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Archtop plates...........?
http://w-ww.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=18888		 Page 1 of 1
Author:  martinedwards [ Mon Sep 22, 2008 5:51 am ]
Post subject:  Archtop plates...........?
Hi gang, I'm starting an archtop.

As it's a first attempt at a lot of techniques such as binding a neck I'm going to take my time on this one ..... yeah, right!!

As usual I'm doing it on the cheap and using three blocks of spruce bracing I got from Madinter for pennies glued together to make a 3 piece top.

(I haven't decided for definite yet, but I MAY do a flat back rather than arching it.... depends on how good the top turns out I guess)

so, when making flat tops, I leave the top an inch or so too big to allow for trimming once it's fitted to the rim.

Do I do the same on an archtop?

and for supporting the arch when carving/sanding....... obviously it won't lie flat on a table like a flat top, so what do I do? a beanbag? :?

any suggestions gratefully recieved!!
Author:  Dave Stewart [ Mon Sep 22, 2008 8:44 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Archtop plates...........?
I strongly suggest you obtain Bob Benedettos Archtop building book..........it'll answer these and the many other questions you may have. Specifically, I make my plates only about 1/8" bigger than the pattern, and flush-trim after ass'y. This also allows me to route a 3/16" thick ledge around the perimeter, which provides a datum for later arching and recurve carving. For holding, I use a jig, which holds the plates & later, the body. (It's shown in this thread viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=18766&start=0&st=0&sk=t&sd=a)
Author:  JRE Productions [ Mon Sep 22, 2008 10:43 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Archtop plates...........?
I 100% agree with Dave. Get the book! It really covers the entire spectrum. With your current flat top skills and the book, you will be able to do most of this fairly easy.

PS: there a few great Archtop builders on this side (like Dave Stewart!). Don't hesitate to ask questions.

Joe
Author:  martinedwards [ Mon Sep 22, 2008 10:51 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Archtop plates...........?
Thanks guys, yeah I have the book, but the plans includedare sketchy to say the least, and without buying the DVDs there are holes in the process that you could drive a truck through!!
Author:  JRE Productions [ Mon Sep 22, 2008 10:57 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Archtop plates...........?
I just posted pics of the sunburst I sprayed on #1. This was built using the book and asking questions here. Good luck!

Joe
Author:  Arnt Rian [ Mon Sep 22, 2008 2:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Archtop plates...........?
Martin, there are pictures of Benedetto's plate carving fixture in the book.
Author:  Dave Stewart [ Mon Sep 22, 2008 5:06 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: Archtop plates...........?
martinedwards wrote:
Thanks guys, yeah I have the book, but the plans includedare sketchy to say the least, and without buying the DVDs there are holes in the process that you could drive a truck through!!

Provided you're prepared to think things through, there's more than enough info to get you successfully to the other end (particularly with flattop experience). I made my first with the book only, before I discovered forums!
Attachment:
archtop1_front_compressed47k.jpg

Most operations can be done in several ways....he'll suggest one or two & leave you to it. (eg binding steps... I'll bet VERY few do it his way.) Since Cremona, plates have been held MANY ways, from on the lap or in a shallow box full of shavings on up to "full pretzel" fixtures.
If you're the type who likes to see something demonstrated before taking a crack, maybe the DVDs (although I haven't seen them) are the thing for you. Bottom line for me is, if I don't understand it...it's MY FAULT....& try to do the homework 'till I DO understand it before asking questions.
Author:  martinedwards [ Tue Sep 23, 2008 3:11 am ]
Post subject:  Re: Archtop plates...........?
Dave Stewart wrote:
If you're the type who likes to see something demonstrated before taking a crack, ..........

me?

Nah, I'm very much a "wing it" kind of guy, just wanted a little clarification!!
M
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