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I have some walnut that I would like to use. I can only resaw 6 inches, and I've seen three piece but I never saw a picture of a 4 piece. I checked the arhives but didn't see anything. Should I turn the outside pieces to flare out toward the bottom and and a triangular shape in the middle? How would I brace it? Thanks Clinton

I really don't know, but I can't see why you couldn't make a 4 piece back.

I would think that you would put a strip over each joint and just brace as normal, cutting each strip to allow the brace to run through.

(Also, this bumps your question up )Rod True39061.9480208333

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There was an item in the GAL Quarterly 'American Lutherie' #76 Winter 2003 by Alain Bieber on this topic. He suggested a method of cutting the plank on the diagonal to maximize the usable wood. The accompanying pic shows slightly wedge-shaped pieces in the center of the back.
I was just reading issue #76 earlier this evening.
You can get back issues via the GAL website.
Send me a PM if you need more info on the article.
John

Here's a picture of a 4 piece Curly Macassar set that I bookmatched. I think it looks pretty darn good.

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Multi piece backs are fine, I have used up to 13 pieces for backs (OK that is in a lute ) but even Torres went up to 6 piece back, and if it was good enough for him...... We are spoilt now with the availability of tonewood. If 6 inches is all you can cut then go ahead double book match like the Bob's set above and it will be great.

Colin

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I don't believe in anything, I simply make use of a set of reasonable working hypotheses.

My backs are all piece as I have the sam resaw restrictions.

parallel joins are easier to keep track (and clamp!!) of than wedges!!

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I never thought of the problems of glueing parallel joints,thanks! I need to cut my wood 3/8" so I can cut it again to get the bookmatch.
That is some serious zoot Bob!
I keep telling myself that I'm just a beginner, but I keep hearing about all these great articles from GAL.
So other than the strips, the rest of the bracing goes as normal? CLinton

Here are a few shots of a four piece cocobolo 0-12 im making.

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WOW! That is pretty Lance. I see you brace as normal. Thanks for sharing. Clinton

4 piece walnut dread


4 piecs oak mini jumbo


4 piece walnut bouzouki


4 piece walnut mando


5 piece walnut doubleneck


none have fallen apart yet!!!

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[QUOTE=Hesh1956] Four piece backs are very much something that you can do.

In fact LMI used to sell some pretty sharp Mad Rose that was made from four piece backs.[/QUOTE]

I have a few sets of this stuff. It is well matched, and you'd never know each plate was two pieces just by looking at it. So, yeah, I'd say this should be very doable, all the more so if you can get a good match.

Best,

Michael

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Here's two 4-piece walnut backs I'm working on now. Putting reinforcements on all 3 joints makes for a little more work and they're probably not needed. But it is cheap insurance.



I did a double book match.

Kirt

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Lance,
Sorry, that back and the work are not up to your standards. I, on the other-hand, have no standards and will be more than happy to be the repository.

well do Bob

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