"Falling leaves" 000 build.

[pavliku]

I always enjoy seeing your guitars Christian. Thanks for posting this reference to your build process.

I don't wish to be too forward and hijack your thread - so sorry if I'm out of place- but I am very interested the vacume gluing jig that you made - Would you be kind enough to post a couple of pictures of the jig in its entirety.

Thanks,
Paul.

[Paul B]

That's looking awesome. I like the continuity of the design elements. Nicely done.

[christian]

Cheers Paul B,
re Paul's Question . The pics of the vacuum press are pretty much it.
essentially you have a plywood base double thickness 36mm, with the top layer having the radius you desire for your tops
make sure you seal it well.
the top frame can be made out of pretty much anything, rout a groove to take a rubber gasket (para rubber) which you can silicone in, rout a 12mm round on the top edge of the frame,this allows the rubber to pull down easier, attach a piano hinge on the back edge.
to keep the pressure uniformally on the gasket i used case latches (mitre 10) on the sides and the leading edge of the press.
buy a piece of 1.5mm sheet rubber from para rubber silicone it to the top of the frame then screw fix a 6mm piece of perspex
to it.
you will need a good vacuum pump, I bought a gast pump from the states with a vacuum guage, 2metres of vacuum tubing and connectors for both ends.
thats about all there is to it. happy vacuum clamping.

Christian.

[pavliku]

Thanks for the explanation Christian.
Gee, I thought Para Rubber went out of business yonks ago - the one in Hastings has been closed more than ten years. I'm pretty sure Napier hasn't one either.
I was thinking to make a go bar setup but I might just make myself a vacume clamp instead.
Paul.

[christian]

Finally finished the guitar, it looks and sounds fantastic.

Cheers,

Christian

[charangohabsburg]

I like it. It is so special and still simple. Nothing detracts from the falling leaves. Although... you have to turn the guitar upside down in order the leaves are falling and not rising!

Congrats!

[christian]

Thanks Markus,
I know what you mean regarding the falling leaves, falling upwards, in the playing position they look the goods. The customer wanted to have the appearance of the wind having just blown them off the vine ,not sure I competely achieved that but not a bad effort.

Cheers

Christian

[charangohabsburg]

Christian, It also looks right with the guitar in upright position (showroom position)! I think you perfectly achieved it. These leaves look like they had been lifted by one of those whirlwinds that scurry over deserted plazas in autumn time. I believe that it would look awkward having the bunch of leaves at the headstock, falling down the fretboard, into the soundhole!

Cheers

[ozwood]

I've been resisting the Temptation to comment on this build until it was finished and have been following it with some interest , now I can say, it's all class Christian, I love everything about it, the design , the timbers , the colours, instantly recognizable as one of yours , Bravo Mate , the inside looks as good as the outside ,

I have some Ancient Kauri I hope I can do it justice , can't wait till your next build!!!!!!!

Cheers,