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Thanks for all the thumbs up! :)

Yes, the tailpiece doesn't mate up with the rim exactly. Just noticed in the photo that the center of the cover isn't midway between the strings. I'll try the...

It was quite a trip. Four+ years worth, but since I only live where I can work on it 6 months out of the year, I'll call it 2. Doesn't sound near as bad, does it? :)

Plenty of cosmetic defects. ...

Thanks for the info! Great price. :)

Thanks for the additional tips. I'll apply them today! :)

Thanks for the info.

I put a fret rocker across the first few frets and a 0.025 feeler gauge easily passes between it and the fretboard. Looks like I have enough to try and crown things better.
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When I was leveling my frets on my F5 build, I flattened them out too much. :( Therefore, wasn't able to get a good crown on them (although with more work I might).

What effect does a poor crown...

When I lived in OC, I took flatpicking guitar lessons from Adam Speth in Orange. He plays multiple instruments very well. Nice guy, too. His studio is located on Katella,
...

That's what I'm hoping! :) I'll be happy with "used instrument" gloss, though.

John, thanks for that great tip! I'll give it a try.

I've decided to use Micro-Mesh for final sanding of the waterbased KTM-9 finish on my F5. I did some practice on a 3"X6" section of a flat piece of maple with several coats of KTM-9 applied months...

Thanks for the info.

Since I am finding high frets with a fret rocker, that's why I think I need more leveling. Will watch out for square frets, though.

While my 8 coats of KTM-9 are curing on my long drawn out F5 project, I'm finishing the fretwork. I checked with a fret rocker and I still need to do some leveling.

However, I'm a bit worried I...

Congrats! Looks great, especially the back.

I feel your pain with all the things that do go wrong. I'm finally nearing the end on mine and got to the point of ignoring cosmetic defects just to...

Thanks for the additional tips!

Before I started applying finish, I had a fairly decent looking first-build project. I called it a "looks good from 3 feet" mandolin. After the first coat of...

Thanks for the info, Max.

I have been trying to follow what someone else wrote about not going back over the initial "stroke" in an area. Is that what you do, or do you brush over it again to...

After testing various finishes on flat wood pieces, I decided to brush on water based KTM-9 to complete my long drawn out F5 project. However, I'm finding the 3D aspect of a real mandolin is causing...

I'm working on a Siminoff F5 kit. He has the following bit available for routing the binding slots here.

I'm 95% sure this is what I used with a Dremel tool and Stew Mac router base and edge...

Very interesting looking form for gluing the rim and blocks. I also like the fact that the binding channel is already cut around the scroll. What a pain that was! :)

Thanks to all for the very useful tips. They give me additional options. Don't think I can hold the mando by the neck while brushing the body, though. My old arms/hands have "the shakes" and the...

I'm soooo close to the final step on my F5. Just a bit more "adjustment" to the sunburst on the back.

My current thinking is to use the KTM-9 water based finish. I tried it on some test pieces...

Guess I'll have to live with it. Maybe I'll come to love it. :)

Thanks,

After I stained my mando, w/water based dye, some stain "streaks" were left on the bone corner points. Probably due to scratches on the points.

I suppose if I sand long enough, they'll come out. ...

I used Friendly Plastic to make a caul for clamping the fretboard extender. Worked out good. When making the initial shape, I put some food container plastic wrap between the caul and mando to keep...

I also built one of Roger's F5 kits. For the top, I drilled holes in the mold for bolts and used flat pieces of wood with a wing nut to apply pressure. For the bottom, I used the same bolts and...

I grew up in Fayetteville, Arkansas and frequently saw Levon around town or playing at one of the local nightclubs with Ronnie Hawkins and The Hawks. At least cancer didn't get him the first go...