Outside mould and stretchers

[escpg]

I finally decided to invest some time to build and outside mould. I got away without it so far. Just I am thinking about the stretchers. I think I need to calculate pretty accurately right? Especially to take them out once the box is closed. Any ideas and mesurements? I am talking of classical. Tahnks

[tippie53]

Just remember what goes in gotta come out. I use a turn buckle and then to be sure they come out cut a hole the same size as your sound hole you plane to use. I use 1 spreader on the waste and a 1/2 inch down on the neck and tail block. Then I can reach in and cut the down and pull the spreader.
My waste spreader is about 3 in long and 2 inch sq.

[escpg]

and then to be sure they come out cut a hole the same size as your sound hole you plane to use

Sorry I can't understand what you mean. Where should I cut the hole?

Then I can reach in and cut the down and pull the spreader

Sorry, I have difficulties in understanding this as well. Is it a woodn spreader? Keep in mind I am no native english. thanks

[tippie53]

what you do put into a guitar has to come out. take a piece of anything to simulate the top and make a hole in that , the same size as the hole you plan to use. If it don't come out make the spreader a little smaller.
Yes a spreader is wood and I put foam on the mate surface . It isn't that difficult.
with the dowel I can make that spring the neck and tail blocks then cut that with a dyke cutter.

[escpg]

Got it thank you

[rocket]

Dyke cutter? Can somebody enlighten me here please?
Rod.

[Trevor Gore]

Diagonal wire cutters. Sorry to be so straight!

[kiwigeo]

[rocket]

Rod.