Australian/New Zealand Luthiers Forum

Seems a while since I have shared anything so I thought this might be of interest.

There are many different ways to join plates and I’ve tried them all over the years. I started using rope, braces and wedges and then a less involved set up of what I’ve shown here. When I was only joining a couple of tops and backs a year rope was ok, and I still use it if the outside edges of the plates are not square, [as shown].

But now I find I’m gluing up 4 or more sets at a time so using this dedicated jig is quick and easy. It stores away under the bench and in no time it’s ready for action.

It’s just a matter of setting up the clamps, laying the two outside bearers in place, put in the plate [already glued] in the jig snug up the clamps and put the round bars through the holes in the side bearers and then the wedges [these stop the plate from trying to rise up in the middle when clamping pressure is applied] and finish tightening the clamps. I then go on with another job and return to the jig at intervals to repeat the process. It works for me.







Thanks for looking

I just use brown flat back tape and hinge and spring plates together with hot hide glue. This way I can do as many tops and backs as I need to in one session; I'll often do 20 or 30 at a time. No jigs required; just good fitting seams and a roll of tape.

I use the same method Rick.Some sticky tape stretched across the joint ,then a long one down the seam,flip over apply the hot glue and stretch some more tape across the seam to close the joint.Stack them up with small spacers and sit a small weight on top.It is fast and easy and doesn't require another jig.