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Constructing an Acoustic Guitar

Materials:
Top: Sitka Spruce
Back and Sides: Mahogany
Neck: Mahogany
Fingerboard: Ebony
Bridge: Ebony
Nut and Saddle: Bone

Tools:
Band saw, Side bending machine, router, surface planer, assorted clamps, dremel, drill press, patience

To begin my project I needed to bend the sides of the guitar. I constructed a side bending machine (1st pic) to bend the sides quickly and evenly. The wood is sprayed with water and then placed between the two stainless steel slats. Three light bulbs heat the wood and allow it to be pressed into shape. Once the sides are bent the linings are glued to the inside and the top, back and neck are constructed. The sound hole rosette is inlaid into the top and sanded smooth. The braces are glued to the top and back in special radiused dishes for proper arch. The linings are carved and sanded to their proper shape once the glue dries. The top and bottom are then glued to the sides.
 


The neck is carved to its proper shape and fingerboard is glued to it. Under the fingerboard is a truss rod which is used to adjust the neck. The frets are tapped into the fingerboard and filed smooth. The bridge is carefully measured then glued to the top. Then the neck is bolted to the body and the fingerboard is clamped and glued to the top. 
   

Next, the guitar is fine sanded and sprayed with several coats of lacquer. The tuning machines, nut and saddle  are added after it has dried and cured. Finally the strings are added and its ready to play.


Here's a few other guitars I've built over the years.