first build with Monkey Pod

[Ken Hundley]

Rosette is looking good! Can't wait to see the rest of the guitar. Specifically the Monkey Pod. Hint hint.

[David L]

We want monkey pod, we want monkey pod, pictures, pictures, c'mon, c'mon!!!!!!!!!!

David L

[tim mahoney]

Monkey pod it is. To me it's a cross between black walnut and koa. Yesterday I bent the sides and didn't burn my shop down. I need to make some adjustments on my bending jig for the next build but all in all it worked just fine. I ordered some bearings for my router bit to cut the bindings and perflings. I haven't decided what to use for the perfling but have some koa for the bindings. I'm leaning towards the bird's eye maple for the neck.

[johnnparchem]

Nice wood. I really like the red tones in the picture .

[David L]

Thanks for the pics, that is some nice looking wood, should look killer under finish!

David L

[tim mahoney]

I made the heel and neck blocks, glued them in and then started the Geometry as John would say in his vids. I made a 28' and 15' sanding disc using 3/4" MDF last week so was ready to start sanding. I was able to go online and get radius numbers I was looking for. The weights on top made getting the same downward pressure easier. All you have to do is spin it back and forth on a horizontal plane with the weights doing all the work. 5 lbs on each end seems to work the best.

[tim mahoney]

I noticed I got the pics in the wrong order but you already knew that.

[David L]

Nice, what's the name of your mouse?

David L

[Tony_in_NYC]

The most interesting thing I have learned from this thread is that monkeys grow in pods on trees! Who knew! The build is looking great!

[tim mahoney]

I got excited about glueing on the top and bottom, installing the purflings and bindings that I forgot about posting my progress. I'm actually into the french polish of the body stage. I'm waiting on some pearl inlay material to finish the fretboard and peghead inlay. That will take more time than building the guitar. I had to modify the heel of the neck as I made the curve to sharp. The french polish finish is alot of work but so far I'm really happy with the results. It's giving the monkey pod depth. I will use an oil/varnish finish on the neck as I like the smooth satin like feel. I want to find more of this wood and make a rocking chair. Not sure where I can get 8/4 acacia.