Now the clamps are off- The back fit very nicely. First I got the small router out and trimmed the edges flush. The instrument is held in this simple clamp device while the router is applied.
Here is the trimmer in the router. This bit has a tiny wheel that makes the cutter trim exactly at the edge.
Now it is time to cut the deep grooves to accept the binding. Here is the device that will do that. A down spiral bitt, a new guide device added to the router, and after careful adjusting and testing on a scrap, I began the always scary cut into the edges of this ukulele.
The groove is successfully cut. Now the router must be re-set to cut the much smaller notch for the w/b/w purfling that I will be putting inside the binding.
Boy this router makes a mess ! Here is a shot of the floor, the work top looked worse. This Cocobolo sawdust is toxic and some folks react badly to it. I wore a dust mask and so far have had no problems but it sure pays to be careful. Especially because this beautiful wood makes marvelous instruments. I would hate to not be able to use it.
One last router cut to be made. The end piece is done with the aid of this homemade router guide. The cut was very successful.
This groove came out just right. Now comes the pleasant job of repairing all of this destruction. The binding and purfling will be glued on, then the end piece fitted and the Ukulele will begin to take its final form. A good afternoon of progress on what I think will be a very good Tenor for Roger.