The bent sides are now in the clamps and awaiting the next steps.

While the sides are drying, they begin to work with some of the other pieces. The piece of equipment is a Bill Collings' designed drill press. Completely computer controlled, this drill press uses a pneumatic system to hold the wood in place so that no clamp marks or breakage occurs. The computer then selects the bit and does the cutting prescribed by each model, piece, and procedure. All of this is done inside a completely enclosed chamber.

The dies that hold the wood into place are specifically designed by instrument. They are made a highly durable resin. The one at left weighs about 25 pounds and is used to hold the veneer used for guitar headstocks.

An entire wall of dies for the drill press.

This top came out of the drill press while we were on the tour. It was prepped for the rosette inlay.