What’s On The Bench – 04/29/2014

Last night and this afternoon I found myself bracing the back of a custom walnut dulcimer. I turned around and there I was. It was kind of strange and startling but at least I was getting some work done.

But seriously folks, here are some photographs of a cute little plane I use to rough shape braces.

Shaping dulcimer braces with a cute little rosewood plane

Curly shavings!

I love those little spruce curls!

I don’t have a set bracing pattern for dulcimer soundboards and backs. I also don’t have a standard thickness for tops and backs.

Thicknesses of tops and backs and the number and sizes of braces depends on the particular pieces of wood I am working with. As a dulcimer comes together I make decisions and adjustments to achieve the resonance I desire.

I enjoy this process immensely.

After shaping the back braces I glued in the center reinforcement; a brace that strengthens the center joint of the book-matched back and adds stiffness to the back lengthwise.

A place for everything and everything is someplace.

A few hours later the back is ready to be fitted to the dulcimer.

Dulcimer back waiting for a label.

Note to self: Don’t forget to put a label on the back before gluing it to the dulcimer! (Yes, it has happened!)

 

7 thoughts on “What’s On The Bench – 04/29/2014

  1. Another note to self…don’t forget about the pick-up before gluing the back :). It’s beautiful!

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