MIMF

Finally done with the clamp construction. Man, that was more work than I thought it would be.

So back to the replacement body. I glued the rest of the lower braces in the 25' radius form. Then I glued the upper braces in my half form that has a 60' radius for proper neck geometry. Finally, adding the splint on top of the X-brace joint (this is one of my few deviations from Martin methodology).

Nice work.
I really appreciate all the pictures.

I like the idea of the 60’ radius form for the headblock area braces. I usually sand the fingerboard attachment area flat to accomplish the same on my builds. I’m going to have to think awhile about your approach.

I did the math once and the 60' radius gave me the optimum neck angle.

Shaping the braces to as close of specs for this age, as I can.

Place my label on the popsicle brace. When viewed with a mirror it reads.....

The new wood on the inside of the guitar is way too bright so I toned it down with an alcohol stain. You can see the contrast of the back and un-toned top.

And finally, the new cam clamps make their debut.

The clamps stained brown have pads that are angled for the waist and inline at the headlock.

I am sure that after looking at Bob's elegant clamping arrangement, this will look like clamp overkill, but that is sort of my credo.

Yeah, it looks like overkill. But, congratulations. Your work looks very nice. Were it not for your label, I’m not sure folks would know it was new work after it ages a few years.

it is real nice - great job Barry

Looks like you are coming right along with it. The clamps look good too.
Something I use to "age" wood when I need to is Potassium permanganate. Some one gave me a bottle of it, but I've heard you can get it from pool supply places. It is a strong oxidizer. Sometimes when working on old wood (instruments or furniture) and need to restore the patina because I sanded through the original surface I will first start by oxidizing the wood surface with KMNO4. It can also be used where you want to "age " new wood.

Interesting Clay. I used to use thousands of gallons of the stuff to clean up contaminants in groundwater and soil. It starts out as a dark purple liquid and then turns clear as it reacts with other organic substances. It can neutralize all kind of baddies out there.

I was given some lab grade crystals which I dissolve in water similar to what is listed here:
https://www.homesciencetools.com/produc ... eVEALw_wcB

Notice the customer review. I wonder if that was Berkowitz.

Yeah, probably him. I will have to try the KMNO4 next time. Thanks Clay.

This is so excellent!
I also want to compliment the staining of your clamps to differentiate between the two types.

Thank you, Bob.

Sanded the body down and sprayed a couple of coats of vinyl sealer.