Day was all about prepping the top and bottom.  First step was to edge the book matched set for both the top and bottom using a simple jig.  Then glue-ups using my plate joining jig.  Again, simple but effective.  After the glue sets up, the excess glue gets scraped off then into the drum sander from 80 to 220 grit to bring the pieces close to final thickness, about 0.085″.  This will come down even more after I add the rosettes.

I need to create a couple of templates outlining the front and back using Lexan.  I worked out where I want the braces, bridge patch, sound hole and tone bars to go and marked that on the top template.  A 1/16″ drill bit at appropriate locations on the template will provide placement guidance for those parts later on.

Outlined the body shape using the transparent template to maximize the beauty of the koa.  While it looks a bit plain now, you can see the flame in the koa (see photo) with a little bit of mineral spirits.

That’s it for today.  Need to pick some papayas and deal with too many bananas!