SHAPING THE TOP 2
This page deals with the hollowing
of the inside of the top
GO TO MAIN BASS PAGE
Go to SUPPORT JIG FOR HOLDING TOP
Go to PICTURE OF FIRST STAGE OF HOLLOWING
When the top is turned over it must be firmly
supported to allow for carving of the inside. The picture shows a jig made
from MDF which will do this.
The profile of the bass is taken from the previously
completed rib section. This will be slightly smaller than the top because
of the overhang of the top and will allow for the top to fit snugly in
place. Holes are cut for small G cramps which are use to hold the top firmly.
The whole jig has been raised about 50 mm above the bench on blocks.
The
thicknessing of the top is very exacting and demanding. The top has to
be carved to different thicknesses at different points, these are shown
on the plans. A THICKNESSING GAUGE
is used to arrive at the final thickness
but the top is first carved to the same thickness all over. Interior profile
templates are made, using the exterior templates as a guide and troughs
are gouged out at intervals to correspond to these templates as can be
seen on this photograph and the next one.
Interior profiling templates are
used to check the hollowing at intervals along the top.
The thicknessing
gauge. This was made from MDF a plastic syringe body and a cable release
for a camera.
