The last build is completed-now it is time for a new start.
Two pieces of book matched Redwood that ring like bells when tap toned. They must be joined to make a piece large enough for the instrument top. I join them on this flat work board with a piece of perfectly straight spruce screwed and glued to it.
The edges to be joined must be perfectly straight so that they fit together without any light shining through the joint. I do that by sanding the edges on the flat top of my table saw. Remember to stroke the wood only in one direction. Back and forth sanding will never end up straight.
Here is the outfit I use to make the joint. Two clamps, A couple of pieces of Saran Wrap. Two straight, flat narrow boards, one to set over the glue joint, the other to provide the clamping pressure, a bag of lead birdshot to prevent the wood joint from rising when the clamp pressure is applied. and of course the glue.
It is very simple. Lay a strip of Saran wrap down where the joint will be. apply a thin bead of glue on one piece of wood and join it to its mate on the board. Put another strap of Saran wrap on the joint and set the spruce board on top-hold it down with the lead shot bag. Then place the pusher board and set the clamps to straddle the gap. You will find the pusher board wants to raise as you tighten the clamps, so put a big wooden clamp on to keep it flat to the work board. Now you can tighten to a firm hold. You are done, wait a couple of hours and then get started on the next tone board. Really very simple, and you will get a joint that is virtually un-seeable.
Just a reminder of where this great Redwood came from- The water tanks of New York City !. Note that several of these tanks seem to be made of a blonde wood. I have been told that as the old Redwood tanks need replacement they are replaced with Alaska Cedar. I am guessing that is what those blonde tanks are made of.
