| Author | Message | ||
| scott
Junior Username: scott Post Number: 15 Registered: 10-2002 |
I have often wondered how Alembic or other companies make the back cavity covers out of the same section of wood that was orginally covering the cavity that was routed? Normally routing out a cavity would obviously destroy the wood surface that was covering the cavity, is there a special tool or technique (or both) involved? | ||
| son_of_magni
Intermediate Member Username: son_of_magni Post Number: 122 Registered: 1-2004 |
Interesting that you would ask this question because I was just wondering the same thing. I am currently in the midst of my first bass building project. Since I couldn't come up with any way to do it other than using a small drill and a coping saw (which would be very difficult to pull off well), I cut the back cover all the way to the edge of the back laminate. Basically the same way that Pedulla does it. | ||
| tom_z
Junior Username: tom_z Post Number: 39 Registered: 7-2004 |
Though not actually continuous wood backplates, my Skylark (http://alembic.com/club/messages/411/12937.html?1096327551) has very nice matching wood backplates. Mica's explanation from that thread: "If the body wood is thick enough, we can make a plate out of the next slice, and it's a fairly convincing continuous wood look, it's only different by the kerf of the bandsaw and the sanding". I don't know the techniques involved in creating true continuous wood covers, but I'm sure someone here can fill us in. Tom | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 1985 Registered: 6-2000 |
Coupla relevent threads: http://alembic.com/club/messages/393/3421.html http://alembic.com/club/messages/631/751.html | ||
| son_of_magni
Intermediate Member Username: son_of_magni Post Number: 123 Registered: 1-2004 |
A couple comments... "fairly convincing"? From the pictures I'd say it's more than "fairly". It looks perfect! "only different by the kerf... and the sanding" Isn't it really different by the kerf, the sanding, and the thickness of the plate? You would have to flip the piece over otherwise, then you'd have a mirror image. | ||
| mica
Moderator Username: mica Post Number: 1986 Registered: 6-2000 |
You're right, there is a little more, about 1/16". The plates are laminated layers or veneer, so it's just the thickness of the veneer itself. |
