Cutting ribs at an angle

[HogTime]

I'm underway for building my F-style kit and have made it past the initial psychological hurdle of my first wood cut. :)

Here's my first of probably many questions to those in the know:

Some remaining ribs need to be cut at an angle (at the tip of the points). Since these are curved pieces it's difficult to put them in some sort of miter box. Also the angle is probably not a "standard" one.

I thought about just cutting them straight across (with a hand saw) and then sanding or filing the ends to the proper angle. Any tips?

I'm thinking that since the point tips will be covered with the bone corner points, "exact angle" is probably not required here. However, where the very short rib section at the bottom of the lower point meets the long rib seems more critical for appearance's sake.

Thanks,

[Jim Rowland]

Just butt them together,Ralph. No need to miter them to a perfect fit because,as you have already surmised,they'll be filed off flat to form a bearing for your point protectors. Your careful logic will take you a long way,but it's always good to check.
Jim

[sunburst]

What Jim said for the points, don't sweat getting a good miter or even a tight butt joint. you're going to put a protector on there anyway.

For the inside corner where the lower point adjoins the body, I just cut the short rib piece square and file a little bevel until it fits against the rim with no gap. If it's undercut a little so there's a small gap in next to the corner block I don't worry about that as long as it fits tight and looks good from the outside of the mandolin.

[HogTime]

Thanks for the tips! :)