Show us how you glue/clamp your backs and tops to the rims

[Kevin Sjostrand]

I thought this might a nice thread to show some pics of the various ways to do this process. It is debatable what way is best, it is more of "what way works best for YOU". There are some risks associated with some of the processes that need to be evaluated before one proceeds to do the clamping.
I have used the go-bar deck, but with my current build, I use the caul screwed down shown in the picture.

Show us what you've been doing!

Kevin

[Jim_H]

I just glued a back on last night.. and naturally didn't take pictures.

I do it the way Rick taught me. Lots of clamps while the rim is in the mold.

Here is a picture of the top glue up from the class I took with him.

top_glue-up.jpg

[Ben-Had]

Basically like this only with a different mold and a combo of cam clamps and Irwin 12" bar clamps.

[johnnparchem]

Actually I have also use all clamps and once I used a gobar with a halo caul. My current method is all cam clamps in a dish.

My favorite was the tool box clamp for my first guitar.

[darren]

2, 3 & 4 were on this elevated workboard, clamps secure the ends and bands get the rest of the perimeter. Since this photo I've retired my rubber band rope for a roll of twill tape. My first was with a clamping caul and screws.

That being said, if i had the amount of clamps pictured above, I'd probably do it that way. :)

[Kevin Sjostrand]

Darren,
Curious, why did you leave the caul and screws behind?
I rather like it.

Kevin

[tippie53]

the big thing is dry fitting . Get a good fit the clamping is easy

[Ken Hundley]

Kevin, I like the caul! I may try that some time soon. I usually use rubberbands. I get the staples big bands, and use three at a time, going around my whole work board. I have used clamps, didn't really like it. I have the makings for spool clamps, just haven't gotten around to making them. I do like the caul, however.

[Kevin Sjostrand]

I did spool clamps on my first guitar. Too slow I felt to get all those clamps in place.

Kevin

[Oval Soundhole]

I'm not very inventive....

For the top I just clamp the sides to the top and with hand pressure and HHG, I glue in all of my tentalones.



Then for backs I just glue them on with regular old bar clamps (I use kerfing for the back)

I dont have pics of that