Wilborn Nautilus BRW/Sitka NGD, it is here!!!!!!!

[TomB'sox]

OK, next up purfling and binding...

Here is Ben, who unknown to many, apparently uses a light saber for his binding channels!

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Sharp chisel used to mitre the back strip to meet the purfling.

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Some hand cutting is involved as well around the cutaway:

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You can see a sealer was used around the edges to prevent the glue from seeping into the endgrain and discoloring the top.

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That has got to be a little tricky getting the router around that sexy curve of the soundhole!

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[Zandit75]

Originally Posted by TomB'sox

Attachment 99445


Attachment 99446

These two photos here just prove the level of perfection Ben goes to with his work, even when working with asymmetric timbers and designs.
It's almost a shame to add binding!!

[TomB'sox]

Originally Posted by Zandit75

These two photos here just prove the level of perfection Ben goes to with his work, even when working with asymmetric timbers and designs.
It's almost a shame to add binding!!

I agree! I love the way the sap wood on the back meets that on the cutaway, like it is one piece of wood.

[TomB'sox]

Binding the sound port is no easy task especially since it is not just 2 dimensions, but comes down into the sides as well. It is a three day process and Ben has just gotten to it after having some other stuff to do first on another project. Here are some photos:

The long miter of the purfling is assembled and glued off the guitar and then laid in place.

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A detail that is probably missed a lot of the time is that mortise he makes along with the rabbit on the distal end of the binding so it fits in and locks everything together mechanically, seamless!

[cigarfan]

Thanks for those pics and explanation. Incredible work!

[nacluth]

Like watching da Vinci at work. Thanks for the pics Tom.

[TomB'sox]

Originally Posted by cigarfan

Thanks for those pics and explanation. Incredible work!

He has gotten it down pretty well now for sure!

Originally Posted by nacluth

Like watching da Vinci at work. Thanks for the pics Tom.

Haha, I am sure he would deny this comparison, but I have heard he is working on a manpowered flying machine in his spare time.

Some more pics of the binding of the soundhole experience...

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Pretty much finished although the final fitting and sculpting left to do will be done by a small rasp and tiny scraper.

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[Steve Kinnaird]

In the future “History of the Guitar, From 2000 to Present”, Ben deserves his own chapter. What a contribution he is making to the present lutherie scene!

[WilbornGuitars]

Originally Posted by nacluth

Like watching da Vinci at work. Thanks for the pics Tom.

You must be talking about Bobby D. Vinci from Jersey, right?

[WilbornGuitars]

Originally Posted by Steve Kinnaird

In the future “History of the Guitar, From 2000 to Present”, Ben deserves his own chapter. What a contribution he is making to the present lutherie scene!

Ha! Well that's very flattering coming from you. Now in my next circus act I will be fitting the bevels with ebony tiles- using a technique I learned from you, sir.

[KevinH]

Originally Posted by TomB'sox

...Back is glued on, such neat and clean work and wonderful craftsmanship, just a shame that this will not be seen again (well hopefully):

Good you have pictures. And just knowing it's there is half the magic. Looking really good. The matching of the back and sides shows his attention to detail.

[mikealpine]

Truly amazing skill demonstration here. The details are exquisite!

[nootis]

Chiming in late, but congratulations on another collaboration with Sensei Wilborn, former member of the Ringling Brothers Circus. I love the wabisabi-ness of all of this, and I’d expect nothing less from you two clowns.

Jokes aside, this is shaping up to me another masterpiece.

[TomB'sox]

Originally Posted by KevinH

Good you have pictures. And just knowing it's there is half the magic. Looking really good. The matching of the back and sides shows his attention to detail.

Agreed, Ben said although he was trying to get the back and sides to match, he was very pleased with how well they did in the end. Pictures, I am up to about 75 now from Ben documenting the build!

Originally Posted by mikealpine

Truly amazing skill demonstration here. The details are exquisite!

Yes, so perfect, sometimes you have to look to find the joints and even then, most times do not!

Originally Posted by nootis

Chiming in late, but congratulations on another collaboration with Sensei Wilborn, former member of the Ringling Brothers Circus. I love the wabisabi-ness of all of this, and I’d expect nothing less from you two clowns.

Jokes aside, this is shaping up to me another masterpiece.

That is probably the best description for Ben and I, a couple of clowns! Many would agree with that. I was talking wabi sabi with someone about this guitar myself, now we just need a couple of big worm holes or something!

[jt1]

Stunning craft!

Thanks for sharing the build with us.