American Sassafras build

[Robert Eason]

I am planning on building an acoustic D size with a cutaway out of good ole American Sassafras and have not been able to find an example to help with the thickness dimensions for the backs and sides. I am planning on final thickness being between .100 and .085, that sound correct? This is going to be a learning experience as its also going to be either my 1st or 2nd build depending on whether the moisture content will be low enough. Anyone know of any examples of acoustics built with American Sassafra? Also I am going to make a bending jig and need to know where to buy a heat blanket so I can bend the sides, any ideas? All help is appreciated as I'm a newbee to this hobby but at least I have wood working experience. Thanks to all in advance. Robert Eason

[Steve Senseney]

I bought my heating blanket from Omega heaters. The wattage I bought was 2.5 watts although other use the 5 watts successfully also.

The blanket I use is 6 inches by 36 inches. The item number is (I think) SRFG-636/2.

I have never used the sassafras. It probably will be fine. Be sure that you have it dried well. The sides will not be a problem if it shrinks some, but if the back shrinks, it will cause it to cave in as it changes shape.

[Robert Eason]

Well sorry it took so long to get back on this but my main job, for now, is driving a long haul semi which doesn't allow much time for my hobby. Glad to report that I was finally able to saw my sassafras billets into sets. I now have them drying and hopefully by this summer I can size rough size them. Once I get them to that point I will submit some pictures of the sets. Anyone used flat or rift sawn sassafras for a neck?

[Robert Eason]

Slight changes so far. I have decided to build an OM sized guitar. Haven't decided on whether or not I'll do a cutaway or not, but am leaning towards the cutaway. Another change is to make a 3 piece back using Peruvian Walnut for the center wedge and that will carry onto the end flash as well. The Sassafras, I discovered when planing,has some curly figure which is a nice bonus! The top is Lutz spruce which is called red bear by the seller. If I can figure out how, I'll post some pix after the back and top comes out of the glueing setup.

[David King]

Most of the sassafras I've had my hands on is pretty soft stuff and the curly figure is common. It's tough wood for it's weight but I'd recommend going a shade heavier on the back bracing or leaving it a bit thicker than whatever is common. (I don't build acoustics). My understanding is that it's very stable wood once dry and the Peruvian walnut will be a nice contrast. You will probably need to blast the pores with compressed air after sanding the back as the dark dust will get into the open pores of the sassafras and vis versa.

[Robert Eason]

Another change. Good thing that I'm flexible. I got a little happy with the plane while doing the join, to the tune of 1/2", so the red bear will have to be used on smaller guitar. I had another set of lutz that was a gift because I bought 7 sets so I decided to use it. This set is called chocolutz and will certainly add a very nice, I think, visual aspect to this build as it has browns, reddish pink, and white stripes in that order from the edge. It also worked out that the white stripe is the same width as the end flash that I will use which had been left from when I cut the Peruvian walnut center stripe. Guess I had better build my mold so I can start the assembly. In can say that so far this is really enjoyable and I can see where it can easily become an addiction!

Chocolutz top

Sassafras and Peruvian walnut back