The second hardest part of any project is starting.
(In case you’re wondering… The hardest part is finishing.)
![]() |
King Uke’s Sharkfin Ukulele |
I’m happy to say that I have now officially started my Sharkfin Ukulele build. Today it was all about wood. I started with a big bit and ended up with two small bits. Here’s how I did it…
![]() |
I’ve leveled wood using a router before. This time I figured that I’d try out a different technique. Perhaps an electric planer would do the trick? Here’s what I bought… a Wolf 900 watt 3-bladed Rebate Planer. It’s huge! A big chunky monster! Would I be man enough to tame it? It was only when it had arrived that I started searching the internet for hints on how I might use it. Watching the videos I began to experience that same sinking feeling I got when I decided that I would learn how to plaster my living room wall. You don’t learn anything without giving it a go. On the plastering… it was a complete disaster… I won’t be trying that again. |
![]() |
Check out this snippet from the Wolf instruction manual. It’s shocking! See the pictures. I think they must have been taken by Mr Magoo! |
![]() |
Here’s the finished product. It’s not completely true and probably a smidgen thicker than I want it. |
I’ve begun! Hooray!
In my last ukulele build the most important component was the bridge. I found it to be a fantastic reference-point for ensuring that the whole kingcaster instrument was in proportion. This time I think that the most important component will be the tuning pegs. I’ve ordered a couple of different sets to muse over. My perfect choice would be some planetary geared banjo tuners, but the cost has put me off this option (so far). I’m going to wait for my tuners to arrive before I do any more.
My next post on this build will hopefully be a more in-depth look at my Sharkfin ukulele pattern. Then I’ll tackle the body…
Comments welcome…