Month: April 2011

The making of the top goes generally along the same lines as the back. We join the two pieces of spruce and trace the outline from the rib assembly. The outline is cut, shaped and a purfling platform is established.

The purfling channel is then cut, the purfling installed and the outside arching shape is carved.

Finally, we turn the plate over and gouge out the inside. Using planes and scrapers, we thin the plate until it has a uniform thickness of about 3.5mm.

The next step is to tune both the top and back plates. Then we will cut the f-holes and install the bass bar in the top.

We are now ready the make the back for “The Edward”. We start off by joining the two pieces.

The rib assembly is clamped to the joined pieces and the outline is traced with a 2.5mm offset. The back is then cut out just proud of this line.

Next, we establish the purfling platform, trim the outline to the line, cut the purfling channel and bend and fit the various pieces of purfling.

Here is a close-up of the purfling channel.

The purfling strips are glued.

For the final step, we use templates to shape the arching, cut the channel and use scrapers to clean-up everything. Notice the beautiful flame in the maple.

Finally we turn the back over and gouge out the inside to nominal dimensions. We set it aside for now and start the top.