Dimensions for Sides on a Dreadnaught.

[Guitar Hack]

I am getting ready to start a build from scratch. I am making a Dreadnaught. I know the sides taper and was wondering if anyone knew the dimensions of the taper. it appears to be something like 5" on the wide end to 4" on the narrow end. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[darren]

I remember Ken posted dimensions on the old forum - might be worth a search.

[kencierp]

NB 3 3/4" +/-
TB 4 3/4" +/-

[Kevin Sjostrand]

Ken's pattern works!!! I use it. I made a hard pattern and profile before I bend the sides.

Kevin

[naccoachbob]

Not to steal the thread, but when you taper a side, do you sand it to be smooth? What do you cut the profile with?
Thanks

[Kevin Sjostrand]

Bob,
If you are referring to sides already formed, then you can mark the profile on the side using a paper pattern like Ken Cierp is showing, and then just hand plane down to the line. It sounds like it would take a long time, but it really can go pretty quick.
I'm assuming this is what you are referring to.
A small hand saw will work, but you have to be careful not to "crack" the side.
One my first one, I used a dremel with a cut off blade. This worked quite well, but if you slip...........oh oh.

Kevin

[kencierp]

A band saw works best and takes about a minute both side at once -- leave the line and then use a course sanding block to "sorta" smooth the cut -- don't forget you'll be sanding this edge after the kerfing is installed. Its very important to mark your waist curve location (both sides, each side) and also mark the outside "book match" so you will know -- no joke -- which side is up. It's a bit disturbing when you bend both sides the same or inside out. Been there done it!

You could use a hand held jig saw to cut the porfile but I'd recommend sandwiching the sides between a couple of pieces of 1/8" Masonite to prevent chipping. Bosch makes a super fine blade that works great on thin stock.

[naccoachbob]

Thanks guys. That's exactly what I needed.

[Guitar Hack]

Ken do you sell a template of the dreadnaught sides? If you do where do I find it. I would just as soon give you the business for sharing here.

[Kevin Sjostrand]

Hack,
It is pretty easy to draw out, just tape about 3 sheets of paper together. Ken gives the measurements right there. If you want to use it on flat sides, I transfered to a piece of masonite....but I'm going to make one with acrylic....I like to be able to see through to the wood.

Kevin