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5/21/2020

A few days ago I glued the binding into the slots and got nice fittings on each of the three, but then the work begins.

The groove is cut a little smaller than the binding so the binding stands a little proud in all dimensions.
it must be brought down flush with plane, scraper and sanding block.

This tiny plane held at a slight angle, takes the binding down to almost level with the back. Final work is done with sanding block.

High spots along the sides of the instrument are taken down with a sharp scraper, a wonderful tool.

Then it became time to put the side dots on the edge of the fretboard. Once they are located it is a simple job of drilling the holes, and glueing in the dots but you must be careful not to split the narrow wood of the fretboard. score it lightly with a sharp awl to guide the drill bit.

A bit of thin super glue locks the dots in.

'The Redwood soundboards have been sanded to 320 grit. Now to keep them clean, a coat of French Polish shellac is rubbed on for protection. This top is going to show some figure.

1 Comment

Alan McDonald

5/21/2020 11:13:49 pm

Each passing day creates a new canvas blending tones, colors and beautiful instruments of which are still works of art in motion. One may recall looking at the original pieces of wood and thinking they were no more than tree trunks being disected bit by bit and then one shakes their head upon realizing they are not simply pieces of wood coming together but rather art forms bringing new life to woods which have been resting while mother nature made sure the curing process was perfect in every sense of the word. As perfect as wood can be with imperfection's approved and shaped in nature while all was curring awaiting the perfect time for the pickings to be ripe.

Watch and listen to acoustic instrument enhusiasts describing how the aging rings stands out so beautiful even though they may not be able to count all of them. Their minds accept the fact that it is beautiful just witnessing the art form. I recall owners of a cedar log custom built home being told by a third party that, "It was such a sad day that so many imperfect knot holes were not removed to create the perfect home". The family laughed for close to sixty years given how the commentator could not see the natural beauty as they did.

To view the body's that were not so long ago simply pieces of wood now shaped into body's that breath new life into the yukuleles as they await next steps.

It''s an eye opener when one witnesses a fine wood planer looking the size of a young child's carpenter wood toy set and yet it is up to the big job of removing wood the size of a lock of hair. A precision instrument required to churn out instruments that even adults can appreciate the look of awe as their new instrument is in a way, being born or shall we say, coming to life.

Not to mention the scrapping tool takes off even less wood to make each piece look so wonderful to even the unskilled eyes.

Oh my garsh, the drill doesn't even look like a Black & Decker and yet there is some sort of winder thing on the side and it appears the Luther in charge has failed to attach the portable battery to the drill. I'm sure that will get sorted out quickly.

Touches of the correct glue and for sure a real steady hand and eye will place the instruments in an entire new department shortly.

Out comes the finish and I'm not sure how many coats will cover each instrumenrt. Of course winter will be on the way and one would not want to see the little darlings having to stand out in the cold. Good thinking Brian.

It seems that Brian had a great last week with as much work accomplished as possible. I know my head is spinning watching the accomplishments coming together. Of course Brian will just shrug it off as though it is almost nothing but he is the ringmaster holding onto the leather harnesses ever so lightly as he guides the thoroubreds down the track with the end zone not that far away. Now I don't know about you folks but I have never seen such a high stake race where nobody is pushing to get to the end, except in their minds, of course without showing themselves jumping up and down and finding it almost impossible to avoid showing their true emotions. That is okay, we can simply look the other way and let them jump out of their shoes at the end of that special day. Don't bother trying to contact them for several weeks, okay, months as they will be tied up. Yes, it will happen that way. Early Christmas or a wonderful celebration just around the next corner.

We must keep popping in to witness this amazing work going on!

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