garynava
Luthier / Guitar Maker
Posts: 460 
My main instrument is: Stanley No.5
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Post by garynava on Mar 16, 2021 16:46:50 GMT
I’ve started work on the next of my archtop mandolins; this will be #5 in the series. I’m doing another batch of YouTube videos, but not wishing to keep repeating myself and bore you all, I’m trying to vary the emphasis and content a bit!
Anyway, a while ago a bought a lovely piece of figured American Black Walnut which I hoped I could convert into backs and sides for two mandolins………
Cheers Gary
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ocarolan
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Post by ocarolan on Mar 16, 2021 17:23:07 GMT
... I watched that last night on Youtube, Gary - I was exhausted just seeing all that sawing - as no doubt you were.
Only fair to warn members of a sensitive disposition that sawing is hot work, and Gary sheds layer after layer as the work progresses.
Great to see another build thread on the go Gary - really appreciate the time you take to document your work.
Keith
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andrewjw
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Post by andrewjw on Mar 16, 2021 17:42:01 GMT
A really interesting video Gary ...thank you.  You deserve a beer [or two ] after all that sawing!! The black walnut is stunning...and I think the addition of the burr walnut for the head veneer and finger board will just give it a bit of very natural bling...lovely stuff! Andrew |
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Post by skyetripper on Mar 18, 2021 8:16:43 GMT
Looking forward to seeing this one progress  |
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Post by lars on Mar 18, 2021 19:44:44 GMT
This is gonna be a beautiful instrument!. I love your approach to hand tools and hand work - it's inspiring. Thanks!
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garynava
Luthier / Guitar Maker
Posts: 460
My main instrument is: Stanley No.5
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Post by garynava on Apr 7, 2021 16:07:55 GMT
I’ve been putting together the neck blank for Archtop #5; here’s the head using the burr walnut veneer that I showed you in the previous video.  And here’s the video showing how I got there. It includes some grain-filling with cyanoacrylate- “and Kids, don’t try this at home! Cheers Gary |
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Post by robmc on Apr 7, 2021 18:17:35 GMT
wow, the burr walnut is stunning!
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andrewjw
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Post by andrewjw on Apr 7, 2021 21:06:20 GMT
Thanks Gary... fascinating as always...really good to hear and understand the reasoning behind why you do things in a particular way. |
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minorkey
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On book 3 of the Guitarist's Way, thanks Keith
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My main instrument is: a 20 year old Fender DG-5 Dreadnought named Tilly
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Post by minorkey on Apr 8, 2021 18:56:29 GMT
That's some nice wood!
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Post by lefranglais on Apr 9, 2021 22:09:32 GMT
Nice video again Gary. Always something to learn. I haven't tried sanding CA; I'll have to try it (on some scrap!).
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garynava
Luthier / Guitar Maker
Posts: 460
My main instrument is: Stanley No.5
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Post by garynava on Apr 10, 2021 14:22:34 GMT
Nice video again Gary. Always something to learn. I haven't tried sanding CA; I'll have to try it (on some scrap!). Glad you found it interesting. If you try it, please do it near an open window! Cheers Gary |
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garynava
Luthier / Guitar Maker
Posts: 460
My main instrument is: Stanley No.5
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Post by garynava on May 1, 2021 15:16:40 GMT
 The rim for archtop #5 has been completed; it consists of the walnut sides, which are held together with two blocks, the linings and the end graft which, is purely decorative. The neck block is laminated from two pieces of sitka with a central piece of walnut; for extra strength, the walnut’s grain runs at 90 degrees to the sitka. Due to the orientation of the neck block, end grain is exposed, so it’s sealed to reduce any chance of shrinkage. The tail block again is laminated, this block takes the screws from the tailpiece and will also have a 12mm hole for the endpin jack, so laminations are essential to reduce the likelihood of splitting. Over the years I’ve used tentellones, kerfed, reversed kerf and solid linings; they all do the job of increasing the surface area for gluing the top and back on. However, I much prefer solid linings as they add considerable stiffness to the rim. Mine are made up from 2 x 2.5mm layers, individually bent and then glued in place.   With the linings in place, and some structure given to the rim, I mark out and route the mortice for the neck joint.  And last, but not least is the end graft, visually it’s important to get the proportions of this correct, even though most of this won’t be see as it will be under the tailpiece!  Cheers Gary |
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garynava
Luthier / Guitar Maker
Posts: 460
My main instrument is: Stanley No.5
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Post by garynava on Jun 3, 2021 15:53:57 GMT
I just realised in the previous post, I posted the same picture twice! This one should have been included.  |
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garynava
Luthier / Guitar Maker
Posts: 460
My main instrument is: Stanley No.5
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Post by garynava on Jun 3, 2021 15:58:27 GMT
It had been my intention to post a video of carving the top and back plates, but at the moment, my video software seems to prefer to crash my computer! So, a few pictures instead- The back and top have been carved and I’m really pleased with the way that the walnut has come out after all that work resawing it.   I can’t remember if I posted a video about making wooden planes? Anyway, for this archtop I made a couple of new ones. I made the soles of these two to be more suitable for shaping the outside of the top and back plates. Although they are both curved, they are only shaped in one direction. One for general shaping and the other specifically for the re-curve.     Happily, they both worked really well. If you’re interested, I can post the plane making video |
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garynava
Luthier / Guitar Maker
Posts: 460
My main instrument is: Stanley No.5
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Post by garynava on Jun 5, 2021 16:25:07 GMT
After many frustrating hours, I had a eureka moment and managed to sort out my software problems. So, for your viewing pleasure…………..
Cheers Gary
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Jo whoever he is.
