LITTLE BY LITTLE : it seems that it is taking a long time but I am getting there. Carving the back on the 2 string base is now going well, Almost thin enough I think, but I have just decided to take my time and enjoy the process. Cutting down the interior of this back with the incredibly sharp Ibex plane is really a pleasure, I am checking the thickness frequently and making lots of shavings.
I also finished the sanding on the three Concert Pinecones that I have been ignoring lately. From 320 grit to 400, and then 600. And now I have begun the French Polishing. They get an application now as does the neck for the 2 string bass that is carved and getting pretty shiny.
this afternoon I began the final fitting of the back to the rest of the body. I wanted to get that done before I glued the tentalones onto the sides. That was mostly a project using a very sharp japanese pull saw and a couple of really sharp planes. I think I am now ready to attach the tentalones.
What next. 1. finish the back, thinning it even more, perhaps a strip of maple veneer up the interior center join, perhaps a couple of thin lateral braces to prevent splits, for sure some vertical side strips to prevent splits, and finally the tentalones on the bottom edge.
2. attach the neck to the body. Probably with two big bronze screws and epoxy, but I am considering a couple of bolts embedded in the neck and extending through the big neck end piece.
3. Then the back can be glued on and the instrument "boxed up"
4. then dark fiber binding top and bottom.
5. Inlay a decorative piece to cover the back seam and accept the big hole for the tail piece.
Lots of challenge ahead and beyond point 5-and that is what makes it fun
2. attach the neck to the body. Probably with two big bronze screws and epoxy, but I am considering a couple of bolts embedded in the neck and extending through the big neck end piece.
3. Then the back can be glued on and the instrument "boxed up"
4. then dark fiber binding top and bottom.
5. Inlay a decorative piece to cover the back seam and accept the big hole for the tail piece.
Lots of challenge ahead and beyond point 5-and that is what makes it fun