Gluing pre shaped back pieces?

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Haggis

Gluing pre shaped back pieces?

Post by Haggis »

Hello
If the 2 pieces of the back are pre-shaped, as they are in my martin kit. What would be the best way of joining them to get even pressure along the seam? I have made a fixture and 2 small wedges that should force the pieces together(with the back strip between them) Is it enough with 2 wedges? I would prefer to have one more wedge at the waist area, but can´t find a clever way of getting support for it there because of the reversed curve.
thanks
Haggis
Freeman

Re: Gluing pre shaped back pieces?

Post by Freeman »

What has worked for me is to put the two piece together on a sheet of plywood. Clamp to piece of wood maybe an inch thick to lightly touch the upper and lower bouts. I put a yardstick where the center seam will be, then a piece of waxed paper on top of that. Coat the seam with glue, set it between the 1 inch boards and push it snuggly against them (there will be a wedging action). Clamp the outer edges of the upper and lower bout to the plywood next to the 1 inch pieces.

Now pull the yardstick out and push the seam down to the plywood - that will snug it just a little tighter. A piece of waxed paper on top, then a board down the center seam clamped to hold it down. Takes longer to type than actually do it. Works with a center backstrip too - must make sure it is pushed all the way to the plywood - sometimes they are a hair thinner than the backs. A little scraping and you're ready for bracing.

I assume you've shot the seam really well.
kencierp

Re: Gluing pre shaped back pieces?

Post by kencierp »

Ditto Freeman ---- this is the tried and true "Irvine Sloane" procedure I've used many time with success. The one change I'd make is to use regular clear packaging tape for the non-stick release paper (easier to handle than wax paper) -- I have yet to find any glue that will adhere to that kind of tape.
tippie53
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Re: Gluing pre shaped back pieces?

Post by tippie53 »

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3asM32m0S1U
if the back wood is mahogany don't use the CA but you can see how the tape clamping works on this vid
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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