I ended up with a gap at the neck block. With forum advice I adjusted the mega mold (it is a wonderful tool, Ken!) and made the upper bout a little smaller. Overall length is shortened by 1/2". I decided to leave the bracing and sound hole as is and lengthen the bridge plate the 1/2". Tim is together and I'm working on the top bracing.
I like to keep doing these construction logs for myself and especially for newcomers to this craft. I know the have helped me immensely.

dave d · Post by **dave d** » Fri Dec 18, 2015 9:32 am

Excellent photos John. Thanks for sharing your work.

John J · Post by **John J** » Tue Dec 22, 2015 7:45 pm

In the "Getting ahead of yourself department " it seems as if I'm knee deep in it on this project. I set the neck slope for the top with Ken's directions on the mega mold, got my top fitted and went ahead and glued it on. Guess what I forgot to do? Yup, I didn't contour the back rim (insert a head slap and a loud "Doh!" here). So I trimmed the top and I'll contour with my bar from the success kit from my first guitar. Just when you think you know what you're doing it turns out you don't.i

John J · Post by **John J** » Fri Jan 01, 2016 5:29 pm

Got the box closed up and the sides sanded and ready for cutting the rebates. Bound the fretboard in cherry. I used ca glue and accidentally partially filled three feet slots. Thankfully I was able to soften the ca glue with Goof Off super glue remover and carefully pick the slots clean. I made a handle for my radius block (per Ken's suggestion-makes it much easier!). I made it so I can transfer the handle to a different block if needed. I have my neck roughed out and the tenon cut.

Dave Bagwill · Post by **Dave Bagwill** » Fri Jan 01, 2016 5:33 pm

That looks like very good work, JJ!

John Parchem · Post by **John Parchem** » Fri Jan 01, 2016 9:15 pm

looking really good now. Sweet.

John J · Post by **John J** » Fri Jan 15, 2016 11:45 pm

Bindings (leopardwood) done and body sanded to 180. Using gold mop for the inlays on this one. I'm getting more proficient with each inlay. I bought a foot switch for the dremel and it makes it so much easier. Not worried about jostling the bit when I turn the tool off. I used brown tinted epoxy on the Katalox board.