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My First Project with ZipFlex
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Author:  Mike Franks [ Sat Oct 10, 2009 8:38 pm ]
Post subject:  My First Project with ZipFlex
Here's a peek at my current project where I have used ZipFlex from our OLF Sponsor Advanced Shell Technology. This is a style 45 Dread with back, sides, headplate, fretboard and bridge all cut from a salvaged Brazilian Rosewood beam. The top is Adi.

I used .064" Blue Paua Zipflex for the top & soundhole purfling and .047" Blue Paua for the sides and back. I found the ZipFlex to be of the highest quality and a real time and labor saver! I was very pleased with the lack of flaking and the ease of mitering the ends using just my 10" stationary disc sander. Kevin Ryan is an absolute gem to work with!

Now it's off to Joe White. I will post some pictures of the finished instrument soon.

Mike Franks
http://www.mjfranksguitar.com
Author:  peterm [ Sat Oct 10, 2009 8:49 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: My First Project with ZipFlex
That stuff sure is a dream to work with!

Very nice guitar BTW! [clap]
Author:  Burton LeGeyt [ Sat Oct 10, 2009 9:45 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: My First Project with ZipFlex
Mike, that looks great. The shell is going to look intense against the orange and black rosewood! How many pieces did you end up using to do the whole thing?
Author:  MRS [ Sun Oct 11, 2009 12:38 am ]
Post subject:  Re: My First Project with ZipFlex
Yeah this stuff looks amazing. I'm gonna have to check this stuff out.
Author:  Fred Tellier [ Sun Oct 11, 2009 8:06 am ]
Post subject:  Re: My First Project with ZipFlex
Nice guitar Mike, the zip flex looks real good. Will you be able to attend the get together in Plymouth Nov 8thÉ

Fred
Author:  Terence Kennedy [ Sun Oct 11, 2009 8:08 am ]
Post subject:  Re: My First Project with ZipFlex
Very nice! Great miters. How did you jig up to rout the channels for the purfling on either side of the heel?
Author:  Bill Hodge [ Sun Oct 11, 2009 8:34 am ]
Post subject:  Re: My First Project with ZipFlex
Beautiful work!!! And great product that ZipFlex, thanks to Kevin Ryan. :D I've got a bunch of it here just screaming at me to use it every time I walk out into the shop.
Author:  Mike Franks [ Sun Oct 11, 2009 11:50 am ]
Post subject:  Re: My First Project with ZipFlex
Burton, I used 14 pieces of .047" for the sides, back & ends and 6 pieces of .064" for the top & soundhole. I had a short piece of each size left over.

I used a Blues Creek Binding Jig with LMI router bit to cut the binding channels. I had to turn my own bearing spacer rings to get the proper width cuts for the top & back. For the neck heel purfling and fretboard extension channels, I used a Blues Creek Micro-Die Grinder and base with a 1/32" spiral router bit after marking the lines with a pencil. The depth of cut was set for .055". I used a sharp chisel to clean up the edges.

Mike Franks
http://www.mjfranksguitar.com
Author:  joe white [ Sun Oct 11, 2009 2:42 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: My First Project with ZipFlex
Ooooh, I can't wait!! [:Y:] It's been a couple weeks since I had some brazilian in the shop!
Author:  Parser [ Sun Oct 11, 2009 3:30 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: My First Project with ZipFlex
Beautiful Guitar!
Author:  Bob Long [ Sun Oct 11, 2009 3:38 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: My First Project with ZipFlex
Outstanding! Beautiful work as always, Mike!

long
Author:  Mike OMelia [ Sun Oct 11, 2009 9:56 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: My First Project with ZipFlex
Nice job!

I like the Zip Flex, I wish it were not so expensive. I would never hesitate to use it if somone wanted me to. I built a pretty rosette with it... wish it came a little wider, but after using it, I can see why they do not make it wider.

Mike
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