Guitar Mould Is Just About There

Heavy graft on this part done.

Thats all 8 sections of the mould cut and routed. Here you can see what it will look like.

What happens now is I glue all 8 segments together, then sand smooth and neat.

Once sanded and I’m happy with the fit, I will attach the toggle clamps at each end.

When it’s sitting nicely in position I will drill a dowel hole through the joint at each end, then glue a dowel to one edge of the drilled hole. This will ensure that each time I open and close the mould that it perfectly aligns. (not sure I’m explaining this part well, but it will become clear when I demonstrate it in a further post).

Once this construction is complete, I will treat the wood to seal and preserve.

Here is another angle of the mould.

I want to scrape that paper off too, purely for aesthetics.

Anyway, I feel like I achieved something and am moving forward.

The Correct Bandsaw Blade.

Having the right bandsaw blade is going to make a hell of a difference.

Here are the two blades side by side. I think the original was 10mm or 11mm and the new one is 6mm. The new blade handled curves so much better, which allowed me to cut closer and more consistently to the line. This in turn meant that I was routing less material, making the job quicker and less onerous on the router. Honestly the difference was significant.

So that’s my weekend task, to totally complete the mould and then move on to my side bending jig. I have a few options for the design and haven’t quite made up my mind which to choose. I can go from simple design to a more complex, but probably more efficient one. More studying and thinking to do. I’m hopeful that my experience of making the mould will help speed along the bending jig job. At least parts of it anyway.

Today, however is a day off. Its going to be a roaster in Glasgow today and me and my lovely wife are heading in to the West End to check out a brand new record shop then meet up with a couple of old friends for drinks. I’m going to promise myself not to bore the pants off my mate with photos of guitar jigs and sawdust but I’m not confident it’s a promise I can keep.

On that note, it’s an interesting thing. I haven’t told a soul that I’ve embarked on this journey. Only my wife and son know, for obvious, ““where’s dad?” reasons. I dont know why I’ve told no one. No reason for it to be a secret. My brother is a professional musician, I’m sure he’d be interested. But he knows nothing. Hmmmm. Deep seated imposter syndrome perhaps.

Thanks for reading. Updates soon.