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    Re: Favorite part of instrument building?

    I enjoy French polishing which i started learning on my last two projects. I even used pumice which breaks down the wood fibers and deposits them into pores in the surface of the wood.
  2. Re: Best power carving tool for arching and graduating tops and b

    I enjoy the carving but I have started to learn to use my core muscles like Adrian describes above. I also use a router in rack that holds it above the piece. The only technique I didn't see...
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    Octave Mandolin Build

    There's an exceptional octave mandolin build going on over at the Guild forum: https://letstalkguild.com/ltg/index.php?threads/ahg-octave-mando-build.216226/
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    Re: Mandolin Banjo GH & S Model 10S

    Call Smakula Fretted Instruments

    PO Box 882, Elkins, West Virginia 26241

    304-636-6710

    Bob probably has the parts you need.
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    Re: Question about Mandolin Kits

    I have built five mandolins from scratch since I retired about four years ago, and I think the main variable for the sound I want is the gradations of the top and back plates. Each one has been more...
  6. Thread: Mandolin

    by SBJ
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    Re: Mandolin

    Go for it. I'm not an expert on bowlbacks, but I am an expert in getting into things I don't know much about, which is how I started building mandolins. You'll enjoy it.
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    Re: Post a picture of what's on your bench?

    It is bright but not tinny. I hope it will play a bit warmer.
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    Re: Post a picture of what's on your bench?

    I built a body for an NOS Black Rose Baby neck, which is bolted on. The black top is lamp black powder in 2-lb cut shellac, a very high-solids mixture. I used pumice to fill the pores in the walnut...
  9. Thread: Selling price

    by SBJ
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    Re: Selling price

    I'm considering putting one of mine on consignment at a local guitar store (not Guitar Center, etc.), letting the owner know what I would accept (i.e., no chickens or rugs)
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    French polish and black top finish

    I'm finishing my current mandolin build (my fifth) with a black top using lamp black and shellac. I started with about four ounces of two-pound cut shellac and added a teaspoon or so of lamp black,...
  11. Thread: Walnut for a neck?

    by SBJ
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    Re: Walnut for a neck?

    Walnut has open pores that you probably want to fill to create a smooth neck.
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    Re: Adjusting intonation on 1915 Gibson A

    After all, mandolin is Italian for out of tune
    https://www.mandolincafe.com/forum/threads/65560-Mandolin-Quotes
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    Re: Cleaning an old fretboard

    Cut a slot in a piece of aluminum soda can to mask off the fingerboard while you're cleaning the frets with steel wool or sand paper.
  14. Re: Collection of posts, threads, and other links for new builder

    I've built four mandolins but I still search for all this stuff, so this is a tremendous resource. Thanks for your efforts.
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    Re: I want to build a mandolin

    Patience and practice are the keys. The top of my first mandolin was pine boards from HD, and the back was a repurposed cutting board. I hate to waste any usable tonewood. It was great practice and...
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    Re: question on restoring an old gibson

    I bought an old Washburn A5 style missing a top and carved a new arched top. I did not remove the neck, and it was beyond my luthier abilities to fit the top under the elevated fretboard nicely. It...
  17. Thread: Side bending

    by SBJ
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    Re: Side bending

    I used an inside mold for the four mandolins I've built. My pipe is 2 1/2 in diameter with a heating cartridge, light dimmer and stuffed with aluminum foil. Search the archives for excellent advice...
  18. Thread: A5 top thickness

    by SBJ
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    Re: A5 top thickness

    I've built four mandolins, and the top and back on each one is thinner than the one before it. I now have a concept of how flexible the top and back have to be, which seems too thin like Andrew said....
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    Re: Need Help With Hide Glue

    +1 for a wax warmer and the technique NAS describes. I also put in locator pins in the head block and tail block to quickly set the top in place.
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    Black Rose Baby build question

    Some months ago, I bought an NOS Framus Black Rose Baby mandolin neck because I like the black and red vibe and the pearloid headstock. I'm building an A5 style body for it with cats eye f holes,...
  21. Thread: Back removal

    by SBJ
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    Re: Back removal

    Nobody sitting across the room at a jam can see all the flaws in my mandolins (nor do they care), so I just play them, and your secret is safe with us!
  22. Thread: Practice wood?

    by SBJ
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    Re: Practice wood?

    I built my first mandolin out of soft pine and a repurposed maple cutting board. It wasn't a complete build but I learned a tremendous amount about wood and using small tools. While building three...
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    Re: I want to build a mandolin...

    I also recommend Graham's book, but be sure you get the plans with it. Some sellers don't include them.
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    Re: Beginner staining & finishing

    I mix blonde dewaxed shellac flakes with denatured alcohol (DNA) and tint it with Keda powdered dye mixed in DNA. Zinsser makes shellac in a spray can.
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    Re: Beginner staining & finishing

    One reason to seal before staining is to minimize dye being preferentially absorbed by the end grain like in the f holes. Another is that it allows you to scrape all the color off and start over if...
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