My project is to make a Tenor Ukulele. It will be loosely based off a Georgia Lutheran Supply Blueprint/Plan. This idea was sprung from not having a ukulele, but wanting a quality made instrument.
First, I started by making the bending jig. This was done by cutting 3/4" ply wood into the overall curvature and body mold. After three pieces were cut, I began to assemble the jig. This was done by screwing the outlines onto 3/4" piece of wood that was about 9" by 13". so it then created a "|_|_|" profile. After, I installed pieces of wood that would be used to bend the wood and hold it onto the jig while it was being heated. This was done with eyelets on the jig itself, and long bolts connected to the pieces of wood. Which created a "/\-|" kind of profile with the "/\" representing the jig, the "-" representing the bolt, and the "|" representing the word to secure while bending. Pictures are attached.
This part of the project took about 10 hours due to some technical difficulties and the overall process. I believe if done right, it would take about 5 hours with the proper tools and techniques. I recommend using a scroll saw to cut out the jig, while using a jig saw to cut out the 3/4 ply it will sit on. Clamps and or a small table are needed for the jig to sit on. This allows for the metal and the heating blanket to have space, and not get in the way.
The next part of My project was wiring and programing the heating blanket. I used a InkBird C1000 thermostat for my rig. The blanket was a 25x6 Keenvo industrial heating blanket. The hardest part of this step of the project was the semi complicated wiring harness that I made from scratch, and the difficulty and user interface of the thermostat itself. If given the opportunity, I would've used a nondigital thermostat. This project dosen't require anything sophisticated, therefore i'd just use something basic. This ideally will take about 2-3 hours to wire and learnt he overall OS.
(OPTIONAL) For the thermostat, I decided to build a "project box" to house the wires and keep the controls safe. I made this using our laser cutter and some left over plexiglass. This took about an hour and a half including the design, cutting, and assembly.
Next, I began to cut out the back and front. For this I used a scroll saw. I stapled two pieces of bloodwood together so, when I cut them, both pieces were exact. This worked relatively well, but I stapled a naught on the wood and a tiny cracked appeared as a result. This wasn't a huge problem because I was able to glue and sand them back to seal it.
After cutting and sanding, I glued the back two pieces together using wood glue. I did the same with the front, with exception with cutting the sound hole.
As for now, this project is on hold due to medical complications. I broke my thumb and just had surgery last week. I intend to finish this project later this summer.
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