----- Original Message ----- From: Herbert Ward <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: 19 December 2003 16:16 Subject: Woodworking precision.
> > The joint where my soundboard is set into the bowl is perfect. Around the > entire perimeter, it is so tight there is no visible crack. I also > checked with a bright light and a strong magnifying glass. Same story. > > How do lute makers achieve such precision in joining two pieces of wood > along a long complex shape? > > > I think you may be under a misapprehension - the soundboard is glued on top of the back, not inside it. It is oversize all round when glued on, and trimmed off afterwards. In fact as a general principle, we do everything with the minimum of precision, in the sense that we do everything possible to avoid committing ourselves to a particular dimension until the last possible moment. You can't cut something bigger... Best wishes, Martin
