rim leveling

[peter havriluk]

I am in the midst of my first solo scratchbuild project, the rim's assembled and kerfing proceeds.

I did notice some cupping in some regions on the sides, resulting in the rim areas being higher than the center of the side being observed. The cupping is mild enough to let me think I can level the sides by sanding the entire span of each side all at once, promoting a level side by removing material primarily in the region of the kerfing.

The question: How?

I have a spindle sander, and I can make some sanding blocks from large-diameter dowel. Other than that, time to go buy what's needed.

I'd love suggestions and warnings.

Thanks very much.

[Herman]

Hey Peter,
I use a radius disk to level the sides. If a spot is far to high, I take a small block plane to take material off. Warning: plane carefully, 'cause the kerfed lining blocks easily break off.
Have fun!
Herman

[John Parchem]

I not quite sure what you are describing. Are you saying the sides of the rims are not flat or the top of the kerfing. If it is the sides of the rims, that is some ripple in what will be the sides of the guitar, I would wait until after the top and back are glued on so that you can have some rigidity while sanding. Either of your suggestions are fine, even a sanding block with with the dowl for the waist area. The spindle sander would also work but be careful you can remove a lot of quickly.

If it us the top and back of the rims I sand them with a radius dish if I want a radius or a flat dish if I want the top flat.

[peter havriluk]

Thanks, John. The sides are cupped a bit concave in a few places. I think I can be careful with the spindle sander for some of the cleanup, and yes, I was anticipating doing the leveling after the soundboard and back are installed and before any routing is done for bindings.

I didn't know whether there was a tool, unknown to me, that would help sand the sides flat any more easily than what I had. Only thing I've seen is a hand-drill-mounted long skinny drum sander (1-1/8" x 4") with a handle on the end, that Grizzly sells. Single purpose tool and the version that might work into my budget is 4 inches wide and additional drums are eight bucks each. I can see how it would be good to have in a revenue-generating shop, but shop tools for me are expenses with no upsides but time and quality of results.

If you've had any experience with the Grizzly tool I mentioned, I'm eager to hear your comments.

Much obliged.

[John Parchem]

I use the bigger Handhelp Pneumatic drum sander for what you describe: http://www.grizzly.com/products/7-1-2-x ... nder/D4595.

I cross hatch the sides with pencil markets so I can watch how I am sanding and sand somewhat consistently. I have had small areas where the wood dished, always on a figured area. If too deep I build them up with gluboost finish CA.

[Tim Benware]

Peter, I found this video very helpful and incorporate it into my builds now. I use other methods as well if needed.

http://www.stewmac.com/How-To/Online_Re ... odies.html

[Tim Benware]

I use the bigger Handhelp Pneumatic drum sander for what you describe: http://www.grizzly.com/products/7-1-2-x ... nder/D4595.

I cross hatch the sides with pencil markets so I can watch how I am sanding and sand somewhat consistently. I have had small areas where the wood dished, always on a figured area. If too deep I build them up with gluboost finish CA.

I like this too John. One must be very careful to keep it parallel so one doesn't cause more problems than one fixes.