 | Now to get the tentalones on. These crucial braces hold the instrument together by providing a large glueing surface to both the sides and top & bottom. They must be flexible to bend to the shape of the instrument. The two uses in the from of the photo are receiving their tentalones clamped by simple clamps made by cutting 1/8th inch ply. The uke in the back is having the upper range of tentalones glued on clamped with old fashioned wooden clothe pins. |
Making Tentalones-- Whenever possible I like to make every piece of one of my instruments. I cut bass wood into long strips on the table saw, run them through the planer to size, then a pass or two through the thickness sander to get them smooth and the exact correct size. Then they are run this this little homemade device that cuts the grooves that allow them to bend. This little gizmo I build slides on the bandsaw groove and a boxwood index pin powered by that single rubber band regulates the cut. This is a good project for those days that you are n0t feeling too chipper. It is a bit boring.
So here is where we are at the moment. The rosewood/redwood is done- the others not so much. I will get them tomorrow now that I have a new supply of tentalones.
