MS D-18

[Ben-Had]

You're Welcome. Hope people are enjoying some of this.

[Ben-Had]

I sanded in the top slope today. I measured the angle of the neck I will be using and it came out to 88.3 which means the complimentary body angle needs to be 91.7 (88.3 + 91.7 = 180) to get my straight line. I had been struggling to get those angles to match and tried a new system. Came out dead on. I'll see what these angles means as far as correct height over the bridge when I get to the neck fitting point. I may have to custom fit a bridge for the occasion.

[Ben-Had]

So, I scalloped/shaped/voiced the top today.

[Ben-Had]

This is the completion of the process.

[Ben-Had]

Time to get the fret board ready. Mark locations, drill and glue. I use ebony dust and black CA. Using the dust seems to eliminate the haze around the inlay if you use just black CA alone.

[Ben-Had]

Next I install the markers using black CA and ebony dust.

[Ben-Had]

Time to install the frets. I use water and titebond as a lubricant and to add a little security. I think John used to do this but might not anymore. I like it. I tap in both ends and then press them in the rest of the way. They come out nice and even. Less leveling to do.

[Ben-Had]

Here they are being pressed in and then all complete.

[Ben-Had]

Time to put in the indexing pins to locate the fret board for glue up.

[Ben-Had]

Installing the end wedge. I like to do it before the top and back go on. It is easier to clamp things up and get a clean straight cut.