MIMF

Bench height is also dependent on the type of job you are doing; if you are using a hand plane with material in a vise a lower height would be better than the height that works for close up, intricate work. I plan to make an auxiliary bench someday that will clamp onto my bench and which raises the ...

Clay,

Don’t mean to hijack this thread, but it would be great to see how you do the headstock / scarf(?) joint. Your photo shows something I have been contemplating for some time. Thanks.

Ed

Without seeing a picture, I think you are referring to a Brazilian “cuica” pronounced koo EE ka. If I’m not mistaken, the stick is attached to the skin / head by way of a cord that wraps around the stick over the skin.

A quick search for cuica will bring much info.

Cheers
Ed

Yes, I just did one the other day. I drew out the neck and heel as a solid piece, with one pointing up and the other down. Then I used the bandsaw to cut out the two necks and used the center piece for the headstock via scarf joint. There was even enough material left over for other purposes. If you...

Alembic ?

As an inexpensive approach, I would try making a bridge from a single piece of wood, similar to a violin or cello. Maple or ebony are good woods to use, or you can even use bone if you are really ambitious (similar to the bandolim from Brazil). I have used maple by cutting a long piece to the width ...

The manufacture date is according to Japanese years = Showa 40, 10th month, 8th day. Showa 40 = 1965.

Ed

You might want to consider the Shinto rasp - the one made out of fine and coarse hacksaw blades. I have been using one exclusively for shaping necks and find that it cuts fast and accurately, but it's not the greatest in tight spots. I clean up with scrapers after the heavy work.

Ed

Alan, Thanks for your comments on the importance of the tailpiece. I understand that the break angle from the tailpiece to the bridge plays and important role in the sound, but I hadn't considered the up and down movement of the tailpiece(although now it certainly makes sense!). Do you think that an...