I like it when a tool can have beauty as well as function. I like to use the small hand router to get out the excess wood as well.
I am also enjoying using my new bending iron. It works great for bending the guitar sides. It uses two alcohol lamps.
I was thinking of buying one of those electric heaters, but I like this one much better. It has a very direct heat. It took some time for me to build a good mold, but when the time came to bend the sides, it went into the mold quite quickly and accurately.
Here is a picture of planing down the Adirondack spruce for the guitar bracing..
I hand plane it so that I can true everything up perfectly with the grain. Doing it this way insures that I get the maximum acoustical quality out of each brace. I think it is important to take every step intently because each step adds up to a great sound and a beautiful piece.
Until next time,
Martin