How many hours

[bryan13]

On a average how many hours would it take to build a F model from scratch? Including jigs and templates.
bryan

[Michael Lewis]

bryan13, that is a loaded question. It really depends on the individual, work habits, skill, methods, etc. If you are just starting out and need to make the forms and fixtures, have little woodworking experience, and not a lot of tools, it could take you a couple of years, or you might be able to wrap it up in a few months. It is entirely dependant on YOU.

[Chris Baird]

My first mandolin was an F-style from scratch and took me 200+ hours. As Michael already said there is no way of predicting one individual to another. It is a lot of work.

[Spruce]

I kept track of the amount of time it took to build my first F Model many years ago, and, as I remember, it was 120 hours...

[Jim Rowland]

Hello Bryan:
Mindful of the scenario described by Michael,I would estimate l50 to 200 hours of actual applied work. You might factor in an extra ten, compensating for small mistakes or miscues. Taking it slow and following the best advice you can garner will actually save you time in the end. Anticipate that this will be your own personal instrument. Otherwise,even if your mando turns out well,to be offered approximately two cents per hour for your efforts,because it is "home" made. You will also know the joy of answering endless questions from Johnson players..."Does the moon affect the sound?".."Does it repel insects?".."does it have a helical fingerboard?" etc. Well,maybe not that bad. Whatever the outcome,it will still be one of the most satisfying (and addictive)experiences you will ever have. Right on!

[Jim Rowland]

Hello Bryan:
Mindful of the scenario described by Michael,I would estimate l50 to 200 hours of actual applied work. You might factor in an extra ten, compensating for small mistakes or miscues. Taking it slow and following the best advice you can garner will actually save you time in the end. Anticipate that this will be your own personal instrument. Otherwise,even if your mando turns out well,expect to be offered approximately two cents per hour for your efforts,because it is "home" made. You will also know the joy of answering endless questions from Johnson players..."Does the moon affect the sound?".."Does it repel insects?".."does it have a helical fingerboard?" etc. Well,maybe not that bad. Whatever the outcome,it will still be one of the most satisfying (and addictive)experiences you will ever have. Right on!