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4) Continue to dry fit the top until it
lays completely flush with the sides
with even pressure all the way around.
Note:
Many makers like to sign their guitars. If you plan on autographing
the guitar, now is the time.
Step Three-Gluing the Top
1)
Final dry fit the top to the sides making sure the top fits nicely.
2)
Apply glue around the entire perimeter of the soundbox on the lining
and on the neck and end blocks. Be very careful, sloppy glue joints
inside a guitar are a sure sign of careless workmanship.
Do not apply
glue to the top!
3)
Install the top, check all your alignments again, making sure the ends
of the braces are seating in their pockets.
Note:
The main objective in gluing the top is to
ensure the top of the neck plate is completely in
contact with the bottom side of the top.
4) Place a clamping caul on the top directly over
the shoulder brace. Clamp, through the soundhole
using an f-style or c-clamp, the neck plate and the
clamping caul. Be sure to site in the neck cavity
for a flush fit between the top of the neck plate and
the bottom side of the top. Scrape any excess glue
overflow in the neck pocket with a 1/8” chisel.
5) Inspect as best you can to insure the top is
firmly fixed onto the soundbox. If you see gaps,
use a little more clamping pressure.
