Mandolins in progress

**Max Girouard** · Jan-14-2011, 4:51pm

Here is an idea I've been toying with. Finaly got the templates cut. Shapes inspired by Jerry Garcia's Rosebud and Tiger guitar. Should be a fun project!

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**Ed Goist** · Jan-14-2011, 5:25pm

Max, as you know, I love this particular new 2 Point design of yours!
I would like to officially suggest the model name 'The Timber Wolf' for this mandolin!
Really cool!

**hank** · Jan-14-2011, 5:27pm

Whoa! That's thunder koo for sure. Definitely a Starship shape Max.

**Larry S Sherman** · Jan-14-2011, 5:33pm

Originally Posted by Max Girouard

Here is an idea I've been toying with. Finaly got the templates cut. Shapes inspired by Jerry Garcia's Rosebud and Tiger guitar. Should be a fun project!

Love it! As a Deadhead I approve!

Larry

**oldwave maker** · Jan-16-2011, 9:33pm

Jamie, Max, that prominent grain stuff is compression grain Colorado engelmann spruce from Don Musser, wider grained but somewhat similar to some compression Appalachian red spruce I got from John Arnold at the y2k asia convention, engelmann on right, red on left

**Don Grieser** · Jan-16-2011, 10:36pm

Max, that is really cool. Kudos.

Bill, I know you've told me before but I don't remember. What exactly is compression grain? I think you said my octave was made with it.

**JEStanek** · Jan-17-2011, 12:36am

Thanks for the detail, Bill. I like the way Engleman tops sound. Those both sure are pretty. I hope they're destined for one of you Scotch or corn liquor finishes.

Jamie

**Clyde Clevenger** · Jan-17-2011, 1:44pm

Now that's purty right there. I've always admired your work, Andrew.

Originally Posted by amowry

French polishing a mandola...

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**Clyde Clevenger** · Jan-17-2011, 1:49pm

That's just beautiful, Skip. Thanks for your encouragement, makes me want to keep at it. My #2 was much better than #1. When I get to #32 I hope I'm half as good as that.

Originally Posted by Skip Kelley

Here is the back to #032 I am finally getting around to polishing out the oil varnish. Sorry for the glare and smudges. Thanks to all for your continued inspiration!

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**Jim Hilburn** · Jan-17-2011, 2:42pm

In the middle of cutting out a name with a completed one in the background.

**ShaneJ** · Jan-17-2011, 3:57pm

Wow, Jim. Nice! That's some delicate work right there. Don't sneeze! LOL

**Andy Miller** · Jan-17-2011, 4:24pm

Originally Posted by Jim Hilburn

In the middle of cutting out a name with a completed one in the background.

Jim, is the block under the saw there to keep the saw frame from smacking the blank, or is it just there to keep the saw in its pose for the photo?

**billhay4** · Jan-17-2011, 4:31pm

It's there to support the pearl while you cut.
Bill

**Bill Snyder** · Jan-17-2011, 5:08pm

The block under the saw frame is not supporting the pearl. That is a different board.

**Jim Hilburn** · Jan-17-2011, 5:10pm

It was just for the pose so the saw clamp didn't block the view.
Here's the one I was cutting finished but not filed yet. The one on the bottom is mostly filed and ready. there's probably an hour or so filing to be done.

**Max Girouard** · Jan-17-2011, 7:45pm

Originally Posted by Jim Hilburn

It was just for the pose so the saw clamp didn't block the view.
Here's the one I was cutting finished but not filed yet. The one on the bottom is mostly filed and ready. there's probably an hour or so filing to be done.

That is really amazing the difference the filing makes. What are you using for files?

**Jim Hilburn** · Jan-17-2011, 8:17pm

Needle files. I have about 4 favorites for different approaches to the area's that need attention.

**Jill McAuley** · Jan-17-2011, 11:09pm

Originally Posted by Jim Hilburn

In the middle of cutting out a name with a completed one in the background.

I always wondered how folks did that! I love how informative this thread is - looks awesome by the way!

Cheers,
Jill

**Ed Goist** · Jan-18-2011, 12:13am

Originally Posted by Jim Hilburn

In the middle of cutting out a name with a completed one in the background.

Jim; this is very cool to see! Thanks for posting.
Do you folks use simple tracing over a template, or do you use some sort of CAD program that drives the jig to ensure that each piece is cut out exactly the same?

**Jim Hilburn** · Jan-18-2011, 12:29am

I used a font that has become very popular now. I see it in all kinds of advertising now but in my print software I angled it and then did some modifications to make it easier to cut and it doesn't end up looking like like all that advertising.
I print it in a business card format and get 10 per sheet although I could use a label format and get 50 on a sheet, but I just don't make that many mandolins. Cut it out and glue it to the pearl and cut away.

**Max Girouard** · Jan-18-2011, 8:05pm

This one is going out in the mail tomorrow morning! Carpathian Spruce top Red Maple back/sides/neck, tortis bound, Cocobolo fretboard with gold frets, gold hardware, gold James tailpiece, spirit varnish finish and custom inlayed truss rod cover.