Decided to try a modified Perfect Fit Convertable in some of the Curly Koa I have...
Instead of the normal gold center band, I wanted to put 2 rings of pink coral... thought the coral would make a nice compliment to the koa...
Measured everything 3-4 times, set it all up.. did my cuts, measured the top barrel again a couple of times and decided to leave it at the measurements I had.... cut the grooves for the coral and set it in place... used my home made carbide tool to trim the coral (it worked like a dream). Finished with cellulose sanding sealer and 4 coats of CA sanded to 12000 MM and then polished with Hut Plastic Polish...
Took it off the mandrel and the wood below the first ring came off in my hand... I wanted to cry...
Seems that the only thing I did not measure for was the placement of the first ring... it was too close to the increased inside diameter of the upper barrel and therefore the barrel extension did not have enough support... Tried to fix it but screwed it up even worse... LOL
WELL.. at least I now know where I went wrong.. the next one will have just one ring a little wider... it should still look good...
Here is a pic of what is left... will keep it on my desk and use it to stab myself every now and then.... it was a really nice piece of koa....




Instead of the normal gold center band, I wanted to put 2 rings of pink coral... thought the coral would make a nice compliment to the koa...
Measured everything 3-4 times, set it all up.. did my cuts, measured the top barrel again a couple of times and decided to leave it at the measurements I had.... cut the grooves for the coral and set it in place... used my home made carbide tool to trim the coral (it worked like a dream). Finished with cellulose sanding sealer and 4 coats of CA sanded to 12000 MM and then polished with Hut Plastic Polish...
Took it off the mandrel and the wood below the first ring came off in my hand... I wanted to cry...
Seems that the only thing I did not measure for was the placement of the first ring... it was too close to the increased inside diameter of the upper barrel and therefore the barrel extension did not have enough support... Tried to fix it but screwed it up even worse... LOL
WELL.. at least I now know where I went wrong.. the next one will have just one ring a little wider... it should still look good...
Here is a pic of what is left... will keep it on my desk and use it to stab myself every now and then.... it was a really nice piece of koa....




