Instrument details: Tom Norton - Lap steel guitar

Tom planes the two sides of his walnut back on a shooting board ready for joining.

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Gluing the two halves together.

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The front and back are cut to shape and thicknessed, with progress measured with thicknessing calipers.

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The rosette rings are then glued into the front.

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A strengthening strip is glued along the back join.

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Having glued the front braces on, Tom carves them to shape.

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The bridge is fitted next - Tom inspects the fit.

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Checking the sides against the template.

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Tom scraping the bindings flush.

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The trial stringing.

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Shellac stick can be used to fill small gaps prior to finishing.

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And from the back.

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Congratulations to all on a great job well done!

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Tom's finished guitar.

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Tom tries out his finished instrument.

Photo added on 23/10/2014