Tail Block

Mahogany off cut is perfect for tailblock.  Light, strong, stable and easily worked into the curve needed to shape the tail of the guitar.

First, we make it flat.  The thinness sander is fast, accurate and easy for this.

 The tailblock is shaped to the proper curve.  We can do this part by eye quite accurately, but it is nice to get it perfect so there are no gaps when we glue the sides in place.  So, we will put sandpaper in the mold and work it the slow, hard way.

A good hat is comforting and lends an air of zen-like concentration to the process.

Our 19th century humidity control arrangement - a container of water on the radiator...

Now that the sides are about 0.090" thick, we will bend.  First, a good night's sleep.  We must approach the bending with a clear mind.  Can't rush the wood.

Some Food Brooks and I Made in our Kitchen

Here is a picture of some food that Brooks and I made in our kitchen at our home.  It tasted good.  That's why I liked it.  Because it was good.

More Pictures of the Archtop

The Sides for Bob's Guitar get Thinner

These are the sides for Bob Drake's guitar.  Indian Rosewood.  Will be thinned to about 0.085".  Then they get profiled and bent into a guitar shape.  Lovely color, straight grain, perfectly quartersawn.