Starting the J200 Jumbo

[Kevin in California]

I've done it that way too a few times. I never remember which way worked better for me. Might be your way!!!!

[Kevin in California]

I got the top cut out, simple rosette installed and top sanded to .115".
I have the bracing pattern penciled on the top, though it doesn't show up vary well.
Tomorrow I'll start making the braces and maybe get some glued in place!

[Kevin in California]

Top bracing is glued in place. Now on to carving

[Kevin in California]

Braces are carved, top is glued to the rims and the box is complete, top and back routed flush.

[Kevin in California]

Well it's been about 3 weeks since my last post but I've been working on it.

First off, my EIR bindings with BW purfling did not work out as I cut my binding channel about .020" deep to use them and I had some delamination going on too.
I had some more cut offs of EIR but only enough for 3 bindings. So I decided to use some Sapele binding I'd made many years ago and I thought it would look fine as it's close in color to the mahogany neck and goes well with the EIR back strip and end wedge.

Then I found I was not able to use Mt BWB purflings from Stewmac because they are only 31.5" long and I was about a half inch short even for the top.

So I have some veneers and decided to make my own purfling. 36" long Holly, and black dyed maple, each .020".

I made it up and cut strips on the bandsaw and they worked out good. Took a little prebending on the iron and had a couple break in that process but got 4 good ones and it looks good.

I had started the EIR fretboard so finished that up, bound with strips cut from the board do it looks like it's not bound.

Stewmac 2 way truss rod installed. Mortise and tenon routing for the neck went well. I finished carving the neck
today and got it fit on center to the body. Just some finish sanding to do on it.

Next I'll make the bridge which will be EIR in my standard design. I thought about doing a moustache bridge, solid shape but I just can't bring myself to do it!!!

Then I'll make and install my fretboard screw down system and I'll be close then to prep for spraying!!

[Kevin in California]

Finishing has begun.

I pore filled the ebony, rosewood and mahogany with shellac and sawdust, then wiped on 2 very thin coats of shellac as a sealer (first time doing this, always used vinyl sealer in the past).
I jus sprayed my first coat of nitro lacquer and the realized I forgot to mask off the bridge location even before putting on the shellac

First time I did that!! Getting old. My wife says I need a check off list. I think she's right!!

So I'll do it once this first coat is dry. Then I'll have very little to scrape off when I glue on the bridge.

[Dave Bagwill]

Looks very nice!