I built my first F5 with no power tools, not even a drill, and it's an exercise in tedium to be sure. It's a good experience, though. I wouldn't want...
Just out of curiosity, what's the purpose of the shellac in this instance? Tru-Oil makes a great sealer itself and is less likely to disturb dye than...
I built well over 100 mandolins with carbon fiber with no issues (some 25+ years old), and if I was building one for myself that's still what I would...
I'd venture that one why reason why most luthiers don't use steam is that it gets the wood wetter then necessary, which makes figured wood more prone...