Constructing the Laser-cut folding ukulele

This folding ukulele is a soprano-size instrument that can be folded up into a package measuring about 9 inches long max. I bring mine everywhere! Here's a short video on how it works:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gaFRbOb6lw&feature=channel_video_title

Follow these picture steps to construct your own folding ukulele from kit. The kit is available from www.ponoko.com/showroom/chosetec.

Before you get started...

- Please thoroughly read through these instructions before building.
- Test-fit all the pieces before gluing them together.
-  Note that all joints are to be glued unless otherwise specified. Pay close attention to the parts that are not to be glued.

You will need...

  1) Folding Ukulele Kit, available from  http://ponoko.com/showroom/chosetec
  2) Wood glue (such as Titebond II or superglue)
  3) Four cylindrical magnets, 0.25” diameter and 0.125” thick.
  4) Sandpaper, 150 grit and 220 grit.
  5) A small, flat file (like a needle file or slightly larger)
  6) A set of ukulele strings (or similar gauge fishing line:            0.024”, 0.032”, 0.034”, and 0.028” diameters)
  7) Two lengths of 0.25" hardwood dowel - 3.5" long and 1.75" long

Take your time and enjoy the building process, and of course enjoy your Folding Ukulele anywhere you go!

                        - Brian Chan

Step 1: Constructing the head

The first component we will construct is the head, or pegbox, of the ukulele. It houses the pegs on which the strings will be wrapped. Because there is quite a bit of force on the pegs from the tension of the strings, it's important to make sure all the joints are well-glued.

Remember to dry-fit each part before gluing them together.

Comments

[Tinworm]

Brian, the coolest (and very cleverest bit) is the way you made the Frets with sloping layers. Is that just a cool gimmick or is the sound not compromised at all?

[Tinworm]

Utterly incredible. Am blown away!
Bravo!

[danm_daniel]

Unreal. Amazing!

[jhorvath]

Ditto neufuture re: selling the print/cut files!

I have a Universal laser and would LOVE to cut the bamboo out myself. Any chance? I haven't ever signed up to be a maker for Ponoko, but we've been emailing back and forth for four years or so....not that that makes much of a difference, but I really really really want to cut one out and make a folding uku myself. Willing to pay for plans! I use CorelDRAW. Fingers crossed! Makes typing harder but will hopefully work this time!

Jen
Owner
Laser It All, Toledo OH

[neufuture]

Amazing design! Have you considered selling/offer the design files?

[CHARLESCRANFORD]

What a great idea. I like that the kits are bamboo plywood. Just curious, what cad program did you use and how many prototypes did you make? Going to order one soon.

Thanks,

Charles

[chosetec]

Hi Charles,
I've made about five prototypes, with variations between each one. I used Rhino3D to do the design, but only as a 2D drafting program. After that I did use illustrator to edit the blueprints before I sent them to ponoko.com.

Thanks for writing!

[CHARLESCRANFORD]

Thanks. My brain is itching with ideas.