Arches kits

[Br1ck]

After a not too long wait, I just put a deposit on an Arches F5 kit, so in a month or two, I'll have the makings of a pretty good mandolin provided I don't screw it up. A couple of questions come to mind. Since the Arches build manual is a work in progress, do I need to get something like the Sminioff book?

Since I need to provide a bridge I think a CA is in order unless someone has another suggestion. Then there is the tuner and tailpiece decisions to make.

How about tools? I have the nut and fret files. Perhaps a scraper is in order? Long throw clamps? I'm going to make the clamps used for gluing the top and back on out of threaded rod, thin plywood cut with a circle bit, and cork and wing nuts. How many will I need? What diameter circle?

This should be a very fun project.

[MikeEdgerton]

I would get the Siminoff book. There are also Don McRostie's DVD's.

No sense in going at it without a little guidance. Good luck. I've been thinking about doing that for years.

[MontanaMatt]

I have two mandos with Weber Brekkee traditional bridges. It is a great design. Check it out, available from Brice...Montana Lutherie