If there is a Patron Saint of Luthiers, they were working for me today. I learned that my friend Gordon Plume is approaching retirement and was having a Wood Sale today at his woodworking facility on Whatcom County's Smith Road. Wow! what a treasure trove of wonderful wood. Port Orford Cedar, Alaska Cedar, Honduran Mahogany, Doug Fir, Teak, Exotic woods. Most in large dimensions. Reasonable prices. Here is what I bought.
Port Orford Cedar--when re-sawn, this will be enough to provide tops for 30 tenor ukuleles.
| The light wood is Port Orford, will make five ukes. | The dark wood is mahogany, enough to make a dozen or more ukes. sides and backs |
Just look at this lovely mahogany. It is going to make some great instruments.
And then I found this wonderful block of fine grained cedar. I really don't need any more but I could not resist for $8.00. Imagine how many cedar tops I can cut from this. Any of you builders want cedar, give me a call. I will have too much. Long enough for baritones.
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Then back to the workshop, the glue on the peg head plates had set up overnight. I took them to the bandsaw and roughed out the design, and then took up my favorite rasp to finish the job.
It only took about twenty minutes. With a little fine sanding, the peg heads will be done.
The next thing for this duo will be lots of careful sanding before the French Polish can begin.