Laminate Rosewood OM - First Build

[musicman2000]

And so it begins. Here sits the beginning of my first build. Since I got my dehumifier a little late, I am letting it sit in the mold for a couple of days to get used to the RH of my work room. In a couple of days, I'll begin gluing. Thanks to all of you who helped me to get up and running.

Tom

[Kevin Sjostrand]

Looking good already Tom.
Keep the pics coming.

Kevin

[naccoachbob]

Tom, you're off to a good start. Where do you live that you need the dehumidifier. I'm in east Texas, and probably should use one as well.
Bob

[musicman2000]

I live in Baltimore, Maryland. Not as humid as Texas I'm sure, but we still get RH levels around 70 - 75%. Maryland tends to get both extremes - very hot and humid, and below freezing temps in the winter. I would honestly rather have the colder weather. If I could, I would move to upstate New York.

Tom

[musicman2000]

Well, after a little procrastinating (for fear of breaking this thing) construction has finally begun today! It's a gratifying first step for me considering all of the apprehension.

First, I had to sand down one edge of the right rim (it sat a good 1/32" above the other - thanks Martin). You can see in the picture my makeshift clamping system while I gently sanded down the laminate. Took me about an hour to get it flush.

Then came the trimming of the tail block, dry fitting, and gluing/clamping. I decided not to do the tail and neck blocks in the same day. I am trying to take this slow.

In the third picture, you will notice the top of the body where each rim falls short of meeting each other by about 1/16". Do you think this might be a problem? I didn't think it would, considering the neck block will be glued here and the neck will hide that gap sufficiently. I was hoping it would not affect the stability of the guitar.

Can't believe it's finally underway!

Tom

[SKBarbour]

Looks good. Don't sweat the gap at the neck block. Like you said the neck will cover.

[musicman2000]

Neck block - done.

[Kevin Sjostrand]

There is something about seeing bent sides in the mold that really get me excited! :>)
Looking good there. Keep going.

Kevin

[SKBarbour]

Coming along nice Tom. Keep having fun with it.

[Dave Sayers]

A wise choice to make a less expensive laminate first, It's what I did and by the time I finished I had a much better idea of what guitar building was all about.

Might I suggest that you post this motto above the workshop door; "Do not come in if you are extremely annoyed with someone or something. Did I leave notes? If so read them. Think, what did I last do? Check your machine tools for settings before using them. If in doubt walk away and buy the right tool or ask for advice."