Contour map for a?

[Andrew DeMarco]

All,

I have constructed my caliper as per the wonderful Harbor Freight depth gauge directions (though delivery took two weeks!). I think I'm ready to start graduating my plates.

I have found multiple small countour maps of F style mandos. I own both Construction a Bluegrass Mandolin and THe Ultimate Bluegrass Mando Construction Manual.

Problem is, I don't see any plans in them that indicate thickness of the plates. There are some lateral views of the graduated plates, but am I supposed to take measurements off that?! What about around the f-holes? The rim? Etc... Specs on these don't seem to appear in either of my books.

Additionally I could not locate on the MIMF the PDF that was mentioned here in a thread on contour maps...

Should I roughly plot out the numbers on the smaller contour maps previously posted on the forum?

I want to do this thing RIGHT since I intend to continue doing it...

Does someone have an A contour map/blueprint they could sell or post?

Any and all input is appreciated.

Thanks so much,
Linguist

[Sitka]

The contour map originally came from Andrew Mowry's website. Try this. Look in the downloads section.

Micah

[Andrew DeMarco]

Thanks a lot! I'm wondering if there are other measurements available of this quality. I'd love to see how they contrast with the Mowry one.

Also, is there some trick to transfering the measurements to the plates?

[Antlurz]

In the "Ultimate" Siminoff book, Roger has one area devoted to thickness graduations and some variables. I'd have to look up my copy, but I think you should be able to find it in the index. It gives rough basic dimensions and what factors to consider when straying from them.

Ron