lmi classical guitar kit side question

[ronin5573]

The prebent sides on my lmii classical kit are 4 1/2 inches wide. What is the best way to cut them to 3 3/4?

[Freeman]

I can't remember if my LMI classical was tapered to the head block or not, but a fairly easy way is to make enough marks on the inside of the sides at the correct height that you can draw a line (or put a piece of masking tape) at the correct depth. Kerf both the top and back making the top flush and the back overhang. Now trim the overhang to the kerfing - a sharp plane and chisels will work (watch your grain runout). A flush cut router would work fine on the upper and lower bouts, but not the waist. Sand the rest of the way - you will sanding the dome into the back kerfing.

fwiw, here was a thread from the old forum on my classical build. I used kind of a combination of a solera and a mold, not sure if that was the best way or not. It does make operations like trimming the sides and sanding the dome much easier.

http://www.kitguitarsforum.com/archives ... 86_0_6_0_C