Gluing Caul for Tail Block

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scamp
Posts: 223
Joined: Sat Mar 26, 2022 8:19 pm

Gluing Caul for Tail Block

Post by scamp »

Hi Guys

Starting to collect tools, jigs etc. for my first guitar build.

Been watching many of the great Blues Creek Guitar how to videos to help prepare and I have a question.
In one video "Blues Creek Guitars Kit - Preparing the Rims" John uses a great technique to ensue the caul for the tail block puts pressure against the joint where the two sides meet at the bottom of the guitar to make a tight joint.
He indicates that he uses a "Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Nylon block".
I want to buy some of this material in preparation but I can't seem to easily find Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Nylon.
I can, however, find Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene.
Does anyone know if it should be Nylon or Polyethylene?
Also, what thickness material should be used? In the video it looks like about 1/4 inch.
This may seem picky on my part but my concern is that I want to get the right stiffness so the caul doesn't put too much pressure on the joint (which might squeeze out too much glue or damage the side material at the tail.

Thanks.
tippie53
Posts: 7011
Joined: Fri Mar 03, 2006 7:09 pm
Location: Hegins, Pa
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Re: Gluing Caul for Tail Block

Post by tippie53 »

anything that flexes 1/4 in ply with wax paper
I like 3/16 plexiglass you may find some at home depot as a cut off
John Hall
Blues Creek Guitars Inc
Authorized CF Martin Repair Center
president of Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans
http://www.bluescreekguitars.com
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