How to Make Fingerboards Using the Gator Mold
- 1). Cut out the supplied fingerboard template with scissors. Trace the template shape onto the five pieces of veneer with a pencil. Cut the shapes out using a hobbyist's scroll saw or a hobby knife.
- 2). Apply a thin layer of glue to one side of all 5 pieces of veneer. Stack the 5 up this way: 1 long-grain (i.e., the grain runs the long way on the veneer), 1 cross-grain (the grain runs the short way across the veneer), 1 long-grain, 1 cross-grain, and finally 1 long-grain. Align the pieces so they are flush on all sides.
- 3). Place the glued veneers on top of the bottom half of the Gator mold, so the ends stick out evenly on both sides. Place the top half of the mold over the bottom half. Place the two C-clamps so that they are on either side of the flat portion of the mold. Slowly tighten the clamps, taking a few turns at a time on each clamp, until the mold halves are tight together.
- 4). Clamp the rounded ends of the board together using three binder clips on each side. Wipe off any glue that has squeezed out. Allow the glue to set overnight.
- 5). Remove the fingerboard deck from the mold. Place it so that the rounded ends -- the "kicks" -- are bending upward. Place the template on top of the deck and trace the holes for the wheel mounts onto the deck.
- 6). Drill the 8 holes through the deck, using a 1/8-inch bit. Drill through the top of the deck.
- 7). Sand the edges and flat portions of the deck smooth with fine sandpaper. Then seal both sides of the deck with spray acrylic sealer.
- 8). Install the wheels on the board according to manufacturer's instructions.