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I'm trying to build a set for the MJ but this is my first guitar build and while I feel like the 2nd time's the charm I'm starting to actually ache to work on the guitar and not just the tools. Are there finished templates, molds, bending shapes and spacers available for sale? I seem to recall that there was something out there for a special collaboration on an OLF SJ in recent years.

My advice- ditch the mold. Bend by hand on a hot pipe until it matches the pattern precisely. It's tricky, but fun, and even my first practice side came out pretty good. The real sides took 2 passes to get to shape, several hours total at the hot pipe. But making molds would have been a lot more grating on the nerves, especially since I probably won't ever make the exact shape again anyway. Hot pipe is also cheap, and seems like it will get easier and easier too.

Then the rest of my assembly sequence... glue the head and tail blocks onto the top, sides onto those, individual lining blocks around the edge, then block plane to shape sides to the back arch (just approximate, the back will flex into place), glue kerfed lining, block plane again to smooth the surface, and glue back with spool clamps or rope wrapping (need a workboard of some sort for the rope).

You could also do the adjustable mold style, where you bolt L shaped wood blocks to a workboard at points along the pattern to hold the sides in place while you assemble it. I might do that eventually, as it doesn't lock you into a limited set of shapes, and it is hard to get things absolutely symmetrical with the totally freestanding assembly style.

John Hall at Blues Creek Guitars has molds and bending forms for all three. You may or may not find them on his website so just give him a call. A link to his site is listed above with the sponsors.

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Dan

Mine came from John Hall as well. Just glued the top on the box yesterday. Like all of his stuff, they're excellent.

Mike

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Mike Lindstrom

Just another view, but I would recommend using a mold. It's not difficult to make your own, but as others have stated, you can get them from John Hall and he make good quality products.

Have fun!