FLAT BACK MANDOLIN

Today, had to fix three cracks which had opened up in this old mandolin's table. The maker's name is unfortunately illegible but it's probably Italian from around the 1930's. The craftsmanship is immaculate & the spruce used for the table beautifully straight-grained.

Doddle - Scotch tape as close as possible each side of the crack rubbed down good & flush - clamps or weights applied as necessary to bring the two sides perfectly level. Then drop in the super glue drip by drop, starting with the ultra fluid & filling with a more viscous version.

Roll a cigarette & make a cup of coffee while the super glue does its thing. Strip off the Scotch tape & with a chisel sharp enough to shave with, remove the excess glue. Then sand with 800 grit & slap on some varnish.

PS - unless you really know how to drive a deadly sharp chisel -  don't try this at home!!