Neck complete

I havent had as much time to work on the guitar as I had hoped so progress has slowed.

Finally, I have the neck at a stage that I can start assembly. I will eventually do a bit of fine tuning of the headstock design but that can wait as Im eager to get the assembly process underway.

 

As you can see from the pictures I have decided to use Romanillos' '2 wedge' method, rather than the tradional spanish method. Why? I wasnt confident in getting a nice 2mm cut at the correct angle. I practiced various methods but due to inconsistent results changed to the wedge option as it gives me room to make adjustments (file, sand, chisel..etc) to make a nice firm fit for the ribs. The tradional spanish method doesnt allow the freedom to fix any mistakes easily.

Also, you I discovered that the heel block I was supplied had a piece lamenated on the side. You can see the glue line and different grain pattern in the right hand side of  heel (photo - above left). Fortunately knowone will see this so its no big deal.

I also, vanished (sealed) the end of the heel to make it look better (as it is visible through soundhole) and reduce moisture absorption.

Another small but important job I managed to get out the way was cutting the soundhole.

Bracing of the soundboard has also started. I have glued the soundhole reinforcement strips and the 3 upper bout struts. I still need to finish cutting the rough fan struts and bridge bar/strut. Once I have all the struts in place I will start shaping them.
 
In preparation for gluing the fan braces/struts I made 2 claps that will reach across the solera into the middle of the soundboard (lower bout). Very simple design using an L shaped bracket, scrap pine and a few screws.
I need to making another 2 so I have 4 claps across the length of the brace as they need to be force into the dome in the solera. 

I mentioned previously that I had issues getting the right shape for the ribs i.e. middle bend.  Well not anymore.

My first attempt failed simply because I was worried about marking the wood or cracking the wood if I heated it too long. After watching a couple of youtube videos on bending again I realised I wasnt letting to wood heat up long enough to achieve the extra bend required for the tighter angle. Ive since been able to successfully complete the ribs. Now the ribs sit pretty much right on the plantila outline +/- 2-3mm..

Its more than likely going to be a couple of weeks before I work on the guitar again.. Im still hopeful of getting a closed box before Feb.