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
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