tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21446162988706868182023-11-16T07:29:12.580+01:00Argapa Ukuleles - one size louderBuilding a better world, uke by uke.
This is my building diary. I build ukuleles in my apartment workshop. I try to label the posts, so if you're interested in anything in particular you might find it by clicking the labels. <br><br>
Feel free to contact me if there is anything you want to ask, or even better; tell me.Sven Nyström, Argapahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15686126502997392719noreply@blogger.comBlogger1053125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2144616298870686818.post-74966626645064927482022-05-11T19:25:00.001+01:002022-05-11T19:25:25.638+01:00New guitar project, with LiHell-o all you wonderful readers of ye olde blogge. I am not dead, but my bank accounts will be soon. The efforts and the cost of building the new homestead are sick. But it is moving in the right direction and before you know it a ramshackle workshop will be set up. <div><br></div><div>Anyway I wanted to show this. My daughter Li wants an electric guitar and my answer was HELL YEAH YOU WILL GET A GUITAR. In the pic she’s drawing one and I’ve laid out parts and hardware that I happened to have lying around. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_b04c_8526_8f7a_2fd7" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/kGOrRYJp3y6dcbUuMiKwlATHfGDAel-qnjLnoXbL1UTcP69mAY1mdMdsIIGZVYb_qms" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 539px; height: auto;"><br><br><br></div>Sven Nyström, Argapahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15686126502997392719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2144616298870686818.post-21243591769065598422022-03-11T21:51:00.001+01:002022-03-11T21:51:35.088+01:00Reinforcing the bridge patchRemember the nasty, chewed-up bridge patch? That was more like a wide brace of soft spruce? I sure did, and wanted to glue a thin piece of maple so the ball ends of the strings have something more solid to pull against. <div><br></div><div>First pic shows me doing a smart thing: I held a piece of paper under the brace and rubbed the edges of it so they marked the paper. Then I could measure the width more easily, outside the guitar. <br><div><br></div><div><img id="id_203c_8b44_90b_a3da" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/vRi_H1dtSOWCCxZHa8F4YjUBwVu3AqW4AnEsZMsvCqQFd43fFndzF0w_1yfLpKdxCFs" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 568px; height: auto;"><br><br>I went back and forth a bit, marking the new patch through the holes so it would end up in the right position. Here you can see the size and shape I worked out by guessing. <br><br><img id="id_4f5e_5321_3f63_f6e6" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/sHUOv16Li9N8XzQJLw8MXPRpu4wmV9HgrzYhH6lhn1WY_20JiQzAMtOZ4iWC3d8LArA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 574px; height: auto;"><br><br>Smart moment number two: I glued a caul on the clamp, and built two tiny ramps of masking tape so they were higher towards the ends of the caul. That way when I tighten the clamp it’ll give pressure to the entire maple patch instead of just in the middle. </div><div><br></div><div>The patch was temporarily fastened to the caul with masking tape and superglue, and wiggled into position. My wife helped me because my hands were too big once the clamp was in. <br><br><img id="id_21_72a0_b3d6_3323" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/vhK5Gir4o9M_qRzTr6KAzhe4Wfl3kQl3VljI9q5ID4pDZOWnWcoxSf9n6BltYWGrg0M" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 561px; height: auto;"><br><br>A caul on the outside and left to dry for 24 hours. <br><br><img id="id_8888_a391_97c6_be38" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/2cugPQGqadfM2tLh2gmeDAW-dd22jOgPc7LrS2zVj-rENBd9QEZsnu3_FYL2g5WAk84" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 558px; height: auto;"><br><br>Gut shot that shows we did well. Next up is drilling holes in the new patch and also in the new bridge, to get that positioned correctly over the existing holes through the soundboard. <br><br><img id="id_95ae_7e2b_f66a_dc88" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/A6lHyOxKDSm7_jQWlX5w1YWbV40-7ooiCs12FL3lrrGrqUE5gpwczAjyhlQ6EvjUOgk" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 571px; height: auto;"><br><br><br></div></div>Sven Nyström, Argapahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15686126502997392719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2144616298870686818.post-12267590653184430382022-03-04T21:35:00.001+01:002022-03-04T21:35:27.245+01:00New bridge, pt. 2Hi there. The work done in this post was actually made a couple of weeks back, but I never got around to posting it. Sorry about that. <div><br></div><div>With the new bridge sort of done I need to remove the old one. It’s cracked and it’s a bit shit so no big loss. To heat it I’ll use a clothes iron but it will be much easier if the bridge is thinner, and flat. So I planed it down with my Veritas apron plane. <br><div><br></div><div><img id="id_fa9f_c143_1ee7_805a" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Xd8rINEdNQOsiXEYh4I3gUmbFlqk4tdN_utQ9rjWWoyN_UVrtL9P6YkhDV3p2DMhHh8" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 585px; height: auto;"><br><br>Trying to protect the lacquer from the heat with some aluminium foil, I went at it. It was sort of easy. <br><br><img id="id_b036_efe4_3fd8_81ee" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/90MbMe2Wo4NxaNtfIXsqJwCGRbK5bFbIYCiZ_Fr8n8lVSvIH3uccn3reS4uUJFtIXfo" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 565px; height: auto;"><br><br>As you can see it came off pretty cleanly, but I’ll have to clean the surface before glueing the new one on. <br><br><img id="id_f7f6_e40c_5d5_d231" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/Z2-UV96CzcLe54emYRwAW9ENh0l-ZEve3Bo9dH6IvzHgNSNx_560XHGUi5sf0EZlCMk" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 568px; height: auto;"><br><br>Here I’m checking the scale length to make sure the saddle will fit, and it will. I’ll route the slot in situ last. <br><br><img id="id_1e03_e8e3_f8ff_8ef5" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/HH0dNnZJcT1Bfknh-F8wOHKU0hJ9b5t4_3DsBKEu7-rbebyzLZ-PlznTirOcrOLLWtU" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 582px; height: auto;"><br><br>But look at this chewed-up bridgeplate. Reaching in with my phone camera told me we’ll have to fix that. Stay tuned. <br><br><img id="id_c99_b052_9acb_dc46" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/fCdRCn-6iVBjTgPvwbDESN0p1syCtEPWcmG-peSE8XuZYQz4G5NN6SXsbJA-Y75x0cY" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 584px; height: auto;"><br><br><br></div></div>Sven Nyström, Argapahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15686126502997392719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2144616298870686818.post-43568312136155784832022-01-07T22:09:00.001+01:002022-01-07T22:09:56.936+01:00Making a new bridge, pt. 1An old chunk of ebony will be the new bridge for Milo’s guitar. I measured the existing bridge and made a drawing so I didn’t have to bring the guitar to tge frozen hell that is the workshop at the cottage. <br><div><br></div><div><img id="id_da0_4378_5620_822b" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/PED4SsF8QAn_OKk9bj5GtNbs75l_Saqsq0DlO4U1tBR_hE_nOGuL68OVfvgalGlUwWk" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 596px; height: auto;"><br><br>First I squared two sides of the chunk, then I drilled two 13 mm holes for the half-round grooves. Then I ripped it lengthwise. <br><br><img id="id_ca33_b6b1_29_c5db" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/j-APwuRyIxDBoJiawmtvwJF82RCle86Ecd4OZGJ56-PJ5YLMfijfMPKBdx9DAL68Jhk" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 605px; height: auto;"><br><br>Like so. I cut it to length but kept it a couple of mm long, the reasoning being it’s better to have a slightly larger footprint to cover any boo-boos from removing the old one. <br><br><img id="id_45e9_e28_a4dc_57b4" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/TA7EM-lc_k_SBFQSHcAeqTxOCdzxAkKdA4za6TH92zl7MROVBhoINNUjq-P5HIZwE8g" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 587px; height: auto;"><br><br>I tried to use a chisel to shape the three-sided pyramids but I could just as well have used the chisel on a piece of glass. So I roughed them out on the belt sander. I know! Show me a builder who’s made more derogatory remarks about abrasives than me and I’ll be impressed. <br><br><img id="id_48b4_9075_6b56_9ac7" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/KOo17ejt2epL27U2qiOnVpWuKurakk-5D5NXyEzvr1eur7i8IFct9lI4vcyp1HgFiIg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 579px; height: auto;"><br><br>Then to make amends I switched to a French handcut rasp, crazily expensive but for this, invaluable. <br><br><img id="id_4fc1_37d6_83ff_7aca" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/ZrYduC581WnxlrrXa3tgo8Q_Sn3WYA7sq-FgxImls5Z7GvMv-Z1tmCJwYCp4VK3qxwg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 594px; height: auto;"><br><br>And here’s where we’re at. I won’t go further without the old bridge beside me, but the heavy work is done and with the luxury rasp, a sharp file and some scrapers I can continue in the apartment. <br><br><img id="id_90a1_d998_2de8_64ed" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/MtOk12XhfUj4JeoV6Fuu61_SYo_8LyeqGk76XUmqFu_psikeyhW81bJ-6GP6KR23Jn0" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 583px; height: auto;"><br><br><br></div>Sven Nyström, Argapahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15686126502997392719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2144616298870686818.post-85947510524348671882021-12-28T21:48:00.001+01:002021-12-28T21:48:53.440+01:00Getting ready for surgeryHaving stumbled onto some plywood I set out to make a neck removal jig for the ancient guitar. As with all jig ideas of mine - at least the ones expected to work - I based the design on a readily available product from Stewmac. But mine will have fewer moving parts, and it might not fit other guitars. <br><div><br></div><img id="id_8492_dd39_2e77_bee4" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/6Kjz_RgtVpCf-7rOG0eIG9jK2pJSSbtLVYxXpsJterFPEjj22iLu5pggojWUSx74boQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 591px; height: auto;"><br><br>The main idea is to apply an increasing pressure to the heel, while heating the neck joint to loosen the glue securing the dovetail. Stewmac solves this with a screw going through a threaded hole in a metal bar, but as I make this with a minimum of tools in the kitchen I’ll go for a plywood cradle being pulled up. <div><br></div><div>The screws visible in the pic is only clamping the parts, they’re connected to a bit from a Zyliss vise system. </div><div><br><div><img id="id_531e_3abc_d29d_da47" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/lv7W8ib4vm_it5UFahG6wc2qdJPxD3330vsH-nRi_XgUL3wkYJ2LZ0lHOsu8bYz006M" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 605px; height: auto;"><br><br>And even though I don’t have the full stash from the workshop at hand, I managed to find two large screws with square nuts. You can guess the rest, can’t you. The nuts won’t spin because they’re square, so turning the screws will lift the cradle and press the heel upwards. The top plate has felt cushions and will be secured to the guitar with a strap or a couple of clamps. <br><br><img id="id_8849_4d0e_b584_f34c" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/x0FnDD0qzV7C_xMRHeX0d7EtgVpE4gLc4hTR4Z-h9couVZLChr23ZXMgjLjW6bbWBCg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 583px; height: auto;"><br><br>Now we await the foam cutter. And re-watch some of twoodfords vids on youtube. </div></div>Sven Nyström, Argapahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15686126502997392719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2144616298870686818.post-36979294328535743012021-11-27T18:29:00.001+01:002021-11-27T18:29:08.109+01:00Resawing shelves, continuedBack at the cottage with some time to spare, so I soldiered on with the kerfing plane. In this pic you can see the mini bench or table vise from Sjöbergs, makers of the fantastic workbenches. I have it mounted on the veranda with machine screw inserts so it fairly rigid, at least as rigid as the quite rickety house. <br><div><br></div><div><img id="id_6f38_58e8_1bcc_938c" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/EGfVna_sGh5uQcM2WLCd-tusiPAWcX-jQTQNA241mA6avYNNVbUa_jeMXBMbI1Xwhp0" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 586px; height: auto;"><br><br>One more pic to show you the surroundings. Even in bleak November weather, there is no place as beautiful as this archipelago. <br><br><img id="id_5268_8969_7d79_7348" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/Y3FMhfnWMGRekekmN29A65mwH0BjQfwhO55xsl7guCS1QT5MLQQYF7kPikT5NKgSC40" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 596px; height: auto;"><br><br>To make the kerfs in the ends of the board I needed a bigger vise so I relocated to the workshop where my bench and shopmade wooden vise resides. <br><br><img id="id_4550_9eda_4601_94b6" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/pX_ERQ9XGWoNyTkz763o_ut3Tm1oCbAIliqO6-8MLa5sA84t9FJ7zt9-c_RuRL62SDo" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 591px; height: auto;"><br><br>Once the board was slotted all around I enlisted my wife Ann to help me wrangle the humongous frame saw. It rips like crazy, and works especially well in dry mahogany. Walnut and cherry tend to steer the blade with the longer fibers but today the blade followed the kerfs just as intended. <br><br><img id="id_7449_b95b_c19c_89ee" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/BSJUzngEz5iyiZfj8oTWYzD8Br3-bSrOjSkjEnV0kEJMMaeV3r8fBO8o1L94BZWztWw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 589px; height: auto;"><br><br>And the first slice is off the board. It took us around 40 minutes and we are still married so I count that as a total success. Maybe we’ll attack the next slice tomorrow, after hunting seafowl in the morning. <br><br><img id="id_e608_d492_bc2c_fcda" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/5w0ZhkhsEaSUyJQKzXmnCaMssBXCWhIfnSQHEJ0e_E19ZQ58HEAqrDJGhXdqRWwYoMs" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 586px; height: auto;"><br><br><br></div>Sven Nyström, Argapahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15686126502997392719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2144616298870686818.post-66373007903286118222021-11-17T09:37:00.001+01:002021-11-17T09:37:14.233+01:00Old guitar in for repairMy friend bought this ancient guitar at an auction, and I’ll have a look at it to try to fix some more or less obvious issues. It’s at least 100 years old so I will tread carefully. <br><div><br></div><div><img id="id_a069_326_762b_b1aa" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/gVonvAVzzWPyGUTKGJpp8EPh8rytlEU_MgLxCCykJy3Ng3t5b9Qtwsj0_IctuOB8kFE" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 582px; height: auto;"><br><br>The brand is ”Nya Musikinstrumentfabriken Göteborg” and the instrument is very similar to the parlour guitars from Levin. <br><br><img id="id_c749_3359_feb8_6dcb" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/uuT_u8PZScWwuZ3tOjhLs-jV8XegBjN0hsvYXQuZ4JavMv5tjxfmCP_mpIFn1K3v-Tw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 580px; height: auto;"><br><br>Issue 1. A crack in the top with the accompanying loose brace. The top is on the thicker side and the crack is fairly tight so pretty easy [in theory].<br><br><img id="id_bcfd_f2cd_6143_d094" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/kpLDxLe6TzcCXWhZ9s-uFNCEj1WoGTh-J3njJ3MK5i1Bhv_ojQ4g8Wcb41cFOwp0O4g" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 567px; height: auto;"><br><br>Issue 2. The bridge. Not only is it lifting, it has the fret wire saddle and the peg holes are worn. Plus it might be in the wrong place, I haven’t measured it yet. Maybe it can be fixed, maybe I’ll make a new bridge. <br><br><img id="id_d511_7d27_1a88_3267" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/hRQ8BS3sDKgaoNTBGmZe2xjySqZyWUfSN2f7ZVyAcjyQyFO4ILnjR180H6CWQLE_aFo" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 583px; height: auto;"><br><br>Issue 3. A crack in the headstock, plus the tuners are wonky and mismatched. Might need to change them. <br><br><img id="id_8fe5_7b52_ae06_3219" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/wW68LevU60kx5ABKlyqYtroQ2gf9bMGCQXd3Kh8xNqYxzo6yI-uaNFtu4cPhrPFqFVc" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 583px; height: auto;"><br><br>Issue 4. The neck most likely needs to be reset. I’ve done this to a couple of cheapos but need to stock up on better equipment to do a clean job. <br><br><img id="id_cf7d_a541_1509_1f20" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/2QultHf1xLUbE-y4RHwlEkum9lLlD5GsOlOes5XbxUrXbCjnG5Zv2alxv-X6Th3_5nA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 580px; height: auto;"><br><br>Issue 5. The back of the neck has been… run over by a lawnmower? Used to parry sword blows? We’ll becer know but it will have to be at least sanded but probably carved. Then stained and lacquered. <br><br><img id="id_f582_da8_89fa_8ed6" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-t_GFvc9eDcpHeOnH_au848HgG9GfedRHCVq0ynvNiVpB5ogksj1fLxKWfjqxIRZNfs" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 566px; height: auto;"><br><br>This’ll be fun. I will use it as an excuse to learn how to work with hide glue, and I will rewatch all Woodford’s vids on youtube. </div>Sven Nyström, Argapahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15686126502997392719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2144616298870686818.post-39469429074548879232021-11-07T22:18:00.001+01:002021-11-07T22:18:07.013+01:00I’m alive, and the Apa is Arg!Hell-o my friendly readers. Please forgive me for being absent for four months. As you may remember the workshop is packed in crates (and heaps) and other stuff is going on. We’ve moved to a new apartment, one of those bog standard ones with no workshop, and we’re building a new house nay an entire homestead. <div><br></div><div>But when packing stuff away earlier this summer I stumbled upon that fine mahogany bookcase I got from a friend, and I’ve been longing to start working on it. So I chose two pieces with fine grain and cut the edges and ends square. Then I set the kerfing plane and started. </div><div><br></div><div>First pic. Remember the frame saws? I built the wee one myself with a blade from Badaxe Toolworks. The huge one I bought at a flea market. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_9bab_391_e174_e4e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/NR8iBv4-GCbDkPdalP7uPfiRjwFWaLFzTYHbBLPvMp77A0Oy9nSuS8N7-hnNmNXr2Y8" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 533px; height: auto;"><br><br>Here you can see the grain. The length of the boards makes it possible to make one piece rims for sopranos, that is my preference these days. Tops and backs will of cöurse be one piece. <br><br><img id="id_a40f_dcba_6555_91b2" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/BwsviEI06bZ8wvhTKnPUdh5ulpnvbB6wI4XLY-YH123hIajaOzIA6w7l-GJbYZuBFxs" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 526px; height: auto;"><br><br>Slicing off the bead at the front edge…<br><br><img id="id_87f_7a14_39ce_db31" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/XLdeRK4i_-6SYhGig6QFbmtJ57NUZ29pDIhT3hEsx_sWEeemp-Ak-V8f2QO0YIcMgE4" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 525px; height: auto;"><br><br>… and cutting the ends square. <br><br><img id="id_85f5_f21_f6aa_997d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/4ff4LOrVox8PVtXEz5KYJrNEqiXKu0zkGZNgYW9GpnZ5ZrwmYeV6PVRizyUlsI0ztlM" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 532px; height: auto;"><br><br>My shopmade kerfing plane takes a while to set up. I want to slice these into three pieces. <br><br><img id="id_5b71_f6aa_1349_ec51" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/TtthHliCXlHpxe6vHYusXR1qQ67b90hPSypkwue6FEG7D5I9ibJllNzzi4t3MMxwiAg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 529px; height: auto;"><br><br>The outer pieces will be 4 mm, the middle piece slightly thicker. This will give me some wiggle room. <br><br><img id="id_48a7_c064_2ca4_38a5" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/FzjezmHk4O-ZK95NM_3FdVbiuzWUc-liOyfRr5bhIUprRRdIXVCZZSUjDFYPJPcmtZw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 532px; height: auto;"><br><br>The cuts will go around all four edges to steer the frame saw blade, I will continue next time I’m at the cottage. <br><br><img id="id_b253_70a5_1df3_29de" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/Ns4STEwH7pAG8ltjEJZljX8UXJBojXGiJED63s_cmI77ZkRvxgtFfzgt3VqiFj6nGTw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 539px; height: auto;"><br><br>And the homestead project then:</div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_50a0_38a6_6c01_63b4" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/_hjCrtA8NwvBTrT0442hOxxuiX1OwBG9AhXe3-A56N8Yp8NXki0y_9-rJf7d7hjWrAw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 492px; height: auto;"><br><br><br></div>Sven Nyström, Argapahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15686126502997392719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2144616298870686818.post-10320922301915687952021-07-18T15:56:00.001+01:002021-07-18T15:56:34.704+01:00Travel uke completed, while travellingA few coats of shellac on the fretboard, and I noticed the shellac I brought is tinted red since the bass I made. Grr. It makes the alder look a bit like cherry. But let’s keep moving on. Holding the fret slotting jig with the styrene rod fret markers, I saw the slots. <br><div><br></div><div><img id="id_40f9_16dd_d2b0_888e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/CMZhCEYOegYLwSSwDayZlEDtRC9zwgU2s0RhREYe6OPoiHwCRRcr6md2RYcUuxD5rbQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 581px; height: auto;"><br><br>Then I press the frets in. Cut to length at with the ends rounded, because it would be impossible to shape them in situ like I would on a uke with a glued on fretboard. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_2edb_7604_b53c_acd0" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/aBiopCBuzQ1m3y7sf194_ffjrQSDMBkmMPTFpSCJwQ3CrTzYAWoW3EXcPMVlWwjHHbs" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 577px; height: auto;"><br><br>Ok. Not my proudest moment. Normally I’m quite good at securing the workpiece but this worked. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_8cee_c577_1c5d_648b" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/o-AcQa-Tjn0khA6unchV7NyfcVHFFHzpK_Nl7zcTB4-5rJSAkBfXZ4Z0xTgBo3vA12Y" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 574px; height: auto;"><br><br>Continuing with a chisel and planes to get the profile. These bridges are tiny. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_c713_4238_329b_e3c7" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/DrhOKdZFMhNUNhArPoMicm1SAVHTG1Phaj4bp4z9miAF6j0gCDt2q9psphlMS0JcFco" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 582px; height: auto;"><br><br>And compensating for the C-string. <br><br></div><div><img id="id_e40b_9c22_df2c_a570" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/P1Mls7GtgCR-w9t_XI_vOzJjgEsym5Lfxf3kpgIigdn3BHlkoLtRDlBfLO0BbkqI8vM" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 586px; height: auto;"><br><br>I put on masking tape in several layers to get some support that stops the bridge from sliding around. <br><br></div><div><img id="id_94d5_8fb5_5da6_a9a" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/wRp6CDFtDVRqtqR1C93LNqh13cCIoqqn5i5ewylC9Zz7GM5E9Wp6ONGao8h-iboslRc" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 581px; height: auto;"><br><br>Drilling for the strings, the holes are angled the opposite way from the regular acoustic ukes where I want the strings to turn up in the soundhole. On these they must go around the carbon fibre tube below. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_3fff_2806_1b84_e20e" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/r4YnOZMQbgWGP06nAqa5AS0Ssz1ZpWm5DphqAsrWBCEukYy00Eyz1S6gpDkgLS3dCm4" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 568px; height: auto;"><br><br>Then I shaped the pegs in the Juzek peg shaper. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_4b0a_a4aa_8961_6755" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/PcdYDApMlv5w3o5T6fx08lCsE3wAqyVytVXpg-HBE4udkkrMzA-LX72K3mxYB_75fuc" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 587px; height: auto;"><br><br>The pegs are in place, cut to length and get holes for the strings. Note the wooden rod at the back, I forgot to bring the carbon tube so I made a rod of birch. I thought it would be strong enough. <br><br></div><div><img id="id_8dac_2d39_60c9_a7d2" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/WuH_rBneWktNzIrMIABioHhR1kDn9l2lmb1rhNNE49RNv-CJ93M-ocZHO3f9rO9hPdc" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 582px; height: auto;"><br><br>And here it is, after some more shellac. It turned out a bit rustic because of the limited selection of tools, but it is done. <br><br></div><div><img id="id_e088_8427_3ce5_2dd3" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/99H4vz_6otiK4bqa9dAn2iNOzuH1900YFsmO3zIdh7eI4PlR5F2gMvcQ6_lZOmik26E" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 602px; height: auto;"><br><br>But the birch rod was a disgrace, look at it bending. I will change it to carbon as soon as I get back home. <br><br></div><div><img id="id_6d14_6f3b_133b_a805" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/51_y6LxQr6_wXbKKkyY9RRZR9YjXjcP6-y_YxywukCxXWq_IYsPJfv4glzghyY8VAyM" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 569px; height: auto;"><br><br><br></div>Sven Nyström, Argapahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15686126502997392719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2144616298870686818.post-5571802181108392602021-07-15T11:33:00.001+01:002021-07-15T11:33:22.727+01:00Prögress as prömised<div>Before noon the front porch lies in shadow, which is perfect for me. I can’t stand the sun. </div><div><br></div><div>I started out by planing the sides with my Veritas apron plane. When it’s sharp and well set up it’s a remarkable tool. </div><div><br></div><img id="id_722f_3079_490b_ebbb" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Bx3dSs6nGzS9sZ8QwLBASSqDth4HN1SdbV2MahmR5L6DAkV0h9JJ5c0kMQjIunzt5rw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 579px; height: auto;"><br><br>The same plane handles the endgrain nicely. The clamping method was ok but the available bit of railing was a bit rickety. <br> <div><br></div><div><img id="id_3441_7f05_1acf_fcaf" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/TpRot6VU4ER2YESoTMAt172PyY5wD1FU0QI2j5Lq8ppRJp2rVNsstV2PkUKksm3hG5M" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 555px; height: auto;"><br><br>Taking down the edges of the neck with a sharp Mora carving knife…</div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_7425_fe0_ba13_3f39" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/sw21qM2Odxt8FRsHsHxCJTt4f3pRCHgeEtZdqBZnlg5oyByidovYNzXerbZld_FIPrg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 585px; height: auto;"><br><br>… and smoothing out the back of the neck with an Ibex thumb plane. <br><br></div><div><img id="id_c223_d688_676_3093" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/PSEOAsc9kRTcRP8lPsOhK-C_EB0fVSgsgaIP65XUUETMHe9i1dPncdYPKNWvdCzEXQg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 567px; height: auto;"><br><br>I check the width and taper with the fret slotting jig, in the pic it’s more or less ready for the next step which will be a few coats of shellac on the neck before slotting. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_228_d9b0_12f5_bda1" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/NSsFG_5h-lnIqi-jZW4dpQNIovnb3sEN9fSzH_VBph9hXyQ6PEBnv0_sJL2PLx4yjE8" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 566px; height: auto;"><br><br>I hope you catch the scenic backgrounds even though I try to keep my less industrious relatives out of focus. </div>Sven Nyström, Argapahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15686126502997392719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2144616298870686818.post-1081364627426460582021-07-14T16:13:00.001+01:002021-07-14T16:13:28.213+01:00The improbable resurrection of the ArgapanatorWell Hell-o and welcöme back to the twitching corpse that is the Argapa blogspot! All avid readers know of my predicament with the packed and stored workshop and the family moving to a new apartment. We actually managed to sell the old place and have spent a furious week painting and assembling wardrobes and shelves at the new place, but this week we’re at the second cottage - the wee one in Småland. <div><br></div><div>As I was packing stuff yesterday my eyes fell upon the alder traveller blank from earlier this year, and I thought to myself… what a wonderful (and size-wise appropriate) project to bring along. </div><div><br></div><div>So I quickly chose the handtools I deemed necessary and chucked them in a bag. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_215_6b0e_68b1_7338" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/8UesE1UjWogdpOvVNLcRMl1ZLIzpxb8xqv-yhSvzvWewOVUqDQDghwNCndo4KVqrfzw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 547px; height: auto;"><br><br>Hopefully I remembered all that I’ll need, and most likely I won’t even use all of them. I laid them all out on an old baking tray to keep them off of the dinner table. Have a look. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_5a0e_90cc_680_f3c" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/gSPYQuazQQv44ZSmHzm83wGg2WFkHiGrOUp8HcBoMMfrW0cQBDt46fh-e5yh6T71X5A" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 553px; height: auto;"><br><br>I’ll keep you posted on the progress, sorry I mean prögress. Mustn’t skip on the evil heavy metal-esque Viking letters. </div>Sven Nyström, Argapahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15686126502997392719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2144616298870686818.post-91911170763330838742021-05-26T07:34:00.001+01:002021-05-26T07:34:59.141+01:00Good news / bad newsWell. Not a glimpse from me in over a month, what happened I suppose you ask. The truth is I’ve packed the greater part of my workshop in boxes and shipped them to the cottage. Most likely we’re moving to a smaller apartment to raise some much needed cash for the construction of a wee house. In time there’ll be a workshop there but in the meantime prögress will be slow here. <div><br></div><div>But amidst the boxes and the chores of packning... I did build a bass guitar. Let’s look at some pics because I’m awfully pleased with the result. I was going to build the neck from scratch but before I could score som maple I found a decent 2nd hand neck so I used that one. </div><div><br></div><div>The sketch I made:</div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_6946_73b9_114d_ff4e" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/ETayEuycycP_A66WiBG22bi_IY_4-RZZLgm3oVA8ZKcnlRq5rQyfJCfKeX6j1-7hTKE" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 581px; height: auto;"><br><br>I had this really hairy piece of mahogany, severly damaged from the logging process but dry as bone. I figured I could extract the needed material, avoid the crushed part. <br><br><img id="id_5f2b_82eb_fc29_b0ab" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/8N_hewSnqj_QXk5yTUVT2umeJD4hc7hgtlG_GNzA1agYiO9XXK4I0kmccrdrk1NbLZA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 564px; height: auto;"><br><br>And it worked, even though there wasn’t much extra material in the resulting blank. <br><br><img id="id_f3b6_bd5_c9e0_cf31" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/TKFdRnxxf-_gjJdde4BUXQTikHJjwW4I-Qog2EFq0wP6FM4__0mO7-BQOzrnfafVwSU" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 572px; height: auto;"><br><br>Glueing it up, I turned the pieces to get the grain direction balancing out possible movement. <br><br><img id="id_5369_4c1a_8d77_ba08" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/auPIsAJ6AlNHD0_u6t4eePV34pfYSwmrcfZFT-VTG00Zc52u-eZxd2NzMUhwg8RHDEk" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 549px; height: auto;"><br><br>My wee Proxxon bandsaw did a sterling job, but not without complaints. <br><br><img id="id_d3ab_d6e_3ae5_6387" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/ncfWH-OPu9tVFC2GGjXWbJix19vHOJAEyc_y6W2xSG3VVsL-Ui4y6uTFSG2LtsM4MXM" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 593px; height: auto;"><br><br>Carving bevels, or an extended German carve. With the gouge sharpened to a ridiculous level it was quite easy. <br><br><img id="id_e4f5_8397_4d9d_f13" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/OAVY_u_skaQfzv34h_oqy0wWYP6MJIBl0tgZ0kkW74L_wDkjLvq-wcLH5vxC3baQnuw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 563px; height: auto;"><br><br>Fitting the pickup directly into the body. I allowed myself a millimeter or so around the edges, but it was a tight fit. After chiselling out the cavity I realized I swapped the position of the coils, compared to a P-bass. But Yamaha made some cool models in the 70’s with this layout so I’m with them. Apparently. <br><br><img id="id_4e90_f40b_e72f_98c3" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/50tTe-A60s6kgLDqaJXiVqPfYxdOBIZokdCorxNPYYN-ZUAIvN__Zmn4joY6I02OQDI" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 564px; height: auto;"><br><br>The body turned out to bee too thin for a side mounted jack plate so I got a strat jack and mounted it inside out. </div><div><br></div><div>And you are correct, there are no pots. So no volume, no tone control. <br><br><img id="id_7201_b124_5cb2_18ef" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/qt_1onMxKw_8b7N_TshlJQJhCBdXPngZprdQyO_DsMFwDXWIQI4CidNNPeGIZq7L12U" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 545px; height: auto;"><br><br>Then I managed to mix red and brown stain to get almost the colour I wanted. I’m very pleased, as I already blurted. What’s more, I had a set of strings lying around so I used them. They were flat wound! What a peculiar feeling, but I actually like them a lot. <br><br><img id="id_b512_ab19_7a20_484a" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/7v7xBtddW6Rqq07oQCRxWW4tmw6k1d5FA5eCTfdMXhZZpHzhYLs5SoxEK6qnv9Qtx_c" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 549px; height: auto;"><br><br>AISLE B, BACH... as they say in the record store. </div>Sven Nyström, Argapahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15686126502997392719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2144616298870686818.post-2731741979903370992021-04-13T21:36:00.001+01:002021-04-13T21:36:33.927+01:00Piccolo done, Argapa #126<div>Howdy fans! Both of you. It’s been a couple of weeks since that initial burst of activity and during that time I have applied the shellac finish. First by slathering on several coats, then after levelling with steel wool and a wee scraper I started the polishing. First pic is from after wooling (nice wurd).</div><div><br></div><img id="id_35a5_8b57_2b45_f6e2" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/ye15NayznVECeAGSouxwOVHDfRZzC0dlkZ4wdSy8LSwXuAp9WSTjJi3ug2tp9QGP55c" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 581px; height: auto;"><br><br>Halfway through the polishing process it starts to look quite good. I used walnut oil as the lubricant for the muneca, the theory being that it dries together with the shellac. Can’t prove it but it feels good. <br> <div><br></div><div><img id="id_d661_4a43_e029_d47f" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/f1sn-7ZzwB4KDcqo_W8-dm0g-tNAojciKESXYzoG7yf_mpwCfcOVEKQnt_MsdI3qFGc" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 541px; height: auto;"><br><br>I dillute the shellac more for the later coats, getting a better shine as I get closer to the last buffing. <br><br><img id="id_4505_d35a_b1ba_6135" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/FoVrX-B32ZbiGaEGq5zXcKEVykwCU4dB5owzKPC5kGtAQnBwQnH3XwH636omEve1XYQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 585px; height: auto;"><br><br>Satisfied with the gloss I started preparing the pegs by refining the taper with my peg shaver / shaper. Super expensive piece of kit but a joy to use...<br><br><img id="id_40e0_23fd_ccbd_a033" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/u-uGKM9CTZUOfZuNDKuVtKe3l75_SgZcupGKwq7yh4BtcWsP5oh68aFv4tSus64mGw0" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 574px; height: auto;"><br><br>... on straight grained pegs. One in ten just gets stuck and sort of disintegrates after a couple of turns. Good thing my supplier botched my order and took in 40 sets instead of 40 pegs, and begged me to buy them all at a hefty discount, so I have some to spare. <br><br><img id="id_298_7c9e_1a0a_9804" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/F5yTiFLsNreT3USRfm7pw88sZ-k9F61de8selXsGmW_i2K7henAtxb88-p0jBRhb_E8" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 573px; height: auto;"><br><br>My wee reamer is a bit mutilated because reasons, but it’s light enough work not to demand a full length T-handle. <br><br><img id="id_cb62_17de_6c21_7839" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/Lb_PiqKzxdjQ_Xg-wuZHsyl2gP6da7d6mrzzYAO6NEQNRkqeajgZkB-yy84R4qVpnT4" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 576px; height: auto;"><br><br>I trim the pegs to the same height with my... peg height jig. The [late addition of a] piece of leather saves my thumb. <br><br><img id="id_1d59_d325_7bcd_2e2d" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/1Xv0-ekzurmJU40S9J2lAiJ406GrTKpzfekPaMkcF7vM4Y65lo9C7iWYcsr15VJ4hLM" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 590px; height: auto;"><br><br>The sawn off pegs gets another shave, this time in a dirt cheap crap sharpener. <br><br><img id="id_ec7e_6742_39a9_7d10" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/j5xgO44ANl2DabA4rXq9kDxr7IAAC2dVEdoXwkTo71bxDlG2yE4_9LVuTV3W93u6xTo" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 592px; height: auto;"><br><br>I just chamfer the edge in the sharpener, then I use a file to round the ends over. <br><br><img id="id_fe94_529b_11db_f18a" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/vSFlYK_Kqgj9Z8gIMNmeiDMfkeTcp_x2sm_we9I19DY2wXruAtLmX1y3gS4504EMoG0" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 591px; height: auto;"><br><br>I drill string holes and countersink them with a tiny round wotsit, die grinder? Burr?<br><br><img id="id_bf2_cef7_e5f4_b5a4" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/9WPgthB0Cb1H3UwNkb63rYS8KHmt-IDXa1v1TIQFg9Hzi3dX6Q4lTZRxiLQNeICEEB8" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 598px; height: auto;"></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);">I was so pleased with the pegs I started stringing up before I remembered the nut, so with one string hanging from the bridge I quickly made a bone nut. In the pic you see the half pencil that, in theory, gives you the depth of the nut slots. </span></div><div><span style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0);"><br></span><img id="id_5036_1533_bd9a_a8c2" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/FFuXq2YxxTNOWyUDHADJf2_fWSxk4h8BL3RbttwWAKoyhiXcrtvK9_bH5HG0DdScPaw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 581px; height: auto;"><br><br>And ta-daa, here it is. Strung up with the new brand of strings that I got. It turned out great, more symmetrical than other piccolos I’ve made and it sounds lovely. And one size louder of cöurse, so it equals a soprano from any other builder*. Only blemish is a mark in the waist from bending, but only Lemmy can make something perfect innit. </div><div><br><img id="id_f583_fe58_e897_b5c3" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/CIuj2OmeTX96ICsubAZbhiY1EjbUXAf9RcFJDvOPMSuOBrl7LBuQ-BBbWBK95FqZEig" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 579px; height: auto;"><br><br>*Please don’t tell any other builder I said that. </div>Sven Nyström, Argapahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15686126502997392719noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2144616298870686818.post-91675971934342328582021-03-28T22:22:00.001+01:002021-03-28T22:22:45.507+01:00Frets and bridgeYesterday morning I put shellac on the fretboard, but then we went to the cottage to do a bit of gardening. So I couldn’t crack on until tonight. I cut the frets to length and shape the ends before installing them, since I can’t really get to the when they’re in place. The drawback of an island style uke with no separate fretboard. <br><div><br></div><div><img id="id_8516_c3e_6caf_c311" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/BYkRwNT3zE18BzlevDlB2djEhPMPNfS8cYKxMAFpDFg50W1qipT1E0lPrPfNH7P0eyM" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 602px; height: auto;"><br><br>The big challenge is to get the ends to line up. The treble side turned out fine this time. <br><br><img id="id_a9de_ea27_2c29_8e3e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/y82KKuu1uUYf1_I94PY3VKyAeJ0HP0ViTlBP4yncWzprXRwKtc9ZgoSOgAxUUpZSPSw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 602px; height: auto;"><br><br>Then I measured for the bridge. Usually I have a length of roughly shaped bridge stock for these ukes but I couldn’t find it. So where could one find a suitable piece of cherry in this mess?<br><br><img id="id_4433_8112_43d6_2f9b" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/CizyhZfcsZoeDLy8jXA1mvQJo7s9yyMyI08GfUPIG_m722si9YygsTKev2e7ooqpAno" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 602px; height: auto;"><br><br>In the scrap bin of course. Remember these guys? The cut-offs from the neck blank, I get two of them every time. <br><br><img id="id_f2ed_87cb_67b8_b98e" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/MriXF4XVYXEsB3XBAxnM7Bk6WecJsHQ4DhezqN0ZbZ--p3EVySMH_Pcno04CL7dXwgg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 597px; height: auto;"><br><br>I planed the sides parallel then started on the cross section profile. <br><br><img id="id_71b8_9ea6_a585_afa1" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/I1MdUoKfRfwMPlV8bbkOD4qTaim4LC6FWwGjyRm3VFfAB9h2fjVNOy53qEHJ6JrtK8A" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 598px; height: auto;"><br><br>Trying it out for length and position. <br><br><img id="id_ae6a_f1df_f224_5111" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/v1mI5WyO2bLHatwybjVE3ZVYEOK0biBQ3Ie4BEADaz5njZF2XfZ5qLY0MV2VwarkyRU" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 600px; height: auto;"><br><br>And on it went. Three f-hole clamps an a piece of guitar string to stop it from sliding around. <br><br><img id="id_f694_bc43_6488_105b" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/YvdoaOPYY-iZIMwgBwyh1gKSKc_WOASNHQs2LLHdypH3VHJ8f8l5S_7NIecUeJMYpBU" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 610px; height: auto;"><br><br>While it was drying I drilled the holes for the tuners. Tomorrow I’ll start applying the shellac, that means progress will slow down a bit. But fear not! I found that traveller on the bench, in fact it is visible in the background of several pics. <br><br><img id="id_24df_d1bc_2122_1f1e" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/vSvle2DL_-K9P8wU1B1VZNmbEABy6OcIkUo3D1ldbV0RLQUdkU_0vaZ5TMcAD90mspU" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 596px; height: auto;"><br><br><br><br></div>Sven Nyström, Argapahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15686126502997392719noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2144616298870686818.post-26225352416226183012021-03-25T22:06:00.001+01:002021-03-25T22:06:31.242+01:00Onwards and upwardsI managed to keep going. Last night I took the back braces down with a plane and the curved sanding dish, then I strapped the uke down on the solera and glued the back on. <br><div><br></div><div><img id="id_147f_f196_c65e_f5f4" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/1ZIuShgpmsCUBxW6ayGZyRj7GxfMlxFnBjxOrKZHC43_i--mFNu3NAWouhR_FW_ATYM" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 581px; height: auto;"><br><br>I use a caul to distribute the pressure and thin wooden slats to apply the right amount of force, and I left it over night. <br><br><img id="id_b1ef_8c50_724d_702" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/DoJgdyTa0X-HuBnmypyuR0mY56eFjYmtJXbRoKoQ_LPNEDdSr5WEhXfx70f4Dt07Qok" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 585px; height: auto;"><br><br>Then the 1 3/4” chisel shaves the edge down. I used a knife for some parts but the chisel is very versatile. Holding it like this gives me great control. <br><br><img id="id_e967_34df_4239_9de4" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/VsEurBXF1dRfhTZopq3IfDmNzIZ1yRvepTi_nDpY_lXhtdlbq8sFOmGSrUiaaic41Z4" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 601px; height: auto;"><br><br>To get at the glue and to even out any facets from the chisel, I use my multi-radius sanding block. Didn’t bother with the elaborate clamp for the sandpaper though, just reached for some tape. <br><br><img id="id_f50a_9624_35d0_c3d1" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/5jJybLtVCsaUS_O96K9CjvYdfAcIhECBtBxp3SkvlK38lR_Eh56Ek6uHq65N6zLpIK0" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 607px; height: auto;"><br><br>Tonight I started on the fret slots. The jig is held in place by the styrene rods that’ll become the fret markers. <br><br><img id="id_235a_e013_b6be_ea6b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/I150LNrN3aTT249Gm3hYXF1J6FS9svFusC93xBiM16fSwu9bEQiVaX8CX3O0plj1f0w" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 601px; height: auto;"><br><br>And I saw the slots with my Stewmac saw. <br><br><img id="id_b71b_6ea7_c5_3af6" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/MpEjez1Og-6eM4NtDY7QwvST5Izm32PkqY0F0mJKv0ZXXttbcdxk6LpJXPskSvS5q9M" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 603px; height: auto;"><br><br>From rods to markers, then. Just a shave with a Berg chisel. <br><br><img id="id_bbeb_2b1c_b07e_3524" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/GeYi1wY8KcH3XdUUGaAZlQCXa8hwNbrPxWYqXOEO8XUq7_X9s2cTbaBN2rQJKF7CVHs" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 594px; height: auto;"><br><br>Before the frets go in it’s good practice to hit the slots with a triangular file. The fretwire will seat better and go in more easily. Just a couple of strokes in each slot. <br><br><img id="id_8dfe_c7aa_8225_d98f" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/gSgr_0Zs0buYke3iafLiDohNkABoFdfV1D-KApgeb4KtFXTXN3ZVzTbyJCk3gGgqacQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 607px; height: auto;"><br><br>The last slot from sawing won’t house a fret, it’s the front edge of the nut shelf. The aforementioned Berg chisel plays ball, even cutting sideways through the grain it gives a perfect surface. <br><br><img id="id_4493_8777_8103_5516" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/fZjdQcJ9e2dXUjYHG4jj00ko5dH526bdz6p4_dZ1tQQouU0_iuvqxKkagZuacmTF4L0" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 598px; height: auto;"><br><br>Then I reached for the shellac. I always put a few coats on the fretboard before fretting and thought it was time. But it wasn’t - not everyone likes the smell so I can’t do that in the apartment before bedtime. Tomorrow morning it is. </div>Sven Nyström, Argapahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15686126502997392719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2144616298870686818.post-3435724541758886922021-03-24T15:14:00.001+01:002021-03-24T15:14:34.199+01:00Rapid progress on the piccoloWednesday morning and we have moved on quite a lot. In the first pic I trim the overhanging top edge with a wide chisel, I never use a router for this. <br><div><br></div><div><img id="id_ab0b_787a_a4e2_1f82" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/cwp3QYqkKBDp8kMy6X1KTaACwu8nNV-oLmTbOduJnltKn25xFhW0sHw7LfGhTl14xaQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 605px; height: auto;"><br><br>Moving on to the profile, I make the piccolos with a drastically curved back and take a shortcut getting there by hogging off the bulk with a Japanese saw. <br><br><img id="id_f4b6_e736_8a5a_3b46" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/2R1j6Ndw0yMUaI9_oFC8s1Ns0nIh6ZmtrHRPJVYnfklZqLiypBUoWtSZ9cBiJS6zipQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 600px; height: auto;"><br><br>Then I refine the curve on a curved sanding dish with 40 grit paper. <br><br><img id="id_9f18_2b60_f6f4_2cfb" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/Ej3G9uH_xDtAj-bbXswUDOLwp4NMBgneyTMnntosAiFWrh-a7GLKZSxKR8igR-jV-qA" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 608px; height: auto;"><br><br>Kerfed lining strips in place, check for gaps and squeeze out with a mirror. <br><br><img id="id_cf92_c84c_8c7e_ef0a" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/zTTduwcgQNwZ3v2IyZQc9FLz8lDtFekUpp0JgtgF8m5mmZ_5F4TEeqcPrNR8XHv6sw8" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 611px; height: auto;"><br><br>And I work faster than I take the pics. Here the neck is aligned and bolted in place. <br><br><img id="id_a275_8b1e_4686_77c5" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/uma6WgmGvUPuvZ4VMw9Fr5MITd6dFH4Te9w-d9RNrckP7WNHdDpGR3wHS_XPNaFxZVs" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 607px; height: auto;"><br><br>And as it turns out, not that wonky at all!<br><br><img id="id_a2fa_d94a_ffc0_761c" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/YE1h5MFCS6b_xYuA_ZBlHveR4mREsIhc_IWtEISJhhWR39nwaAJYfh2GJxQFzS-P7_Y" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 611px; height: auto;"><br><br>This morning I prepared the back braces. The are wedge shaped in cross section and I make cuts in the kerfing to house them. <br><br><img id="id_3a5f_cb9c_4f14_3806" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/7zqMJUK9VnXJAkpad81YJfiBTw0o1eQ8shQzHMXUoJvK4YoyECOo_tm7ooQeDmv1E8Y" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 603px; height: auto;"><br><br>And they were glued in place before I went to work. What’ll happen this evening? Will I fit the back?<br><br><img id="id_4330_582d_c1b4_c7e2" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/jR7ZtxLvUm-l5Qd-bYId0a9wVRX1cdtu8oJlLdJVUFXzd_4xhP12rj09mR6Ss8cjzf0" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 599px; height: auto;"><br><br><br></div>Sven Nyström, Argapahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15686126502997392719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2144616298870686818.post-66776198751650908602021-03-22T22:10:00.001+01:002021-03-22T22:10:55.553+01:00A speedy piccolo buildI got some mojo shock yesterday and really wanted to knock out a piccolo. <div><br></div><div>I planed down the rim piece to 1.5 mm, it took a while but I didn’t feel like whipping out the drum sander. Plus I feel I connect to the wood when I use a hand plane, this time my Record no.5. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_e3f2_2ea7_d0fa_2622" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/Mm8gCxGcYVeu6TIyzXH4amoO0fV9-2_5wVf3qv5_jSjEeim96-_sY0V3U0zZqBBppi8" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 589px; height: auto;"><br><br>The piccolo have such small radii that the rim needs to be thinner to bend well. It went alright, and any wonkiness I just blame on the original wee uke I made the templates from was anything but symmetrical. <br><br><img id="id_dacf_81d0_73a1_e781" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/qmDogadU6NHaVU6pdD8Oh7d6mBOOU0LZG1n2m9jvNv-jjhYZQvC5HHyx8caao0Zd3c0" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 584px; height: auto;"><br><br>Keeping to hand tools I cut out the top and back with a coping saw that I got from a flea market. <br><br><img id="id_b0f1_12_b0e2_4c13" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-2nC7xvUdIvTZMX8mv3uRSSRQPoaOdxoKRGK4YrSo-1pIlbabuzNzmQyTIK5uPWodcc" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 591px; height: auto;"><br><br>Soundhole, cut with my half kilo brass rosette cutter. <br><br><img id="id_b2f4_7871_bff7_9ab1" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/qBobo2IzSx7m2dqOFEJyuF0C-jHRUug6bttA-73DXt5fhTQmlxqEP7sowomogZYLf-Q" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 586px; height: auto;"><br><br>End block went in yesterday evening. This morning I glued in the kerfed lining strips in the rim before I went to work so it would cure while I was away.<br><br><img id="id_6b0d_a639_e7ca_81c6" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/UE9KdLACezD4b8g7A7GO5lEGff9tbxc3CrzSxYxQ5UGq4RVmtsSeLNXU9u7rElts3DQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 589px; height: auto;"><br><br>Next pic, the rim glued to the top on the solera. <br><br><img id="id_b372_19ff_e2b3_e7b7" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/yPpzPfEtUDk3wAtVm7Yf_rIu73lyyKjN48iWVOkFUwd5Zvom9zYYV9oxmKpMEH2GGH4" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 573px; height: auto;"><br><br>On to the neck! I planed the fretboard and the peghead surfaces flat and true to each other. On of the tasks I sort of wish took a while longer, because I enjoy planing. <br><br><img id="id_1762_8dd8_1ed0_4d17" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/w0JZoeaYyY7UkL4zrPAwtYYpTmjpOB5vmuYr3kx0ENaQ9BmQ_N0hjwd6Jq6MwsptCbM" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 578px; height: auto;"><br><br>Marking out with a centre find rule, a machinist’s square, a sliding bevel and a saddle square. <br><br><img id="id_9bb5_de29_5260_1e68" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/HYCXQf6Vg0G3jntjgmR-ONFXGc9q6bkoqqC6ukvjoZOlI0TubU5cd2hg97BFMckfZYw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 591px; height: auto;"><br><br>Then the Pax rip saw makes short work of taking it down towards width. <br><br><img id="id_b8c_b392_a3a_9b2e" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/JSDMgi9lGknvcgnIP5BLc6TG6o7WB5Ow4XXNHaSrKuaJYWd40mTsoDYvHF4B961yVec" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 549px; height: auto;"><br><br>A sharp Mora knife with a scandigrind wedge grind will cut through almost any wood in almost any direction, one exception being wenge which is slightly harder than glass. <br><br><img id="id_10a2_9d49_dc84_360c" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-zPWMilqw4Ush6zINtUoDvHNHl5LDv7mpKgaOTu1EkPjRaftBxoixh368xprSwVSb-w" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 581px; height: auto;"><br><br>And carving the profile, here with my ancient Miller Falls cigar spokeshave. When it’s properly set up it is a uniqe tool, doing what no other spokeshave could. <br><br><img id="id_5830_7524_6d6a_7f91" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/mFGnYUsdnBxCkvg8tqz-7saIruey99of1VCRyHQTuX8NLUirBDac1HLPcIk2cFc9yDg" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 573px; height: auto;"><br><br>If I stayed upp all night, or stayed home from work tomorrow, this thing would be almost done on Wednesday. But I have other stuff to deal with and will leave it like this, at least until tomorrow morning. </div>Sven Nyström, Argapahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15686126502997392719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2144616298870686818.post-7115894527107535312021-03-21T12:03:00.001+01:002021-03-21T12:03:50.028+01:00Another traveller coming upI had a nice piece of straight grained alder that’ll be a travel uke. You might have seen this before but here we go again: I start by laying out the position and outlines for the hole. <br><div><br></div><div><img id="id_6034_4664_333c_8586" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/wJ6Rfxiga5KVblGywHwIXDYPEybSQMqCZ152i3x8uYo7m86wjwLiZrstQMZ1dei_XvU" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 567px; height: auto;"><br><br>Then I hog out the bulk of the wood with a drill bit that leaves a flat bottomed hole. The depth stop is set so there isn’t too much left to remove. <br><br><img id="id_8773_b2cb_93c7_7f6b" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/phQruAu-44MWEKPTJ1kRYikOgwUp931ORGkPwRPgwLt4-TCMU1ArEmBXCflOq7owwt8" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 575px; height: auto;"><br><br>Cleaning up the edges with a sharp chisel. <br><br><img id="id_f8de_fc15_1ffe_6d55" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/As1bCYxR3hLuIHPAH9j1XeJV_BQ5lXmJgOJb73SRe--5lqYTi007pLwj7OvI4q0tFxM" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 577px; height: auto;"><br><br>And when the two-part template fits snugly in the cavity, I can mark out the contours of the instrument...<br><br><img id="id_6587_3ae9_c8c6_e757" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/UHwKtaC-uH6ORtHDCm5xgkQkcqQl6GTKONCzTD4zL1rK_TNpkvndzHz8Of1iKdzKt0o" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 567px; height: auto;"><br><br>... and take it to the bandsaw. I’ll update when I whip out the router plane. <br><br><img id="id_48c1_e816_b1e4_5753" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/PIEaS-V7-3SDaPn-B39up9_153PRXvHSBo_8DzrR_gw4eL8wmeRC-CXX5CTyTNBgXuw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 589px; height: auto;"><br><br><br></div>Sven Nyström, Argapahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15686126502997392719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2144616298870686818.post-62261560947476256572021-03-07T09:44:00.001+01:002021-03-07T09:44:28.138+01:00Raw materialMy friend and colleague Daniel asked me if I wanted an old shelf of solud walnut. Of course I said yes, and fanx. When it turned up it wasn’t walnut at all. It’s mahogany!<div><br></div><img id="id_220_e018_ed18_984d" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/6xcFkjZ_amdoTddxCd7qsia_TepZMOjJMqWU28Ox5XOnCvpDAw2BErpDvucasHIBY24" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 585px; height: auto;"><br><br>There are grooves, dovetails and stuff to work around but if I rip them carefully I will have mahogany for years to come. I’m super happy. <br><div><br></div>Sven Nyström, Argapahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15686126502997392719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2144616298870686818.post-65924833253179270442021-02-18T22:31:00.001+01:002021-03-19T14:31:12.794+01:00Video demoDon’t know if it will show up here or not, but the link leads to a youtube vid of the two resos. <div><br /></div><div><a href="https://youtu.be/WZbUMi5lfj4"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WZbUMi5lfj4" width="320" youtube-src-id="WZbUMi5lfj4"></iframe></div><br />https://youtu.be/WZbUMi5lfj4</a></div>Sven Nyström, Argapahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15686126502997392719noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2144616298870686818.post-9108803504418209622021-02-09T23:17:00.001+01:002021-02-09T23:17:45.715+01:00Coverplates, nuts and stringsI feel it would be verging on cruelty to say we’re getting close to the finish line or something to that effect. Let’s just see where we end up at the bottom of this post. <div><br></div><div>I have a template for marking the locations for the screw holes. This template is one of my finest achievements, I vividly remember the wonderful day when both halves of my brain lined up and fired the idea behind it. <br><div><br></div><div><img id="id_6b83_7cc_ff67_f8b1" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/1PbnVxdMZ4obNSu115fdwyD8J5HWvqInwmzeEeUK5l9uRsFQcPjSQaOGVwudBK0" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 580px; height: auto;"><br><br>With the cone in the well and a 3 mm drill bit at the 12th fret I dial in the height of the saddle. The biscuit is fastened to the cone with a screw from underneath. </div><div><br></div><div>The last batch of cones, coverplates, biscuits and saddles came from this great shop in England. I noticed today that they had included all screws, and those for the coverplate were much neater than the ones I used before. Yay! The shop was Drummond & Hammett (Kirk, obvs).</div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_50ec_3b22_e240_ea1c" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/wOTDSsCIDFtLooNdlMdkfjCQ6edobJg6E3Rl-F5KNgVV7-Z7QMfzzzOD2UOAlhM" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 581px; height: auto;"><br><br>With the height sort of correct I mark for the string notches with my four point divider, made by Ken Timms. Ken is a master craftsman. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_3991_4459_114_dd32" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/epvVPM7FDiPIWTQq2flW-Tks-wJhvxT4kVhwRUMIs8lwEFkz6GaFNGtLTCtWeNc" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 581px; height: auto;"><br><br>Screwing down the coverplate I managed to capture an eerie presence on camera! I’ll give any ghost hunter a run for their money. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_f0f_22aa_5e9d_fbf4" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/Ux4mfoKaFCxwqVQZ4HDg8kQqjZYQEVbauDIFvFJnGtIvxo6FEsR8q8ZGbvdphDE" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 575px; height: auto;"><br><br>For the nut I use bone. I ordered a bunch of guitar saddle blanks on ebay, but also got a bunch of ready made saddles in the package. Never mind, I use a quarter of each. In the pic the legendary half pencil gives me the depth of the nut slots, as it rides atop the frets. <br><br></div><div><img id="id_d0c_8b13_27ca_d69d" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/K3rPvD_fg2ANQiOhkKKgJvg8ovVP8-bRTxgOe3qDu2-QlWPIKCKAoVDZJThWfmE" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 579px; height: auto;"><br><br>Bye bye, three quarters of a free bone saddle. You can see I saw to a line above what the half pencil gave me. <br><br></div><div><img id="id_7a8a_8813_1564_fdf3" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/f4Z0KDh4xxEMc4ZZdbzDfHQVCAtUjoyydUWYXTmeYCxqK8Dqh3h06tChkJslJJQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 568px; height: auto;"><br><br>Et voilà..! A nut. I angle the slots to give the impression I know what I’m doing. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_cb01_b9e0_36cd_c4c5" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/ZWyTXbTMHg8Maf6KuTes7ZYGMwuJSbJXDIwd5gjP51PTyuhigcf5W3R23TYaKjQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 583px; height: auto;"><br><br>Then I brought the ukes, the fishing line, the glass beads and a rusty nail cutter upstairs because it is chilly [and cluttered] in the workshop. </div><div><br></div><div>Are we getting close to the finish line yet?</div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_843b_e523_f65b_54d9" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/RZ2HvIEmC_p364zsVITx8XA_8iUfI5R7u5Dx9k9QI_clKOs5KgQ3geGb1Eu2Du8" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 593px; height: auto;"><br><br>Hell yes we are! A few tweaks in the nut slots and saddle notches and they should be good to go. </div><div><br></div><div>I told the customers that I never expect payment before I string them up and see if they work. That will take me a day or two but I am optimistic. Even about that strange beast, the tenor reso. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_fe36_90a7_b400_eb0a" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/t0EbAgLEIZ53o0jowKgCUmyaN-3LKv-sdWx3hBvkyngbtmHSQiicrMTLKQpej-Q" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 585px; height: auto;"><br><br><br></div></div>Sven Nyström, Argapahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15686126502997392719noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2144616298870686818.post-29788159577319185272021-01-28T07:33:00.001+01:002021-01-28T07:33:58.737+01:00Tuners and string holdersI fit my resos with metal tuners. They look the part, work well and they offset the weight a bit from the body and its hardware. Using the pilot hole that’s there already I use a countersink drill to make the stepped holes. <div><br></div><div><img id="id_b2b6_88c9_12af_50c2" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/pNYBebop3lRyxrl1cI6m7-3ron8wN3H8M6dyQTHKFitDSwHpBulBuVqwSPAGEKI" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 592px; height: auto;"><br><br>Et voila, almost all of them in place. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_b1c_6d1e_6042_a539" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/m9pLS97rOK7Eei6Cp6G7V9OWct-ojaBQi4_qjMZnxhIKcQpXBLpNLYgLk9HFIhM" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 603px; height: auto;"><br><br>Then the string holders. I mean, forget about those gnarly string holes through the coverplate. I struggle to find a pair of scissors as effective as those. A wee scrap piece of cherry will work with the necks. I start shaping the profile with a chisel I restored a while back. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_8e61_25c6_ba6_cc45" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/nwksVIAK0oOL49SLo7xpkbwn-9a4bmGzv8Wp1Qo18zfwrqfX0ldO7BNxYeMVYN4" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 580px; height: auto;"><br><br>With a roughly sketched profile on the end I continue with a rip saw...</div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_98da_6a7_76c4_1192" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/5WdM2rHS_9wQfHGdxm62JsgryglHXukw2AK3AHefgzYuDid22oxD6rM4rCYzSMw" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 597px; height: auto;"><br><br>... and then a couple of planes. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_1396_3a9a_1045_e18a" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/OinOGLxAoWOR5bRWXfTNc58orMhywdpNDX6kQgEsW1kiRYM_IhQlg17UoPoP24Y" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 592px; height: auto;"><br><br>I carve the underside to an arc and finish the shaping with sandpaper laid on the coverplate. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_6d03_820b_a4f3_271e" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/HyQSPAoUx8HW6jM8jippkRt_LYDYu-gIH4URRH-sEwF0EH-XXtNGPZ-FWDZkXZo" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 618px; height: auto;"><br><br>When I use darker woods such as rosewood or ebony I give them a coat of wax at most, but this being cherry I dip them in shellac. They are attached from the underside with screws that I cut off to length. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_a9cb_f09e_2a3f_75fe" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/WrUDi4656wim2FYGXvX04GgHVAM5Ga3M5MyfYCybwVTwEHTyEuNRTYh0inASxcQ" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 584px; height: auto;"><br><br>And here we are. What’s left? How about nuts, coverplate mounting holes and preferrably a quick re-entering by Scotland into the EU. No biggie. </div><div><br></div><div><img id="id_3638_3eab_1bc2_6a8" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/ukaWdLI_xRoqRUgQew8wTIHczxmymAtPBI3eg8XHbjI4jKIqTeByeeptzo61WU8" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 565px; height: auto;"><br><br><br><br></div>Sven Nyström, Argapahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15686126502997392719noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2144616298870686818.post-80846434916001765632021-01-19T22:59:00.001+01:002021-01-19T22:59:05.030+01:00Fret workHi there! This’ll be a shorter post because I didn’t take enough pictures for a longer one. I am getting close to the final steps (wait I just remembered the stringholders, crikey) and tonight it was time to shape the fret ends and check that they’re all level. <div><br></div><div>First pic is my wee array of files. From the top:</div><div><br></div><div>- Hosco crowning file for smaller fret wire sizes. This one is ok but it has regular file grooves and can produce some ”chatter”. Then the file jumps a bit and gives me grooves in the top of the fret. I can reduce the risk by holding the neck in a vise, and lubricating the file by rubbing a piece from a candle in the the scallop. </div><div><br></div><div>- New fancy pants Z-file from Stewmac. I bought this used and would maybe have preferred the offset one. This is centered. It has a diamond coating in the scallop and that makes it much less prone to chatter. I haven’t used it much yet but I like it. </div><div><br></div><div>- The fret end dressing file, also from Stewmac. This is a great tool and fairly easy to use. I haven’t messed up the edge of a fingerboard in a long time. </div><div><br></div><div>- Three corner file with smooth ground corners. Also from Stewmac. This is akin to a traditional tool, the ad said and I reached for my wallet. I really like it because I can use it on different sizes of fret wire. And it’s based on a traditional tool. Like, an old one. When luthiers - sorry, I’ll get on with it. <br><div><br></div><div><img id="id_9fd3_67d6_312e_20fa" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/vZGAYCwb0krAfJp7IX-1O0AaMKhDAwz4AKpWnDCB5rfWjr5Jho7wmSGqX7LfkXU" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 591px; height: auto;"><br><br>I dress the sharp fret ends with a few strokes. The trick is to start with the file in the corner between the fret and the fingerboard, then pushing it forward and rolling it over towards the top at the same time. You don’t want to push it in the corner, you run the risk of marring the wood even though the edge of the file is ground smooth. The other edge of the file is flat, also smooth but you get two sharp corners. I use these for the final, very careful stroke right where the wire meets the wood. <br><br><img id="id_7f55_ef5b_fdeb_31a5" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/CBCmcu89eBk5ctLy3ArLI3U1TmpcqNvNVXSy4ymwWZXroEpbHGn_Y07A3yvrvJM" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 570px; height: auto;"><br><br>I rub the ends with a fine grit emery cloth and finish by rubbing that cloth along the frets to polish them. <br><br><img id="id_5b4e_a450_3243_1295" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/8dGeoHVKHaxutXhTEKjWLRSrdGknPM37EgbsokDyW3HN2L6V3aY3hixJ7qmuuaY" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 547px; height: auto;"><br><br><br><br></div></div>Sven Nyström, Argapahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15686126502997392719noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2144616298870686818.post-43103564892435138242021-01-01T22:14:00.001+01:002021-01-14T15:27:17.392+01:00Happy new year etc, and updatesFanx to all of you who’s been reading the blog, getting in touch and over all supported me and the beast that is Argapa ukuleles during 2020. Apart from some stuff it’s been a great year. <div><br /></div><div>The first pic shows me dividing the distance between two points in four, I wanted the string guiding tube and the tuners to be equidistant. I failed for some reason despite the divider, but the tuners got correct in relation to each other. <br /><div><br /></div><div><img alt="" id="id_ced0_85cc_e1af_281c" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/WhrFI3i-xVWzjXY2WueLkoREkQfBPTP7ziPyzyCy_zjP7F0MjaW8lDI09CQzr-A" style="height: auto; width: 588px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br /><br />The tuner holes are angled, thanks to my super jig. Looking like scrap wood (it is scrap wood) it tends to get lost among pieces of scrap wood. But I found it. <br /><br /><img alt="" id="id_ed9e_5088_cfe8_8c64" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/174m9G6PghcKwevEe6-LgI4I09KiRQGwPskXROWT1X67I9KZBSvu6BqSFJO8ffM" style="height: auto; width: 584px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br /><br />Then my Record shoulder plane was enrolled for making the bridge. When in doubt, use a larger plane. <br /><br /><img alt="" id="id_781a_dd98_a43c_8ed6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/wUaD0KPLP_JOEWHmHnRL3-cMTeaEyfvTuZ6zAry-nP6bG6iwk7DXMIyjd4uNojs" style="height: auto; width: 585px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br /><br />I had to leave the workshop to be with my family, it was after all Christmas Eve, but I brought glue and clamps and fixed the bridge in the living room. <br /><br /><img alt="" id="id_8925_36b2_e503_9ead" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/zDVYWiCdsJv89_hcTysy5LLkN70fgisF7ct-id0RO-oD0D3dqcN_3aerhyf73D8" style="height: auto; width: 586px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br /><br />And the shellac then. It has hardened and I gave it a quick rub with fine steel wool to remove swirl marks and blend it all together. Once I’m happy with the satin look I reach for my Festool ROS...<br /><br /><img alt="" id="id_fc04_d0a8_9504_f22" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/seYwd0XUm4n7uLXAgafL0lajxsGS-umKryox0LN74gaRAv8B2IVrgpVRHOUaWww" style="height: auto; width: 577px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br /><br />... and get working with polishing compounds. Different foam pads give radically different results. I suspect a person could learn quite a lot about lacquer, sanding and buffing. If said person could be, you know, arsed. <br /><br /><img alt="" id="id_ca0e_d86b_213_212d" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/X2AmEgstKh6f7-463fGMxTBfN2HPeoKcJLRa3ynJxTfCdIHZewUpITLLq6wQMfo" style="height: auto; width: 573px;" title="" tooltip="" /><br /><br />Happy new year! Nothing new will happen with Argapa ukuleles. And that’s the point. </div></div>Sven Nyström, Argapahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15686126502997392719noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2144616298870686818.post-7298415827582576012020-12-23T18:23:00.001+01:002020-12-23T18:23:19.727+01:00A new beginning at the end of the yearWhile I polish the ukes that are getting close to done I might as well start on a traveller. Not starting really, the blank is already hollowed out from the back. But I can start carving its neck, that’s fun. <div><br></div><div>With a Mora knife I carve the entry point up at the heel end. I don’t have to make an exit point since there’s no head on these ukes. The walnut cuts like butter as long as the knife is sharp and the edge is of the scandigrind variety. <br><div><br></div><div><img id="id_a5ed_8a88_5f6f_630d" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/A8sRaaYMlDYNHHvDGhYTcHfhKdWDj97mHb0hm84kM50ZIyDWTMey_YQ-5qSBZ4g" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 585px; height: auto;"><br><br>There’s a lot of end grain going on up by the body but it’s no problem. One thing I do recommend is clamping whatever you’re carving securely to the bench. <br><br></div><div><img id="id_bee4_707a_ae9a_5cd6" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/jTIT7EyRTqkvoLYUxHhD1IhwrsySRKvJclT-gkeIJpXCmJ2JgOvcj7mUd6gLABc" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 595px; height: auto;"><br><br>Then a few spokeshaves of different sizes make short work of shaping the neck. It takes about ten minutes but I wouldn’t mind an hour - this is my favourite task. <br><br></div><div><img id="id_c4b0_71d6_ff86_1253" src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/O1VeOOznWfqM_gZWGARD1Spdocbww_TEkjiZhfsRClqkpt--QBrKYJnBKfGr0S4" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 566px; height: auto;"><br><br>And I got to use my new fret slotting jig. The old one was a bit worn out and the first replacement I made turned out wonky. Which is really bad when it comes to a jig. For positioning frets. <br><br><img id="id_ef38_7b22_b10b_8f00" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/7Ty1zJJ-paY3T2Bk_txEKoOW9sLXahvFO_U9mSsKv3Yd_PJtoYct5I23ySCkzQ8" alt="" title="" tooltip="" style="width: 590px; height: auto;"><br><br><br><br></div></div>Sven Nyström, Argapahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15686126502997392719noreply@blogger.com0