Official Luthiers Forum!

The new book came through the door this afternoon.
I've only had a quick look at it but I'd say it's a keeper- there's a good explanation of making wheat purfling which is worth the quite modest price (under $25 USD) by itself.
300 pp, virtually all with color photos, hardcover.

As with any craft/method book, there are sure to be some quibbles ( sawing next to a metal scraper-ouch- to widen the neck slot) but it looks like a great addition to the library.
Printed in China, which accounts for the low price. I'll leave the political comments to others (for a change).

John

I used to do that saw next to a scraper thing when I still used narrow slots (I now use the Romanillos wedge techniqute), and was happy to see it mentioned in the book. As long as you keep the scraper just above the teeth it works great. I never found any other way to get the kerf the correct width.

I agree with the assessment about the book. I started a thread on it over at MIMF a few days ago.

I love that he shows a lot of advanced techniques. He uses radius dishes, laminates sides, laminates his linings, purfling in jigs, shows vacuum clamping, etc. It's all a lot for a first timer, so I kind of wonder if the book will sit in an uneasy place along side the other books that are available. I'm a fan of jumping in the deep end of the pool, but a lot of people like to do the kit...some premade parts... fully handcrafted route.

Besides the excellent chapter on making the wheat, I also like his chapter on rosettes. He doesn't do the normal glued up log technique, but incorparates solid wood rings with purfling and wheat. I've always loved the beauty of his work, and this book really sets a standard of artistic work unmatched by any other book out there. Some of that is due to the color photos, of course.

Thanks for the critique, guys. Sounds interesting!

John,
Where did you find the book? It sounds pretty interesting.

Amazon under $20.00

Cheers

Kim

I received my copy yesterday also. Nicely done and the photography is well thought out with many photos of each step in the processes he is describing.

I especially liked the idea of the 4-layer laminate linings and I have many 1/2 x 3" panels from an old solid mahogany accordian door that I just may have to turn into linings.

Well worth the cost and a nice addition to my reference bookshelf.

Regards,
Pete

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Peter