Mark's Sides and kerfed lining

[Mark Riess]

My side-bending set up is decidedly low-tech. I figured, the old guys managed to do it this way, it CAN be done, I'm gonna do it! Got a 2.5" pipe and a flange at Home Depot, threaded the pipe into the flange, sledge-hammered the open end ovally, slipped an old tin cup over the open end, clamped the flange edge in the vise, wired up the torch and flame on! Like I said earlier, the sides I'd come by had already been bent to a dreadnought pattern, so I had to unbend and rebend 'em to fit my mold with a cutaway. I only spritzed the sides with water as I gently pressed & moved the sides over the pipe. It went smoothly for a first timer, especially considering the cutaway. I just remained patient and kept spritzing. The pipe got really hot. Some mild scorching that sanded out easily. I'm assuming they're rosewood, but it might be something else. There's this strange white figure in the side of the lower bout. Maybe someone can ID it for me.

The kerfing must've been from LMI too, ready-made, so after joining the sides in the mold I started gluing in the kerfing.

Next post will show gluing the top to the sides.

[Bob Webster]

Mark, you dog. Is the back of matching wood? The reason I ask is that the sides look to be Brazilian rosewood. The white stuff is sap wood. I'll check some of your other posts to see if I can geet a better view of the figure in the wood, but from these shots, I would ID it as Brazilian. Treat it kindly or ship it to me:~)..

Cheers,
Bob

[Mark Riess]

Brazilian, huh? Someone up there likes me. I have another set of brazilian that I bought at MacBeath Hardwoods in Berkeley in 1974 or 5. Sides and a 5 piece back. Even a chunk big enough to use for a pieced neck. That stuff is being saved for serial #000002. Had it up on a shelf for so long I forgot what it was. Wish I could remember what species my spruce top is. Got it the same day.
BTW, your work is so fine, so clean, just amazing. Thanks for helping me ID the wood and looking in. Sorry I won't be shipping any wood to you right away.
Is the sap wood considered a serious flaw or a huge plus? I was wondering if I should try to mitigate the contrast before final finishing.

[Bob Webster]

The sapwood is not a serious flaw and some folks think it is interesting. You more often see it down the center seam of backs. I wouldn't mess with it cosmetically. It could look rather nice under finish. About ;the shipping, I guess I won't sit on the porch waiting....

Cheers,
Bob