Slotting the neck

With the perspex jig in place (which means the neck is the correct width), fret slots are cut with one of the tiny saws that clutter the workshop. It has the set removed film the teeth and makes slots of the right dimension since.

I think I'm gonna cut slots in all three tonight. Just have to put the kids to bed.

Dust evacuation when sanding by hand

From left to right: my multi radiused sanding gizmo, a make-shift sanding stick, an abranet mesh, the abranet standard block with the hose connected, and a home made velcro-clad tube with holes in it. While the first two are completely fine for outdoor use, the abranet system really wins during winter. The drawback is of course the noise from the shopvac, but I have one that's quite silent.

This also saves my nostrils which have been acting a bit strangely. Ever since I sanded some black walnut, a wood famous for its toxic dust.

I am not sponsored by Mirka, who makes the system, this is to be regarded as a tip for others who build at home. And who are lazy enough not to use a mask while sanding.

Bridges blank

My supply of piccolo bridges ran out, so I've made another meter. Each bridge is about 5 centimeters, and they're lowered individually after cutting off to suit the specific instrument. Height is dependent on neck angle, which in turn is dependent on, er, luck. And coincidence.