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I read the Florentine cutaway tutorial and saw the photos of the block with the curved inset and the clamping caul. Did anyone ever make these available? I sure would like one - and don't have the precision machinery to make one.

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Do you mean this one Paul? The clamping caul that is.



I made that with my bandsaw and sand paper. It really wasn't to difficult.

I don't ever recall anyone offering this item for sale.

And the internal block, well, that I make by sanding too. Just holding it and running it over 80 grit till the outside curve is right. The inside curve I make with a curved file.

I wish someone would CNC these things, I think I'd buy them. Maybe Jim Olson would sell you one, he's very easy to talk to. Call him up and ask.

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Rod,

Yes - this is exactly what I'm talking about. I'm almost sure I can easily make the internal block for the cutaways on a combination of my spindle sander and a belt sander.

It's the "mold" part that I'm concerned about. That cut has to be very precise - very straight at along the curve if you know what I mean.

Maybe I'll give Jim a shout - you're right - he's a real gem of a person.

thanks

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Ok - I don't have anything fancy for a band saw - a 12" Craftsman - and I'm wondering what size blade (probably the wrong word) I should use for this cut. I have 3 or 4 to choose from - 1/8th" to 1/2" is what I think my options are.

thanks for the help

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Todd,

Ply or MDF?

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I personally don't see the need for the caul. Just use 5 minute epoxy, let it setup for a couple minutes, then glue it up holding it together with your fingers until it's set.

Either would be fine. If using MDF, just seal it after wards (as you can see though, mine isn't sealed )



Sure, that could work, but can you guarantee that you won't get any voids this way? I like the clamping caul as I'm more confident it getting closer to a perfect fit. The other factor is holding it as long as one would need to allow the epoxy to cure would be a real strain on the hands/fingers.

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

"We have to constantly remind ourselves what we're doing....No Luthier is putting a man on the moon!" Harry Fleishman

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I have a two step method for gluing the Florentine.

Like Rod, I use this for step two.

Step one is the fitted corner block being glued to the pre-bent side.

I have a jig for that as well.

I'll take a peek and see if my drawing is still around.



http://dickeyguitars.com/dickeyguitars/FlorGluJig.html

And a link to where I share this tutorial a ways back...

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I don't see the need for clamping cauls. I bond one side at a time.
I use LMI white glue and binding tape. With a well fitted joint, and the large surface area, it will be plenty strong. Most of the time I can add a couple of spring clamps on the first joint, and the tape holds everything in place. With the second joint, it is easy to use the side and more tape to keep pressure on the joint. I get good squeeze out and the joint seems very strong to me.

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