Tail wedge

[nkforster]

I quite like some of the simple inlay work that has been doing the rounds for a while, so I thought I'd have a go.

[Dave M]

Nigel I like it. Did you rout out the trough or do it by hand?

And that side wood looks amazing what is it? I would imagine it would be hard to bend without cracking.

[nkforster]

Nigel I like it. Did you rout out the trough or do it by hand?

And that side wood looks amazing what is it? I would imagine it would be hard to bend without cracking.

Fourth photo down is what I rigged up to rout the mortise. The plywood sticks were butted up against the wedge and held with the superglue/masking tape trick. Routed with a bearing bit. Cleaned the corners by hand.

The wood is jarrah. Easy to bend. Its veneer.

[Semmens Guitars]

Nice work as always Nigel, I have been enjoying this design element as well and will have a go soon too!!

[Bob_H]

Really nice piece of work. Thanks for posting.

You mention that the jarrah wasn't difficult to bend, as you are using a veneer. Can I ask, how thick is the veneer, and what is the base you are working over?

[kiwigeo]

(WARNING: Look away kids and adults with a delicate disposition)

Nothing better than a good butt job

[nkforster]

Really nice piece of work. Thanks for posting.

You mention that the jarrah wasn't difficult to bend, as you are using a veneer. Can I ask, how thick is the veneer, and what is the base you are working over?

Just normal veneer. 0.6mm. Underneath is another piece of veneer and a substrate, then more veneer. The substrate is WR cedar. The sides are about 8mm thick in total, so no need for linings or reinforcing.

I've been in the process of making a video course about this sort of work for a while. The idea is to sell it on my site and Robbie O'Brien. But the course just keeps getting bigger as its a big topic. Double sides, triple sides, solid wood, veneer, solid/veneer mix, different glues, different core materials, binding veneer sides, scraping the binding. Then there is vacuum laminating, press laminating, strap laminating, using heat blankets...laminating curved backs, arched backs...

One of the many advantages to using veneer is the amazing amount of quality wood that you can get your hands on that you would not be able to otherwise:

[kiwigeo]

Unusual top doming on the lower bout of that instrument...almost cylindrical. What's the go there? Have you done any Chladni testing on this top?

[Bob_H]

Some spectacular looking timber there!

[nkforster]

Unusual top doming on the lower bout of that instrument...almost cylindrical. What's the go there? Have you done any Chladni testing on this top?

Not done any testing but you can hear what it sounds like:

https://youtu.be/YN16lL5lDE4?t=82

I've covered the topic here:
https://www.nkforsterguitars.com/soundboard-design/ho/

I've made many of these now, maybe 70 or 80. 4 string, 6 string, 8 string, 10 string, 12 string.

[seeaxe]

Sounds lovely, Nigel, just like your Geordie accent, which will be in my head from now on whenever I read your posts.
I wandered off into a number of other of your videos, didn't realise you ran a luthier blog too, you have probably mentioned it but if so I missed that.

Like the tail wedge too.