Use a Jig to Make a Jig

I'm building a jig to allow me to accurately cut the 15 degrees scarf joint required for ukulele necks.  My previously built GoBar clamping deck came in handy to glue the rail on the baseboard of the new jig. The new jig will be used on my band saw.  It's nice to use a previously built tool to build another jig to add  to the growing collection.

:-)

The saddle on the ukulele was not quite glued in the correct spot.  This placement is one of the most critical things in the build process.  It determines the scale length from the nut at the end of the neck.  We tried to rectify the problem while we were at the workshop in Tasmania but it wasn't really successful. More of a band aid fix. So I decided it had to come off.

First step was to lay masking tape on the soundboard to minimise any damage during the removal. I have never tried to remove a saddle before. The plan is to heat up the spatula on a household iron and gently work it under the saddle to soften the glue. (Titebond 1)

After working quite slowly the process worked.  It did take some time as the spatula cools fairly quickly. So it was slowly slowly.

End result after sanding off the old glue. A nice clean soundboard to start again. This time more care will be taken in locating the saddle in the correct position.

Current Ukulele Build Jan 2014

I'm currently working on a Tenor uke.  This instrument was started at a workshop I attended in Stanley Tasmania run by Tim Spittle from Australian Tonewoods.  The ukulele is constructed of Tasmanian timbers including Tiger Myrtle, King Billy Pine and Sassafras.  I have to fit the fret board, finish shaping the neck, remove and refit the saddle. (A slight stuff up in my measuring) and apply a finish. In this case I plan to use Tru Oil.