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Spanish Luthier’s Clamp

I

KNOW OF NO SIMPLER, cheaper, or more convenient method to
clamp up edge joints than the Spanish luthier’s technique for join-
ing guitar tops and backs. Though intended for thin wood, the tech-
nique is easily adaptable to any thickness, width, or length required. All
that is needed are several long wedges, a few 1x2s (longer than the
work is wide), and a length of^1 ⁄ 4 -in. rope.
When the work is ready to be glued, lay it on the 1x2s as shown in
step 1. Tie the rope to the right-hand stick and weave it over the work
and around both ends in a figure-eight. The diagram for step 2 shows
one figure-eight loop for clarity but several are necessary. Moving to
each 1x2 in turn, repeat weaving the figure-eights, tying off the rope
on the last stick.

CHAPTER NINE

Drive home

wedges under rope.

Single loop

shown for

clarity

Start

3.

End

Weave the rope

Work 1x2s in figure-eights.