Wrestplank: Trimming to size

The jagged back edge of the wrestplank was cut off using a tapering jig at an 8 degree angle, and the right-hand side was cut cleanly, resulting in a width of 770 mm: the first cut I've made to establish a final dimension in this project. This is about 1/2" more than the original, which allows me to add an extra pair of strings in the treble so the highest note (c''') will not be lost when the keyboard is transposed to the right.

Next, I cut a 20 mm rabbet along the underside of both the left and right edges, extending halfway through the thickness of the wrestplank. The rabbets will receive support blocks (basically 10 cm planks stood on edge) that hold the wrestplank up from the bottom, allowing room for the keyboard to slide in. The height of these blocks defines the depth of the interior of the instrument, as the liners must end up at the same level.

Below you can see the underside of the finished wrestplank and the rabbets, one of which is not visible due to the camera angle:


Here is a dry-fit of the left support block in its rabbet:


The joint between the wrestplank and its supports must be very strong. I'll put about a half-dozen 3/8" dowels through the wrestplank from above and sideways through the block to firmly pin this joint together.