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Great tutorial!

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Brad
Avon, OH

Thanks Todd - I was wondering how others do this.  Much cleaner than my method of mostly hand work.   How long do you think it took from start to finish?   

 

 

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Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.

Right on Todd. Great tutorial. I've got two new molds and bending forms to make and I'll be using your method to make the mold.


Question, is it most common to make the molds 2-1/4" thick versus 3" thick?

I only have two shapes I made, both the molds are 3", heavy MDF and time to re-make them. So I guess I'll have 4 molds to make

Do the jigs ever stop

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"There's really no wrong way, as long as the results are what's desired." Charles Fox

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Very nice tutorial, Todd.
Thanks!
This is the same style of mold that I use, and I've found it useful to put a couple of locating dowels in each end, rather than depending on the bolts alone to keep things true- my bolt holes tend to 'wear larger' since I often use the mold halves separately to hold sides, binding, etc when drying. The dowels need only extend 1/2 inch or so into the holes in the opposite side- it's an easy final step to drill for these after you have the two halves bolted together.
Birch ply is the way to go if you don't have a good scrap pile!

Cheers
John

One question Todd. The slots you have put into the mold for the cutaway are a heck of a good idea, based on the trouble I had the the last one I built.

Mine was a mitered Florentine. Do you miter the joint near the neck, or just butt the sides, then bind it? The reason I ask is that I figured there must be and easier way.

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Allen R. McFarlen
Barron River Guitars & Ukuleles
Facebook
Cairns, Australia

WOW Todd...Very nice tutorial!

So far, I've found myself reviewing this post 3 times...each time I get distracted by the cool tools, equipment and details in the background. I really love that bench...especially the dovetail-detailed vice. There are so many on my list of "Shops I'd Love to Visit", and yours is near the top of that list.

And once again...a superb tutorial on the construction of building molds! Even though I've built my molds differently, I will definitely try this method next time. Thanks for posting!

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JJ
Napa, CA
http://www.DonohueGuitars.com

Well, thanks for your therapeutic efforts on behalf of those of us who are beginners.  You have saved hours of "navel contemplation", and lint collection efforts.  You have done a great service to the OLF, and we await your final contribution with trepidation (well at least the trembling part).  We all wish you speedy flushing of your system, and a return to the real world of hurt we all face.

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Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

Awesome, thanks a ton, Todd!  Makes me smile to see somebody work so hard and give such helpful info out for free.

Time to give my printer a workout!

Great Job Todd. Bob Connors from Geelong already has it posted in his RUNNING LINKS OF OLF TUTORIALS.



http://www.connor.net.au/olftutorial/

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http://www.dickeyguitars.com

Great post!

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Guitars, guitars and more guitars.

Thanks Todd - Great Tutorial! This will really help when I decide to make my next mold. Great looking shop you have there btw.

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Anderson Guitars
Clearwater,Fl. 33755

Excellent tutorial!

You have made my life a lot easier when it comes to making molds. Thanks a million!

-Rob

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-Rob Eckert
Ann Arbor, Michigan

Todd, thanks for the great, and very clear tutorial.  I have previously bought my molds and bending patterns, but now may have the courage to try building my own shape(s).  Really looking forward to seeing your bending pattern tut. too!

BTW, what type of router table do you have/how do you like it?

Thanks again for the great info!  I look forward to reading/seeing more of your tutorials.

Awesome Todd
I am about to build my 1st mold for my 2nd guitar
Cheers
Barry

Great tutorial Todd. Thanks!
John

Todd,

Fantastic tutorial! Very detailed, and the photo’s really make it easy to understand everything you’re doing!

I have a question though.

After sides are bent and in the mold, with spreaders in place, do you ever end up with space
between sides and mold anywhere along the inside edge of the mold?

Robert

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Everything has beauty, But, not everyone see's it!

Hi Todd,

Thanks for answering my question!

It just so happens, I’m at this stage right now. How about I post a pic of what I got later today?

Robert

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Everything has beauty, But, not everyone see's it!

Very nice....thanks for sharing.
But my way to do it is way better.... I just call John Hall at Blues Creek Guitars!!

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Peter M.
Cornerstone Guitars
http://www.cornerstoneukes.com