Blocking mandolin "F" holes during spraying
Mario Proulx - 07:42pm Jun 29, 2000
MIMForum Staff
Here's the deal; when I was doing sunbursts by hand, I never bothered to block off the "F" holes on a mandolin during the application of the dyes and finish. When I started spraying the sunbursts, I taped off the "F" holes from inside before closing up the mando, and carefully removed the tape afterwards.
Now, in my overworked state of mind, I find that I've forgotten to block off the "F" holes on my latest, and it's just about sunnyburst time! I can think of a few ways to block 'em off, but I'd like to hear other ideas before I over-engineer a solution, as I may be apt to do.
Mario, you can use blocks of foam rubber, stuff the foam in the hole and then slip a piece of paper in between the top and the foam.
That's one option, but not a good one in this case ; My "F" holes are so small that I can barely get my little finger in the largest part. Barely larger than a violin's. What I'm afraid of is having a bunch of stuff left inside that I can't get out. I'm leaning towards a mechanical device that will have a screw butting against the back, and a soft faced gasket material against the top, but as I said, this may be over-engineering at it's best.
Mario, you might try taking a piece of paper big enough to cover the area you want to protect and 'acordion fold' it so you can get it in through the F hole, then when inside the fun begins trying to expand it. It is a little tricky but has worked for me.
Would there be enough room for the balloon trick?
Mario, I envision a piece of stiff cardstock covered in 2 sided tape with a piece of string in the middle. Pass it through length wise reorient it and pull up. The balloon trick sounds like a good option as well. Let us know what way you go. Joel
Hey Mario, since the only place you will be able to see any spray that escapes into the f holes is on the inside back, why not simply insert several pices of regular notebook paper as long as the f holes but much widerwith a couple of well affixed scotch tape loops on the back side. jocky them into position with a pencil and lightly press down on the tape when you have them located? pull them out with tweezers when you are done. Is there some particular reason why you would need to have the cover touch the underside of the F hole ? Admittedly I have never finished a mando or guitar. This method would work well on a violin though.
Craig T
Is there some particular reason why you would need to have the cover touch the underside of the F hole ?
Yep! I like to spray the dye and lacquer on the inside edges of the "F" holes ; gives a clean look. I'm leaning towards the double stick tape on the card stock. Thanks fellas, I'll post my final technique and the results.
Why not just stuff a couple of rags inside? I've done 250 times with no problems on the Unicorn, Phoenix and repairs to other makes.
And the story has an end...............I tried all of the above, except for the balloon, which I was afraid would explode, and leave tiny pieces all over the interior. I finally settled on stuffing it with my finest muslin. I have a 4" wide roll of the stuff, and just kept feeding it through until she was full.
Thanks for bailing me out, everyone!
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