Day 7

We mark the holes position for the Rubner tunning machine. We draw a center line and use the divider to mark the three points on each side.

We drill a first 10 mm hole with the drill press after having check the neck is square to the vice.

We finally drill the 10.5 mm holes to have a perfect fit.

 

 We then mark the slots with the head template, draw a center line and drill many small holes along this centerline to guide the bigger drill bit.

We open the slots with a copying saw.

To finish the slots, we use a rasps, files and sand paper with the same technique than on the head stock (we remove material from each side to the line and finally remove the midle high spot to make a flat surface). We work vertically here to have a better control.

The string slopes are made with a gauge and finished with rasp, file and sand paper. The left hand hold the gauge as close as possible from the edge to have a better control on the tool.

We finally make a slight chamfer on every edges. The head is finished and "morbida".

To finish the heel we cut the two sides with an angle and clean the surface with a plane and sand paper.

We then make a nice chamfer on each edge.

During this time, Lorenzo finish the Manuel Ramirez guitar. After having wet the surface, he sands with "sanding sponges". A first coat of hide glue and water is applied with a brush to decrease the absorption properties of the wood. A first solution of Sodio nitrite (20%) and water (80%) is applied with a cotton pad. The guitar stay then 20 minutes into a closet with UVB lamps.

The soundboard is now darker, it seems older. Another solution is applied : vinegar (20%) mixed with water to fix the colors obtained with the first prossess.

We can see here the difference before (left side) and after (right side) the vinegar solution

After half an hour into the UV closet, the soundboard is darker, the colors richer. The grain details are more pronounced and the spruce has a nice orange/brown color on some spots.