Rim does not lay flat

[musicman2000]

Just got my rims into the mold for my first build. As you can see in the pictures, the left side does not lay completely flat. Is this cause for concern? Should I weight something on top of it to get it to lay flat?

Tom

[SKBarbour]

When you go to glue the blocks in you can lay a something across the rim to hold it flat to the table. It should not take much effort to get the rims flat. Make sure you lay wax paper or something on the bench so you don't glue the whole thing to the bench.

[musicman2000]

I just clamped the neck block to the rims, and that sufficiently flattened the left side. Let me know if I am doing something wrong. This is making me very anxious. I am afraid of breaking this thing.

Tom

[SKBarbour]

How are the directions with the Martin kit? Do they give suggestions on a clamping sequence?

[musicman2000]

No, it gives no sequence. It tells me which clamps to use and gives pictures. But the pictures are in black and white - hard to tell. I need some more specific information. I guess I'll figure it out as I go.

[johnnparchem]

I would get Bill Corey's book Martin-style Acoustic
Kit Manual. Link in the sponsor section. The Martin instructions leave a lot to the imagination. While you may figure as you go a lot of the figuring will happen after you have already missed a key step in the construction sequence.

[musicman2000]

The Bill Cory book is the one I am using. Same manual I was referring to in the previous post.

[tippie53]

the back will have a radius and not lay flat the top will lay flatter. If you got this from Blues creek there is some geometry on the top also. One thing that can help you is to tape the outside of the rim to close up the joints and help control the sides when you glue things up.
We are here to help and will answer any question you need to ask.

[musicman2000]

Yes, I have the top/straight edge resting flat on the bench. I believe you all answered my question. My assumption is that the rims will even out when they are clamped and glued. Sorry, but I have two more questions. I feel somewhat stumped before I begin.

Pictured is my tail and neck blocks. Again, my kit is a Martin laminate rosewood OM. According to BC's manual, I need to trim both blocks to the width of the rims, plus an additional 1/16". That way each block will overhang on both sides by 1/32" which will later be sanded to radius. The manual was very clear that I needed to do this for the tail block, but I was not sure about the neck block? I assume it is the same for both. I am pretty sure that for the neck block, I should trim only the back side of the neck block, and not the side with the mortise? Please confirm or offer advice.

Also, take a look at my tail block. There is a small hole drilled into the end of it. What is this? Does it have a purpose? Does it matter if I trim it off?

My head is spinning.

Tom

[SKBarbour]

I would think you would want the neck block showing 1/32" like the tail block. Something to really keep an eye on is making sure that neck block stays square when you glue it up. The 1/32" is so that you can sand the suggested radius on the top.
The hole in the tail block, if I had to guess, is for locating purposes at the Martin factory. It probably receives a locating pin for easy alignment.