Weissenborn side profile/template

[jayluthier]

Well, I've decided to have a go at a Weissenborn. I've got both the GAL and Stew Mac plans as a guide. Have fabricated the female mold and the top/back profile template. Neither of the plan sets that I have have an actual pattern of a side- only a 'view' which doesn't accurately represent the actual length of the side nor the profile for the bottom. Can anybody advise a couple of depth measurement points along the side so I can figure out the profile? I know that the back/neck tapers, but I don't expect that it's a straight line. Also, what about the actual length of the side pieces?
thanks
Jay

[Bob Connor]

G'day Jay

The length is oround 42 inches.

I'm away for the weekend but I'll send you a side template when I get back

Regards.

[kiwigeo]

Jay if the mold is made up you can guage side length by laying a length of cardboard around the profile of the top/back..allowing a bit extra for error. I generally only work to a top/back template on my classicals and work out side length using this method.

[Puff]

I always carry a dressmakers/cloth tape - dead cheap and simple.

[Clancy]

I always carry a dressmakers/cloth tape

Mine came from a xmas cracker!
I wouldn't trust it for 'true measurements' but it's fine for transfering a curvy length to a straight piece.

[kiwigeo]

I always carry a dressmakers/cloth tape - dead cheap and simple.

You don't walk around with it around your neck and a mouthful of pins do you?

[Puff]

Not as a rule - no I do not.

[jayluthier]

Thanks folks. I'm OK with figuring out the length. I've got a flexible tape which I use for just that purpose. but, being a lazy bugger, I'm looking for a better picture of the slope of the back. I think Bob Conner is going to help me out with that. For years, I bent my guitar sides un-profiled for years but have finally decided that with more care, a closely profiled side saves a lot of time and improves accuracy so now I aim to profile within 2-3 mm of final dimension. Saves a whole lot of planing/sanding and significantly improves the odds of having both sides actually the same depth! (don't ask me how I know!). I must be a bit slow, since it only took me 50+ guitars to come to this conclusion. (no use rushing to any decision!)
thanks