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What's the thinnest people make their Uke kerfing

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Mike McNerney

I just checked my scraps and they are around 0.260" to 0.285".
Note that my sides are 0.070-0.085" and I cut a 1/16" binding ledge.

I hope that this helps.

Bob

I assume you are asking about the thickness of the lining (how much additional glue surface you add to the sides) and not the actual kerf width (how thick the cuts in the linings are). I have only made one uke, a tenor, so take this with a grain of salt. I used my standard lining arrangement which ends up around 0.25" (three laminated strips about 0.08 - 0.085). In retrospect, I feel like I could have gone with just two strips, rather than 3. I suppose you would have to factor in any binding and purfling plans you have. . .

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Bryan Bear PMoMC

Take care of your feet, and your feet will take care of you.

Thinnest lining I've seen is no lining at all. It really depends how much you plan to cut into it for binding and purfling.

thanks everyone that helps

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Mike McNerney

.040"

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Pat

you can go pretty thin with it. Just make sure you don't go too thin, then cut a binding channel , and have nothing holding your top or back on.

Thanks to all, & I am not surprised to see a range of thicknesses going down low (.040). I know at least one guitar builder (400+) that goes very low on his tops.
I have settled on .100 which seems to be bending well on the pipe.
I may not even bind these first 2 instruments but if I do, am considering .030 to .050 on the binding, with no purfling.
cheers

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Mike McNerney