Brod,
I think the most difficult part is getting started, my eight course has been
in progress for three years (no work on it for the last two due to moving
and a minor medical problem, the removal of a leg). I intend to get back to
it shortly. I have the ribs (bowl staves) made to thickness - I'd suggest
that the thickness planer might be a bit rough for the finishing cut, but
the experienced luthiers on the list will probably answer that. There are
several books/CDs on the topic - David van Edwards and the late (it is in my
bookshelf, but the name forgotten and I can't get to the bookshelf as I type
as I've taken my prosthetic leg off). Both seem to advocate an oversize
bandsaw cut of the ribs, then a planing to fit. Van Edwards gives you
templates in his package, but you should be able to draw them out if you
have a talent for 3D fitting. The mold, which can be skeletal or solid, is
your guide (I do have that made). It is not difficult, but it is exacting as
it will shape the body.
For my thicknesses I resawed on the bandsaw, then I tried both the
"Luthier's Friend" sanding device and the Wagner Saf-T-Planer - both on the
drill press. The final thickness probably should be with a cabinet scraper -
but the more experienced will comment on that, I only write this so as to
get their input when I restart my project. The Luthier's friend is a bit
expensive for what it is, but it does thickness exactly although leaving a
surface that has to be "skinned". The Wagner involves making a jig, but
leaves a nice surface.
This for what it is worth, ask me again in a year.
Best, Jon
----- Original Message -----
From: "Brod Mac" <in_brod_we_tr...@hotmail.com>
To: <lute-buil...@cs.dartmouth.edu>
Sent: Monday, January 26, 2009 1:37 AM
Subject: [LUTE-BUILDER] lute
hello, everyone
what would be the most difficult part of building a six course lute. I
have an extensive wood shop. such as thickness planer, table saw,
jointer, bandsaw, hand planner and alot of other hand/power tools.
also, does one cut the bowl staves with a bandsaw?
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