sMg Guitars

September 28, 2010

Now that I’ve settled on Tenor as the size for my first uke constructions, I need to make jigs and molds.  The side bending mold, which fits into my side bending machine will be the first to tackle.

The mold is constructed from three pieces of MDF joined with 3/4″ dowel.  The master template shape is derived from the plexiglass template I created from the uke plans.  I rough cut 3 pieces of MDF for the bending mold and final shaped the first template piece.

Once this piece is properly shaped, it’s used as a guide to shape the next two plates.  A router bit with bearing is used to do the finish shaping.

3/4″ holes are drilled into the plates to accept dowels, 4 @ 6″ lengths.  The plates are separated and held in place with spacers as the dowels are pressed into the holes.  CA glue is flooded into the seams, and voila, a side bending mold.  A channel needs to be sawn out at the waist to accept the holding plate on the screw press, then side bending can commence!

September 6, 2010

The new venture of building ukes starts with making jigs, molds, templates and patterns for uke construction.  I will need:

1.  Bending mold for use in the side bender.

2.  Template for back and top.

3.  Workboard and side mold.

4.  Shooting board (to cut tapers for sides and fretboard).

The top and back template is complete, and is used to trace out the bending mold.

September 1, 2010

I’ve already generated some interest in ukes, and several clients are awaiting the outcome of the first few before making a commitment.  I’ve gathered some plans and materials to start building tenor ukes.

The first will be a Bubinga back and sides with an Engelman spruce top.

Once this first “test uke” passes final inspection, I’ll make any necessary adjustments and build a couple of koa ukes with some mighty fine stock I procured from my friend Bruce at Notable Woods.  I may be presumptive calling Bruce my friend, but I have used lots of his wood (koa and walnut) and did pay him a visit on Lopez to hand pick the uke wood.

This is the stock I’ll use for the backs and tops (enough for two ukes).

The side wood is nicely flamed and should produce some handsome ukes.

I found a supplier in Hawaii which sells slotted fretboards and mahogany neck stock.