The body "rib" is pre-bent. I just have to glue it to the neck.
I cut the fretwire and tapped the frets into the fingerboard. Also drilled holes for tuning keys.
View of the inside bracing with top glued in place
The top and back are glued on. -- The neck is still square.
The peg head is shaped and drilled.
I used a router to trim the top and back flush with the sides, then sanded everything smooth.
Attacking the instrument with a rasp is the best way to shape the back of the neck.
After this, sanding is required. Lots of sanding: hand sanding, block sanding, electric sanding.
The fretboard is glued in place, and the soundhole rosette is tested for size.
As the finish is wiped on, the color pops out. Now it's more than just a woodworking project.
The nut and bridge are installed, and the strings are on!
There are still some adjustments to make, but it is mostly finished.
The mandolin kit is a very enjoyable project.