Getting there! Richard's rim is all set for final sanding, a nice 12" block black walnut rim with Ebony cap, binding, Rosewood integral tone ring with a 1/4" round rod on top, my favourite combination. It will eventually have a Goat skin stretched on, the specs are very similar to my personal banjo.
Inlaid the MOP star position markers today, and shaped the peghead yesterday (first time for this shape). Depending how things go next week, I'm hoping to tackle the peghead inlay.
Tony's banjo is still giving me a headache, next job will be cutting the heel around the flange! The original Ashborn banjos I've looked at had weedy little heels that finished above the flange but I prefer the heel to be deeper for better rim contact, stability and looks, so I've decided to take it to the bottom of the rim with a cutout for the flange and a 2-point fixing. Another option would be to cut out a section of the flange to take the neck but I feel this would weaken the flange too much. If all goes to plan I should have the frets in and be carving the neck by the end of next week!

Thought I'd mention, I'll be updating my prices page for the start of 2018, a few of the options will be included in the base price but there will also be a slight increase in price. I have a few spaces left toward the end of next year so if you would like to get an order in and take advantage of the current price list give me a shout before January.

I've been plodding along with Tony's 'Ashborn' inspired banjo the last couple of weeks, I spent a long time chewing over how I could make the flange strong enough. In the end I went for a 2-layer block constructed Maple flange, sandwiched in between a 2-ply steam bent Maple rim. I also inlaid a nice looking strip around the flange, making it pretty robust even if it's not historically correct!
I've also glued up Dave's Walnut neck blank and the gigantic long neck Maple blank for Les, these will be ready to work on after Christmas. The next few weeks I'll be working on both Tony's and Richard's banjos simultaneously, both banjos have challenges ahead but it's all good fun :)

Nearly finished Steve's mountain banjo, didn't quite have enough time to string it up but should be plunking away Monday.

Elsewhere in the workshop, Tony's Maple neck blank is glued up and Rosewood fingerboard planed ready for slotting, I'll be scratching my head trying to figure out the best way to construct an 'Ashborn' inspired rim! Richard's Walnut banjo needs the the Rosewood tonering glued on before getting on with shaping, fretting, inlaying etc. etc. etc.