Acoustic Guitar Construction

I've played a few Tacoma's over the years, and I actually like them. I thought they looked pretty cool without any bindings, but did not look closely enough to see how they treated the end grain on the top. It looked very smooth and nice. Does anyone know how to make the joint at the sides and the top/back look good once you've trimmed them to fit?

Here's 4 pics of my first. My first four were unbound but I only have picks of #1 and #4 because I didn't start documenting anything until I got on these forums. I have 6 new ones I'm building just picked up two more commissions. I have started using binding but so far most of those wanting me to build love the unbound clean look. For me the key is getting a really clean joint all the way around. Which is why I use so many clamps too ensure a really tight joint. As far as sanding I just carefully round the edges with the paper and no block so I don't flatten any areas. I bevel the joints at the neck and back and tape them together to get a nice clean line (there is a little more to the technique than that as it takes a special sanding jig to get it straight) Anyway here's the pics:

http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee3 ... G_2643.jpg
http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee3 ... G_2644.jpg
http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee3 ... G_2646.jpg
http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee3 ... MG2645.jpg

Well thank you Tim, those pics were a big help, and I REALLY like the look. I believe I will give it a try.

You did mention a jig, and if you could refer me to a pic of it or provide me with a pic and any other tips you may have about the process, I would be mightily thankful.

Dave

here's something that interesting, treating the guitar as one would a drum, considering it is a percussion instrument by nature.. no binding, no kerfing.

http://www.michelettiguitars.com/gallery.html

Ray:)

Here's the jig, it hold the ends of the side real stiff so you can sand them. I bevel (almost to 45 deg, that edge needs to be thin and straight) all 4 inside edges (once they are cut to length). I use 3M green tape, I think the 1 1/2 or 2" width stuff and join the edges (almost liked you'd do if you were joining a top with tape). I stretch it real tight (sometimes takes two, one to hold side one to stretch tape) and pull those thinned lines together. Then I glue in the neck and tail blocks.

http://i1224.photobucket.com/albums/ee3 ... veljig.jpg

Ah so..I understand. Thanks Tim, this thread is enlightening.

Not using a tail wedge is daring! You pulled it off with great dexterity and aplomb Tim! Nice looking guitars and joints between top and sides!