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It makes some sense to me to batch certain parts of the construction in order to exploit tool and jig setups for accuracy and convenience. On the side bending process I have not been able to visualize it and need some help. After a side is bent and put in the form, I now leave it in the form (except for the trimming and end graft) until the box is closed. I see a lot of builders on YouTube and in DVDs that seem to have bent sides laying around, not in a form. What is an acceptable way of storing bent sides for multiple guitars awaiting the next process?

I am intending on doing 6 guitars at a time for this trial run and don't really want to build 5 additional forms.

What is your advice?


Thanks

Danny R. Little

I don't normally build guitars but since no one else is commenting, I'll give you my thoughts.

You probably don't have to build 5 more forms but you will have to make something to hold the shape while you get to them. If you check out this video: http://www.youtube.com/user/Musiciansfr ... %20guitars at about 1:54 you can see a "keeper form" as they call it. In my opinion you should probably make something like that to hold the un-built sides.

That said, my second guitar was a kit from stew mac and the sides came bent and "loose" in the box and that guitar ended up just fine. You might just have to touch it up on a pipe or something if it gets too out of whack.

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http://www.birkonium.com CNC Products for Luthiers
http://banduramaker.blogspot.com

I hate batch processing, but I've done it a few times. I just stacked the sides up until I was ready for them. No problems.

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I didn't mean to say it, but I meant what I said.
http://www.brackettinstruments.com/

In the side bending video on the Taylor web site they show their fixture for holding a bent side at the end.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybYdRtthNOs

I don't do no stinkin' batches...
But what I have done is started several at the same time, working on different parts of each. That lets me build a box in the mould, and after the top and back are on, I start the next box assembly. I have lots of time while the first is being completed to make the other tops, backs, necks, and on the tail end, lots of finishing while the last box is going together.
Never could stand making 6 bridges, binding 6 guitars, inlaying 6 pegheads, etc. Repetative tasks are not my forte.

They'll hold just fine strapped around the inside form from your bending jig...use bungees, saran wrap, tape, etc. over the waist and lengthwise around the ends...

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http://www.presnallguitars.com

To avoid springback at the waist or other unwanted changes, I simply draw the 1/2 template on a piece of scrap plywood, install a few well placed screws along the template lines and slide the side onto the board...one side/board, not stacked, to ensure proper curve. I'm sure there are other ways, too.

Springback isn't a problem if you touch up your sides on a pipe before attaching them to the blocks. Do a good job and you don't need the form.

Of course, this is a bit antithetical to your efforts to become more like a factory.

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Howard Klepper
http://www.klepperguitars.com

When all else fails, clean the shop.

Howard, I think it's ironic that you, I, and Haans have all replied in a thread about batch processing.

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I didn't mean to say it, but I meant what I said.
http://www.brackettinstruments.com/

Of course, this is a bit antithetical to your efforts to become more like a factory.[/quote]

_________________
Walter Lay
"It's taken me so long, but now that I know
I can see. All that I do or say, is all I ever will be"
- Billy Joe Shaver

I think 3 at them same time at different stages is the best.
I'm doing 2 acoustics, and 1 electric slab.
Work on one, as it's drying, work on another, etc.
Also, what if you change your mind about something?
I do that all the stinkin' time.
Production wise though,
I'm sure if you say processed bridges, built necks, blah-blah,
you could probably build 6 in the time it takes to build 4, maybe?

Thanks everyone. I'll check out the Taylor video. I plan to do all six guitars as OMs, but with variations on bracing, ports, etc. So it won't be like making six widgets each time. It may not be my method going forward but seems like a good way to improve my skill set and to see what surprizes the variations yield. I have made only 1 OM and a few electrics before. Believe me, there will be nothing like a factory at my shop.

Thanks again.

Danny R.Little