Build Update #2

Spring break. I ordered 20pcs of 1/16" Canadian Maple veneer off of Roarockit for $76, and won about 19 sq. ft of 1/16" walnut veneer off of eBay. I went to Rockler to pick up one of Roarockit's Thin Air Press's. The 26"x28" version was not available at the time, however, so building stopped that Thursday, and there was no rejoicing.

The veneer. 11"x50.5"x1/16"



To begin, i built a male mold for the top and back of the guitar. To get the correct profile of the top's curvature, i used the 335's blueprints and 3D modeled the profile of the guitar in 3ds Max. I applied a contour material, rendered, and print the profile (shown below w/Pepsi).



The blueprints show a .394" (1.00cm) increase in 'elevation'. To compensate for some laminating 'springback' (and to make things easier), I drew out 7 contour lines. With each 1/16" veneer measuring roughly .066", 7 layers gives a total thickness of .462" (.068" difference).



The contours were then transferred to the wood , cut, and glued to a wooden base.



The contours were then smoothed, and the final profile is seen.



I will layer 3 pieces of maple, and 1 piece of walnut atop the mold, glue, and vacuum press the veneer together. The laminate will (hopefully) take the shape of the mold.

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In other news, i gathered some branches.

I will let the ash, ash, and pine branches season for a few months and carve them out to make some didgeridoos.


Updates whenever.

(-$76.00)