The masking tape
provides a visual guide and keeps excess glue off the back.
The reinforcement is glued and I'm using a tapered stick as
a clamping caul. Although they're probably not necessary I added some
extra clamps.
Here's another view. the masking tape allowed me to easily
wipe off the glue squeeze out.
Using a plane to taper the edges and thin the reinforcement.
A little work with sandpaper and the back strip is done.
I use a template to draw the arch onto the back braces.
And use a plane and shooting board to cut the taper. a quick
touch up on the dished form with sand paper and the braces are ready for
gluing.
The braces are laid on the back to show their
position.
The location of each brace is marked and a
razor blade is used to cut through the back strip reinforcement.
The brace is used as a template and a second
cut is made.
It is easy to cut the soft spruce with just a
razor blade.
A narrow 6mm chisel is all that's needed to pop
out the spruce between the cuts. Use the razor blade as a scraper to clean
off the glue that is left.
Using a 2nd hollow form and go-bars to clamp the
glued braces to the back while forcing the back to conform to the dish.
All the braces can be quickly and easily clamped
at one time.
A quick word about Go-bars.
This is the first time I've used them. Since I didn't have a deck set
up I used the space underneath my workbench. It works like a charm and
everything is out of the way so I can use the bench top to work on
something else.
The only problem is that all those
wimpy little rods actually exert a whole lot of pressure! Enough to
lift the workbench top. The temporary solution was to put something
really heavy on the workbench. What you see in the picture is a
freshly rebuilt transmission for a 1962 Lotus Super 7, complete with the
very rare ultra-close ratio gear set.
It's always nice when you can combine your hobbies!
After the glue dries the braces are ready to be
carved.
Trimming the excess off the end of the braces.
All done!
Using a plane to thin and taper the braces. Notice the
scraper under the plane to keep the side of the plane from denting the
back strip reinforcement.
Using a 25mm chisel to carve the ramps onto the ends of the
braces.
A bit of work with some sandpaper and the braces are
beginning to look pretty good.
Almost done! All that remains is to fit the back to
the sides and trim the ends of the braces for a precise fit.