Side reinforcement tape question

[John Arnold]

You'd need a very wide piece of wood to make a side out of it that way, so I don't know how practical it would be.

There is no good reason that the cross lamination cannot be made from multiple pieces.

And I don't know what bending across the grain would do.

Bending cross-grain is easy (no steaming necessary), and even if it cracks on sharp bends, there is no reduction in the function.

But assuming it was possible, then cracks from blows to the outside would be stopped in their tracks by the cross-grain lamination, wouldn't they?

Yes. The same is true of all laminated Asian guitars, most of which are three ply with a center lamination that is crossways. In general, you want an odd number of laminations for balancing stresses on a flat plate like a top or back. But on a curved side, two-ply works just fine. Two-ply sides with a cross inner lamination has been done before.

[rogthefrog]

Alan, thanks for the fantastic guide. I'll try it out. Good tip about the shellac coat on top. I've been considering a shellac coat on the back (on the inside), so I'll just do the sides as well.

John: thanks for the explanation on lamination.

[printer2]

Originally Posted by John Arnold

Yes. The same is true of all laminated Asian guitars, most of which are three ply with a center lamination that is crossways. In general, you want an odd number of laminations for balancing stresses on a flat plate like a top or back. But on a curved side, two-ply works just fine. Two-ply sides with a cross inner lamination has been done before.

I found out you need three layers on the top or back.

[rogthefrog]

Originally Posted by printer2

I found out you need three layers on the top or back.

The Pringles guitar!