Once the guitar frame has the correct top and back radius (and optional side braces), you can install the kerfed liners.

Make sure the gluing surface has been sanded and cleaned of any side bending resin. This sanding should be done before blocks are glued on.

You can final sand your liners before or after installation. If your liners do not have any significant markings (bandsaw, tablesaw, etc) it is advised to final sand them after they are installed. The clamps and glue can leave marks of their own, and you might as well save your self from doing the same job twice.

Home » By Sound Salon » Lesson » Glue Kerfed Liners

Start at the neck block. Trim the end of your liner to match the blocks angle.  If you are using a short length, clean up the other end as well.

©2009 - Mark Kett

When the excess glue gets slightly gummy, remove it with your choice of tool.

Be careful when cleaning glue around side braces. The glue will make them very easy to damage.

If you are using short lengths, clean the glue from the liner ends.

The joining kerfed liner section can be dry fit and trimmed so it fits snug.

If you are using a full length of kerfing, install the strip without any glue, mark the end of the liner, and trim it to fit snug.

Apply glue to the liner, and a small dab on the block.

Press the liner tight against the block, and place a few clamps to hold it in place.

The liners should be left proud of the side by 1/16″ or so. This will make it possible to attain the desired top and back arch.

Continue to clamp the strip along the side. Try to keep the liners as close to 1/16″ above side as possible. The liners will point higher after the waist.

Flipping the frame on its side, makes it a little easier to clean the glue.

I prefer a small metal scrapper because it doesn’t smear the glue.

When the end strip is glued in place, make sure to leave a space between the sections. This will hide the joint by making it appear to be a kerf.

If there are any spaces left at the end of the strip. You can cut a thin liner section, and clamp it in place. Most people will never see this area of the guitar.

Continue installing sections.

The sides/liners can now be final sanded, and shaped to receive the top and back.

Many different types of clamps can be used. It’s just a matter of preference, and/or what you have around.  §