I am still a novice working on tuning my build process for F5s, and I could use some tips or suggestions for fitting the smallest rib piece at the bottom point.
I am using a heat blanket combined with an inner mold for bending the long (scroll) rib and outer molds for bending the head block (S-curve) rib and long rib between the points. I fit them together with the block set inside an outer mold for glue up. But for the tiny piece of side on the underside of the bottom point, I taped a temporary "spacer" piece during glue up so I can then remove that spacer later and specifically fit that tiny piece so the joints match up just right... I understand some builders use this approach.
Whether you build your mandolins this way or some other way, I'm wondering how you bend and then fit that part. It has a gradual curve to it (to my eye maybe a 4" or 5" radius?). So I was considering just pipe bending a small piece to that radius, cut it slightly longer than necessary then use a small plane to dial in the joints.
Curious how everyone else does this. Thanks.
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