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Hi,
I want to do an OM sized build using Stahl 5/6 style rosette and purfling, like the picture below.


I think I can make it by gluing up colored wood strips and then slicing them into strips. I've done small repairs this way, but never a whole instrument. Before I start gluing and slicing, does anyone have a source for this old style rosette and purfling? LMI comes close, but not quite the same. If not, any time saving tips when making this type of trim.

I was thinking, glue the slats in the color sequence I want them on paper, and then build a jig to cut them at the correct angle and thickness, using multiple passes the make the individual strips. I planned on using Titebond (I'm a vegan, hide grosses me out), and then I am assuming if I heat them I should be able to bend them. It seems like a bit of work, I am hoping someone will point out a much easier way.

Thanks GS

I think Hans did a little tutorial on this. Maybe he'll chime in.

_________________
Ken Franklin
clumsy yet persistent
https://www.kenfranklinukulele.com

Haven't seen Haans in a while. Maybe lurking? I've done this too. The process is messy, but simple. And, expensive. You will need to purchase dyed maple veneers (Stew Mac or LMI). Cut into 1.25" strips. Figure out the color coding you want. Glue into a bar to create 1-2 repeating patterns. Then cut on the bias, and cut that into strips. Your strips will be a few inches long. Piece together in your channels. I think I'd use Tite Bond 3 for this now.

This is an opening post. Hopefully Haans will add or adjust.

If u look close you will notice that the clear maple parts are a bit thicker than the thickest 0.6 mm veneer. I made those myself. That was way less expensive than using the veneers.

See last 2 pages on my website...

Thanks Guys, This helps a great deal. Did either of you put a backer on your colored pieces (paper, wood, ?)

Regards,
GS

It would be great if you could make your own. Hats off to the skill that Hans brings to this. But if you want to outsource it, have you checked out Gurian Instruments? It won't be cheap but you can get rosettes and purfling made to your own design.
http://www.gurianinstruments.com

I always cyano'd the topside, then after it was cut from the "brick" I cyano'e the other side. Then I would cut an angle on the end to the slant I wanted and start taking off .062 slices. Later, I bought a Proxxon mini table saw that cut a much smoother edge. A few would break, but most would hold together till installed. I would do the outside purflings with a teflon center just like doing a abalone pufling and then pull the teflon and glue in the strips, pushing each one up to the last with a flat screwdriver.
I used to buy the outside ladder purfling from Gurian, but it was as small as they wanted to make it and not small enough. The centers were easy enough to make, and I preferred holly to maple.

Thanks for chiming in Haans. I so appreciate how u simplified the process for me. I'm interested in your technique for building the bar. That's a mess. Care to share ?

That harp above, worts and all is headed out to a performing stage. Clips soon.

What's to share?
Cut out the veneers, glue 'em together between 2 blocks, when dry, trim and cut a strip off and run through sander. Yes, it's a mess.

I tend to overthink things Haans. My last bar was a true messy process.

+1 to thanking you Haans for the info. I've been putting off trying this for a long time. You make it seem easy enough that even I could try it. One of these days I'll go for it.

_________________
Bryan Bear PMoMC

Take care of your feet, and your feet will take care of you.

Bryan, I have an old Regal-made Stahl, with this type of purfling and rosette, and have spent hours looking at it, thinking of all the Rube Goldberg ways I could make it, and as a result kept putting it off. I am going to pick up some wood this weekend and get to it. I am thinking about popping for one of those mini-table saws too. I can think of a lot of uses for that little guy - this being one of them.

Thanks, All.

GS

try http://www.Karin-rost .com
Mike

_________________
Mike Collins