Acoustic Build Day 1: Morning
Acoustic Guitar Components, Side Prep and Gluing, Laser-cut Bracing Prep for Top & Bottom, then sanding and gluing and sanding and gluing, and sanding and glu...
Acoustic Guitar Components, Side Prep and Gluing, Laser-cut Bracing Prep for Top & Bottom, then sanding and gluing and sanding and gluing, and sanding and glu...
After introductions and taking the pre-test in the front lab, we gathered in the rear lab and met our guitars. Based upon a random number, participants chose their top then, in reverse order, their bottom and finally their sides. As I was #3 in the picking order, I chose the torrefied spruce top; I had read about its stability and tonal qualities but, basically, I liked its aged look.
After introductions and taking the pre-test in the front lab, we gathered in the rear lab and met our guitars. Based upon a random number, participants chose their top then, in reverse order, their bottom and finally their sides. As I was #3 in the picking order, I chose the torrefied spruce top; I had read about its stability and tonal qualities but, basically, I liked its aged look.
This is my "Taylor BBT guitar" one hour into the workshop. The top and bottom are solid (spruce top & sapele bottom) and the sides are pre-bent, pre-cut sapele veneer plywood. The pre-glued neck plate (left front) and the heel plate (left rear) were also provided.
This is my "Taylor BBT guitar" one hour into the workshop. The top and bottom are solid (spruce top & sapele bottom) and the sides are pre-bent, pre-cut sapele veneer plywood. The pre-glued neck plate (left front) and the heel plate (left rear) were also provided.
Let's get to work...
Let's get to work...
Demo of gluing the neck block to the pre-cut, pre-bent plywood sides using f-clamps
Demo of gluing the neck block to the pre-cut, pre-bent plywood sides using f-clamps
Neck and heel (tail) blocks glued, and clamped using the small 6" f-clamps for at least 45 minutes of curing.
Neck and heel (tail) blocks glued, and clamped using the small 6" f-clamps for at least 45 minutes of curing.
Establishing centerlines on both sides of the top and bottom
Establishing centerlines on both sides of the top and bottom
About this time, the oversized top and bottom pieces were marked nominally 1/4" oversize using a washer.
Center the BBT template on the top and bottom (I didn't; I had the tops matched. Oops #1)
Separating the laser-cut pieces from the Baltic birch plywood
Separating the laser-cut pieces from the Baltic birch plywood
Use a steel rule and (sharp) razor knife to cut through the tabs (both sides)
Use a steel rule and (sharp) razor knife to cut through the tabs (both sides)
Demo: Having placed the glued together sides/blocks assembly into the mounted BBT mold, installing the internal spreader , & chalking the contact surfaces, Allen is ready to "drive the bus" sanding the nominal 25 foot radius into the bottom of the side assembly.
Marking my sides with chalk.
Marking my sides with chalk.
The glued together side assembly is in the mounted BBT mold with spreader installed. Let's drive the bus on the first route...
The glued together side assembly is in the mounted BBT mold with spreader installed. Let's drive the bus on the first route...
Demo: Gluing the Bottom Bracing using the Gobar deck and the 25' radius base.
Demo: Gluing the Bottom Bracing using the Gobar deck and the 25' radius base.
DRY FIT EVERYTHING PRIOR TO GLUING!!!
- Use the larger (blue) gobar rods to hold and conform the bottom to the 25' radius base.
- Glue up, orient, & secure the base bracing to the bottom using the smaller (white) gobar rods to hold the pieces in place.
- Apply glue to the doubled bracing pieces and clamp together after inserting them into the base bracing. Install gobar (white) lengths to press and secure.
After consulting the instructors, I used a two-part gluing strategy for gluing the bottom bracing to the bottom.
After consulting the instructors, I used a two-part gluing strategy for gluing the bottom bracing to the bottom.
It seemed to work.
It seemed to work.
Apply kerfing to the bottom of the side assembly.
Apply kerfing to the bottom of the side assembly.
Place it about a fingernail thickness above sanded surfaces and secure with clamps. Let glue cure minimum of 45 minutes.
Hey! its lunch time!
Hey! its lunch time!