First Build - 12 Fret

Take us through building your guitar step by step. Post pictures and tell us what you're doing.
turnertj
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Re: First Build - 12 Fret

Post by turnertj »

So I polished up the epoxy filler today, and it seemed to go okay. There is still a little gap in there, so I will most likely try it once more, with less epoxy this time, to do the final fill.

Also, I worked on the fretboard. It only took me about an hour to fret my fretboard with an arbor press. I still have to sand it down in places, but I think it went okay. All the frets appear to be on the same level when examined with a straight edge.
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Tj Turner
Author, Scientist, bumbling Luthier
Author of Lincoln's Bodyguard
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turnertj
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Re: First Build - 12 Fret

Post by turnertj »

Making a little progress. I got the fingerboard fretted, though it still needs some polishing. Then I pre-finished up the neck! Cutting the lead ins for the slots on the slot-head was a pain. But I think I have it now.

I'm waiting for some z-poxy to show up, then I'll try pore filling!
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Tj Turner
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Author of Lincoln's Bodyguard
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deadedith

Re: First Build - 12 Fret

Post by deadedith »

That's going to really fine. I'm enjoying following your progress.
Kevin Sjostrand
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Re: First Build - 12 Fret

Post by Kevin Sjostrand »

Your headstock looks great TJ. Your fretboard extension lies nice and flat now.
Good job.

Kevin
johnnparchem
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Re: First Build - 12 Fret

Post by johnnparchem »

Nice job on the neck and headstock.
turnertj
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Re: First Build - 12 Fret

Post by turnertj »

Well I've been busy trying to learn finishing techniques. I pore filled with Z-poxy, 3 times, and it looked pretty good at that point. I settled on French Polish (Freedom Polish?) for my first attempt out. I don't have a spray booth setup, so I thought I wouldn't gas out the kids and wife with lacquer or anything else on the first one, or I may never be allowed to make another! The FP is pretty benign that way. I got O'Brien's DVD on the method...and it was a HUGE help. And our own Johnparchem had some sage advice as well. That's the easiest procedure I found online for how to FP, and watching him do it really helps guide you through it. I only deviated by using ubeat shellac from LMI. It's supposed to setup and crosslink in a few weeks, making a more durable shellac finish.

But even with the DVD I messed up bad the first time out. It just looked bad on the back. So I brought it all down to the wood, put another layer of z-poxy on, and then re-started. I got the back done in one day...which is to say, I did 3 sessions, then leveled the finish with 1500 grit paper, then did another 3 sessions. It's not perfect, but it's good enough for this first attempt.
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Last edited by turnertj on Mon Feb 27, 2012 8:41 am, edited 1 time in total.
Tj Turner
Author, Scientist, bumbling Luthier
Author of Lincoln's Bodyguard
www.tjturnerauthor.com
turnertj
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Re: First Build - 12 Fret

Post by turnertj »

And here's my neck done with Tru-oil. I pore filled three times with z-poxy first, and then put on 2 coats of tru-oil.
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Tj Turner
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Author of Lincoln's Bodyguard
www.tjturnerauthor.com
johnnparchem
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Re: First Build - 12 Fret

Post by johnnparchem »

Looking good.
turnertj
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Re: First Build - 12 Fret

Post by turnertj »

Thanks John...and thanks for all the advice on the FP! I think it's coming along okay.
Tj Turner
Author, Scientist, bumbling Luthier
Author of Lincoln's Bodyguard
www.tjturnerauthor.com
Kevin Sjostrand
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Joined: Sat Feb 09, 2008 8:06 pm
Location: Visalia, CA

Re: First Build - 12 Fret

Post by Kevin Sjostrand »

Very nice. Love the contrast of wood on the body.

Kevin
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