Official Luthiers Forum!

This is what I mean by a segmented mold, one that is built up from shorter pieces glued in such a way that the segments overlap. It is good to have at least one piece that is "complete" to align and route the shorter pieces to. I generally make molds out of scrap - but it's nice scrap!
You can make molds by stacking and gluing corrugated cardboard. For limited use it's not a bad way to go

Another way to go is using a work board as someone mentioned. One I made had slots and drill holes for placing blocks, but I found it quicker and easier to screw "L" shaped blocks along the outline of the guitar body. It is also useful for holding the shape of the sides when doing repair work.

I've decide to get the 3rd layer instead of having little pieces which would be a pain to make I think. I'm so glad you all posted these pics and descriptions. Thank you all again.

I guess there's no backing out now. I've got brace wood and top wood in the mail today from RCTONEWOODS. You should start seeing some build stuff soon.

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Hutch

Get the heck off the couch and go build a guitar!!!!

And just how nice is it that all those pesky decisions about how to spend evening and weekend hours are a thing of the past?

Good luck!

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For the times they are a changin'

- Bob Dylan

More like how can I make time to do it without ignoring the LOML. I still work 40 hours a week so I'll get most of my work done in the mornings before shuffling off to work. It may take some time but I don't care. I totally enjoy the process. I made 3 F5 mandolins this way so I know I can do it.

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Hutch

Get the heck off the couch and go build a guitar!!!!

Finally gettingroundtoit.

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Hutch

Get the heck off the couch and go build a guitar!!!!

Cheaper by the full sheet Lowes [at least my local one] will cut it in half for you

There is always the option of the Fox style adjustable mold. Learned about it at his course. Has it's pros and cons but I have been using it for 14 years for flattops and if constructed properly and after a short learning curve, works very well.



For archtops I use a solid mold and have found fibercore, basically MDF with a laminate of Maple on either side to be a good choice. It is nice and flat and the MDF routs easily when shaping as well as being easy to fine tune on a spindle sander.

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It's not what you don't know that hurts you, it's what you do know that's wrong.

I like that. I might try it down the road if I want a different style guitar.

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Hutch

Get the heck off the couch and go build a guitar!!!!