Arches A style kit arrives

[darylcrisp]

UPS dropped off a 5.6 lb, 16"x16"x6.5" box yesterday. Inside the Arches A style kit was neatly packed and was very well pleased with the contents.


the top, back and sides were high quality. The neck even in its beginning raw state is exceptional in build and fit. Another huge plus to this kit is the nut width area is supplied as 1 5/32", I like that width a lot. I opted to get the 309 Grover tuners and an extra set of binding(for practice and mistakes) from Chris with the kit. Tailpiece will come later, more than likely a solid of some make.

Totally naïve with finishes, did pick up a used book on finishes from a previous thread a few months ago here on the Café. Plans will be a simple, organic look with a satin finish. Probably a lighter top with a dark brown violin looking back/sides.

We are in the middle of home renovation(being of the married equation, this renovation has allowed me to indulge in the occasional mando purchase-but with understanding that 2 are max and as one comes in, one goes out), doing two bathrooms and the kitchen right now. I have a small work room upstairs but its packed full of house items. Hope to get that cleared out this weekend and get my space set up to begin. Too many irons in the fire as is, I will be happy if I complete this by years end-no rush, no need. I want to enjoy the process and journey.

Without further ado, introducing the parts/pieces of "Sun". (plans are to build 3 mandos in time, Sun, Moon, Stars, with the appropriate inlay of named mando).

slide show:http://s299.photobucket.com/user/dar...ARCHES%20MANDO

( Chris taped a Collings MF to the box as a free gift)


nice flame on back


neck/heel


like the headstock shape a lot


truss rod




kit comes with pre drilled holes for large dots-I requested no dots so Chris cut me one-may inlay a few small position dots(Collings style), will restyle/remove the Florida


check the slide show for more pics.

so page 1, chapter 1

[George R. Lane]

Daryl,

Good luck with your build. I am sure you will go a great job. Please keep us informed on your progress.

[Clinton Johnson]

Take your time and have fun bro. Nice kit and Chris has some great grads for plates on his website. Also nice Collins gift too lol

[pops1]

How much are these kits that come with a Collings? Can I order one

[Nick Gellie]

Hi Daryl

Mine is heading to Australia hopefully this week. Great pics BTW. I will give a report when mine arrives.

And by the way you can build a mandolin almost as good as a Collings if one takes care.

Cheers

Nic

[Topspin6161]

I am interested in how this kit turned out. I just ordered an Arches A kit so if you have time an update would be nice. Thanks

[GeoMandoAlex]

Any updates on the kit build?

[Lane Pryce]

Looked at Chris's website outta curiosity. Stuff looks real nice. Be nice to have the option of engleman vs red top. Like em both but over the years the engleman sound suits me. Lp

[Nick Gellie]

If you want I have a similar A-5 kit and can start a build diary for those of who are interested.

[Lane Pryce]

I enjoy seeing m come together. Please do! Lp

[Br1ck]

+1. Thinking about doing this too.

[Nick Gellie]

Here is the top ready to be clamped onto Chris's jig. The top has been graduated pretty much to Chris's graduation diagram. I have added the tone bars using the technique outlined in the Arches instruments build manual which is on the website under F5 kit.



The sides are already inserted into the jig. I have added the linings and they have been made flush with the sides. This part of the build is documented on Chris's website.



The clamps are made up of shortened wooden clothes pegs with rubber bands wrapped around a couple of times to add more tension. Otherwise they are too floppy for the job.

[Lane Pryce]

Sweet. How much time did you take to graduate the top plate? Did you tap tune the plate and tone bars? Your photos remind me of watching my Mowry A coming to life. Pretty darn cool. Lp

[GeoMandoAlex]

If you want I have a similar A-5 kit and can start a build diary for those of who are interested.

YEs, please do if you have the time (and remember as well). I love seeing how the mandolins are built).

[Nick Gellie]

It took about 10-15 hours on and off. I am getting a special Stewmac scraper to speeds up the process for the back. I will post the simple tools that I use.

You only have to take off 0.03-0.04" so you have to be careful.

[Topspin6161]

My kit just arrived. I would love to see your build diary.

[Nick Gellie]

Ok will get onto it.

[darylcrisp]

hey folks
sorry for the non response on my end, ive been head over heels deep in home renovation way before my kit arrived-had hoped to have a room ready and start on it this winter but too many things took my time. spring has arrived and I'm still busy on home renovation, but the shop room is slowly getting set up and ready-hopefully in a month or two I can start my build.

thanks so much to Nick for posting his and keeping us informed. I will say the kit items in mine are all top notch. Looking forward to this highly.
d

[soliver]

Daryl, my wife and I bought a fixer upper 15 years ago (before it was cool to fix things up... before it was a reality show ) and it's finally getting towards finished, I hope to do something like this down the road myself, same boat here I s'pose

[Topspin6161]

If you want I have a similar A-5 kit and can start a build diary for those of who are interested.

Did you ever create a build diary? I am curious as I have an A style kit that I was about to start but following the fire, Chris’ site with the instructions no longer exists.
Thanks Craig

[MikeEdgerton]

Actually the site might be on archive.org's Wayback machine. Do you know what the web address?

Found it. Take a look through the archive.org site and see if it's there.

http://web.archive.org/web/*/archesmusic.com

[Topspin6161]

Great thanks for this. I haven’t seen this before.

[darylcrisp]

Great thanks for this. I haven’t seen this before.

if you don't find what you need, send me a PM, pretty sure I copied the instructions from Chris website regarding building the kits, can copy and send it to you.

d