first we run some warm water over the sides at the shop sink. This is Randy's side, with very wild grain. I hope I can bend it without it breaking.
The white dot indicates where the waist is, the sharpest and first bend I will make.
 |  I mark the head and tail, and the top and bottom of each side. It is very easy to get confused and bend in the wrong direction. notice the crazy grain, This might be tough. |
The bend has begun, and so far it is bending surprisingly easy. I am comparing to a previous bend in the mold. It is getting close. Back to the hot pipe.
Ah! That will do nicely. Now to bend the tail. The tail curve is rather slight and it is easy. So all the sides are bent for the three ukuleles.
I like to clamp the wet and warm sides in position for 24 hours so that they set and stay in the desired shape. here are three ways to accomplish that. Each one works just fine.
All of the time I have been working on the 3 new ukuleles, 135, 136 & 137 I have also been each day applying
french polish to Gary and Sandy's ukuleles. They are almost finished and it is time to sand the finish for the final coats. This photo shows what was a very shiny surface, just sanded with wet 1,000 grit sandpaper. The water has a tiny bit of detergent in it to keep the paper clear.
french polish to Gary and Sandy's ukuleles. They are almost finished and it is time to sand the finish for the final coats. This photo shows what was a very shiny surface, just sanded with wet 1,000 grit sandpaper. The water has a tiny bit of detergent in it to keep the paper clear.
Clearing the sandpaper in the water. After a light sanding, and wiping it dry, the final applications of French Polish make the ukulele shine like a new penny.
First coat after sanding. A couple more and it will be time to complete these babies.