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| DIY back strip http://mowrystrings.luthiersforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=55777 |
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| Author: | banjopicks [ Fri Jul 21, 2023 8:57 am ] |
| Post subject: | DIY back strip |
I'd like to make my own back strip like this one but I don't know where to begin. Attachment: Capture (WC).PNG
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| Author: | doncaparker [ Fri Jul 21, 2023 9:16 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: DIY back strip |
Visualize 5 different layers of material, glued together, and imagine that this strip is part of a wider whole before it was sliced off to make this strip. The outer 2 layers are just plain light colored veneer strips. The 2 layers adjacent to the outer layers are glued up as alternating veneer strips in a repeating pattern of light color for a certain length, then dark, then light, then dark, etc. The middle layer is the same as the 2 layers I just described, but with the colors reversed. You lay it up as a wider whole, glue it together as a whole, let it dry completely under clamping pressure (this stuff warps terribly if you let it loose too soon), then slice off the strips. Easier said than done, believe me (I have made my own herringbone before). If you can find what you want at StewMac, LMI, Allied, or Gurian, I would buy it instead of making it. At least when you are first starting out. |
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| Author: | Alan Carruth [ Fri Jul 21, 2023 9:36 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: DIY back strip |
On some cases it's easier to build up such an inlay in place. You make a 'log' that embodies one repeat of the pattern, as with a Classical rosette, and slice it up like a loaf of bread. Rout the channel down the back, and glue in the outer continuous bands of veneer strip using something like no-stick strip or waxed veneer as a place holder for the marquetry. When the glue for the outer strips has dreid you pull out the place holder and plug in the tiles, dipping them in glue and setting them into the channel. This is especially useful when you want to do a one-off inlay pattern. Eugene Clark's articles on rosettes in 'American Lutherie' illustrate the methods well. |
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| Author: | Clay S. [ Fri Jul 21, 2023 9:46 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: DIY back strip |
That is a fairly simple design to fabricate. You would first glue up "logs" of black/white/black and white/black/white and wider white /black/white, from which you will slice off "blocks" to be sandwiched between two strips of white veneer. If you want to make several lengths of that design You cut the "blocks" longer and sandwich them between "sheets" of veneer. Here is a video that explains how bandings are made in general, although not exactly what you show (the checkerboard comes close) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r91fc7AQE5o Making bandings is somewhat tedious but can be fun if you are inclined that way. Here is one I made to match up with the rosette: |
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| Author: | banjopicks [ Fri Jul 21, 2023 12:40 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: DIY back strip |
This seems like a fun project and something I would want to get good at. Clay, your purfling is beautiful but that rosette!! |
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| Author: | Pat Foster [ Fri Jul 21, 2023 1:26 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: DIY back strip |
A new rabbit hole! It can be addicting. As glued up bandings go, that one is on the simple side. Look up Pablo Requena on youtube. He shows how to make classical rosettes from scratch, but I think you'll be able to adapt his methods to that design. |
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| Author: | banjopicks [ Fri Jul 21, 2023 1:39 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: DIY back strip |
I've seen them, but it was a couple years ago |
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| Author: | Glen H [ Fri Jul 21, 2023 5:58 pm ] |
| Post subject: | Re: DIY back strip |
Interesting. What kind of glue do you use to prevent seeing a glue line when you slice the layup? |
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| Author: | Clay S. [ Sat Jul 22, 2023 9:33 am ] |
| Post subject: | Re: DIY back strip |
I wish I could claim the rosette as my work, but I can't. I used to find them on eBay for $15-$20. The center section is MOP with abalone inlayed into it. I made the purfling on the edge of the guitar to match the purfles on the edge of the rosette. I generally follow in the tradition of the American guitar manufacturers and buy purfles and rosettes from the specialist makers, but I do occasionally stray from that and make my own. And sometimes I will modify or add to an existing rosette. My skill set is rather limited when it comes to inlay work and decorating instruments, and consists of mostly admiring what others have done. I use Titebond (original formula) for gluing up bandings, when I do make them. I want a glue that softens with moisture and heat so they can be bent around the edges of the guitar. I suppose hide glue might work as well and be less visible (but I have not noticed that being a problem) Too much moisture and heat and the bandings will fall apart, so you may want to make extra pieces in case you misjudge things a little. |
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