Plausibility of 6- or 8-string conversion

I have a student who is fairly skilled at woodworking (I teach Music, not woodworking), and he was wondering about converting his laminate 4-string concert into either a Lili'u or a full 8-string. I think there are a number of problems, but my main concern was tension. How much extra bracing do 6- and 8-strings have? If his ukulele is just going to snap like a twig, I'll tell him it's a non-starter.

Thanks.

Any other reasons not to let him take out his design concepts on a hapless ukulele are equally welcome...

(And no, he is in no position to afford a 6- or 8-string himself)

Bracing is one issue. I brace 8 strings a little heavier, in addition to a slightly thicker top. But a laminate is likely overbuilt and may hold the tension fine.

A big concern for me would be the string spacing. I make my 8 sring fretboards considerably wider than 4 strings. Doubling the strings may make them awfully close together.

Take care,
Thomas

It probably wouldn't snap like a twig....but maybe warp over time (a few years)
Most 8 string ukes I've seen have about an 1/8th in wider neck. I'm not sure about six strings. If he doesn't mind a cramped string arrangement then go for it

I play 8 strings almost exclusively, and I would have to say 8 strings on a regular neck would (most likely) be difficult to fret. Unless this person has extremely thin fingers I would advise against it.