Continued from previous posts. As usual, it took longer than expected, but here are the rims all bent and blocked up. Next steps will be getting the tops and backs all braced up and voiced. After that I’ll install the kerfed lining and side braces, do some final bowl sanding, notch the lining and finally put the boxes together. Simple as that.
Should have more to share in the coming weeks.
Thanks for the support! Happy to answer any questions!
I'm working on a uke myself. On hold for the summer though and taking a while as life doesn't allow much focus time for fun.
Awesome! What kind of body wood are you using? Also, what sort of bracing pattern do you plan to follow?
Hope you can find the time to make some dust soon, and make sure to document your progress to share with the rest of the class!
I'm using black walnut for the sides and cherry for the top/back. The walnut was sourced from a fallen tree on my property a few years back (the tree was small though so if anything goes wrong I won't have enough have may have to substitute something else). The cherry from a tree my grandpa had cut just before he died. I'm currently cutting up an ash tree that I hope to turn into the neck.
As for bracing, I'm not sure, but probably whatever plans I found online show.
The above is of course the plan, and subject to change as I discover something in it will/cannot work.
Sounds like an incredible build. I love when folks use wood with a story to it.