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Thread: NK Forster Octave mandolin build thread

  1. #1

    Default NK Forster Octave mandolin build thread

    Started a new OM the other week, and I'm documenting the build on Instagram. I'll post links here for those who'd like to follow it.

    The instrument is a Indian rosewood and American redwood 22" scale Octave mandolin. it's the first rosewood instrument I've made in years, but I was offered some not long after I moved to Oz, and it was so nice I couldn't resist.

    The summer here in Queensland can be very humid at times so I spend much of the summers making jigs, that way, when conditions are in my favour, work goes much quicker than it would otherwise.

    Yes, I do have a climate controlled room for gluing, with a dehumidifier running 24/7, but still, these things have their limits, and when it is 80% + RH outside, I can't get it below 45% where I prefer it.

    So the first video is me using a simple jig for notching the back strip to take the braces.


    https://www.instagram.com/p/CY-vgdiFPaB/


    The second video uses another jig which locates the brace ends whilst the glue dries under vacuum clamping pressure.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CZOJoPhlaLw/

    Both of these jigs locate using pins, so the results are the same every time. Its a great system, utilised by many guitar factories. This summer I actually had time to think the system through and apply it to my work. The first couple of bodies made this way have been completed and they're the cleanest most accurate work I've ever done.

    Nigel
    www.nkforsterguitars.com

  2. The Following 2 Users Say Thank You to nkforster For This Useful Post:


  3. #2
    Registered User John Kelly's Avatar
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    Default Re: NK Forster Octave mandolin build thread.

    Nigel, when I click on the two links you have posted I get a message saying "Cannot play video as file is corrupt"
    I'm playing all the right notes, but not necessarily in the right order. - Eric Morecambe

    http://www.youtube.com/user/TheOldBores

  4. #3

    Default Re: NK Forster Octave mandolin build thread.

    Works for me, but I'm signed in to Instagram

  5. #4
    Registered User DougC's Avatar
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    Default Re: NK Forster Octave mandolin build thread.

    Very nice set up there. Makes me wonder how big the shop is. I'd never have the space for all of the jigs.

    BTW I could watch the first video. The second required a membership to Instagram.
    Decipit exemplar vitiis imitabile

  6. #5

    Default Re: NK Forster Octave mandolin build thread.

    If it won't let you see the videos, you could always sign up and lock your account so have privacy. Then you can see the videos.

    My shop is small. Basically a three car garage. Two cars worth is the machine shop - table saw, big sander, linisher, big linisher, spindle moulder, buffer, drill press, spindle sander, jointer, and a wall full of jigs. The other third is split into two. A room with a bench where I do most the hand work, and a smaller humidity controlled room where the wood is stacked and glue ups happen.

    Nigel
    www.nkforsterguitars.com

  7. #6

    Default Re: NK Forster Octave mandolin build thread.


  8. #7
    Registered User John Kelly's Avatar
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    Default Re: NK Forster Octave mandolin build thread.

    Is that an epoxy adhesive you are using in the laminating process, Nigel? The vacuum technique looks really good - how long does it take for the laminations to set?
    I'm playing all the right notes, but not necessarily in the right order. - Eric Morecambe

    http://www.youtube.com/user/TheOldBores

  9. #8

    Default Re: NK Forster Octave mandolin build thread.

    Quote Originally Posted by John Kelly View Post
    Is that an epoxy adhesive you are using in the laminating process, Nigel? The vacuum technique looks really good - how long does it take for the laminations to set?
    Yes it is John, though there are lots of glues you can use, it doesn't have to be epoxy. I just like how hard this stuff dries and how easy it is to work with. I put it in the press for a few hours, then do the other side. I can laminate both in a day.

    Nigel
    www.nkforsterguitars.com

  10. #9

    Default Re: NK Forster Octave mandolin build thread.

    Tail block and neck glued in place, ribs fitted to take the back...

    https://www.instagram.com/p/Ca9KGswvdR9/

    Nigel
    www.nkforsterguitars.com

  11. #10

    Default Re: NK Forster Octave mandolin build thread.

    Laminating a back for the OM - I'd decide in a few days to use either the laminated back or the braced back.

    https://www.instagram.com/p/CbGatHUBrcQ/

    Nigel
    www.nkforsterguitars.com

  12. #11

    Default Re: NK Forster Octave mandolin build thread

    This OM had to take a back seat for a few weeks - a load of instruments came back from the spray shop and had to be fettled. Last week I could concentrate on the OM again, and now she's ready for the spray shop.









    Nigel
    https://www.nkforsterguitars.com/

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  14. #12
    Registered User John Kelly's Avatar
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    Default Re: NK Forster Octave mandolin build thread

    Another beauty, Nigel. That rosewood looks gorgeous.
    I'm playing all the right notes, but not necessarily in the right order. - Eric Morecambe

    http://www.youtube.com/user/TheOldBores

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