Sheoak back and sides, recommendations for thickness?

[sebastiaan56]

The title says it all, Im about to start hacking into some loverly Sheoak from Tim. My plan is a Classical after Torres, doe anyone have any recommendations for side and back thickness. I will be hand bending,

thx

[kiwigeo]

Cant give you a figure. I thin my sides until they feel flexible enough to bend.....with IRW Im going for about 2mm. For back I thin until it feels flexible enough enough to hold a 15' arch. If it gets a bit too floppy I add in extra back braces. IRW backs usually end up around 0.085-0.090" thick.

[Allen]

I do the same. Keep running it through the drum sander until it feels flexible enough to bend. Depends a lot on the body style (ie. how sharp I'm going to have to bend the waist and upper bout), but most will end up around the .090 to .080 for sides. Backs I'm leaving a bit thicker just as Martin does. Adding .010 to both those measurements.

[sebastiaan56]

Thx guys, I'll go for 2-2.5mm

ah Allen, my drum sander is my sanding hand......

[graham mcdonald]

2mm for the sides, 2.5 for the back.

Hand thicknessing, eh, more strength to yer forearm, and save up for a drum sander. You won't ever regret getting one

cheers

graham

[Allen]

Are you some kind of masochist?

[sebastiaan56]

not only some kind..... I have kids and a business so Im a broke one as well!

but i have great forearms.....

[Localele]

Hello Sebastian, We met at the Channon Craft Market. My advice is to find the local woodwork group and drop around for a friendly chat with their drum sander.It will put you 2 days ahead in your build.