Classical guitar Body FP finished

[johnnparchem]

Before starting finishing for the top I thought it prudent to carve a bridge. It was too many photos for this block so I posted the processes in a separate post: viewtopic.php?f=5&t=6198

Here are the still somewhat rough results.

[johnnparchem]

I still have a bit of FP to do on the back and sides but I thought I would place the bridge, fret the guitar and prep the top for FP before I went back to finishing.

I used my luthier suppliers center line tool to place and square the bridge to the neck. I use a 1/4 brass bar to set my nut spacing, in this case I can use it to assure the tool is at the nut position. I have marks for the different sized fret boards I use. A note of caution to those who read this, double check fret measuring tools. I have an ibex fret ruler and its standard classical scale is not any standard I know. It would have placed the bridge about 4 mm long. (that is more than the 652 I was looking for.)





Once the bridge is placed I tape around it then use that tape to place a strip I will keep clean during the FP.
A TIP: Dog ear the tape to make it easy to get an end to peal off. I am trying to have a nail mark free top this time.





I was afraid I would chip off the point if I hammered in the two partial frets. I filed off the barbs, pressed them in and super glued them in.





I use a spray bottle and a bit of glue before I pound in the frets. I also used a triangle file to bevel the edges.
Tool Tip The seabag is a soft diving weight filled with 4 pounds of lead shot.




Part of the advantage of putting the frets on after gluing the fret board to the neck. I was able to level sand the fret board in location. Each and every fret is touching the straight edge. There was no need to level and redress the frets.



I use a stewmac fret file (seen in the back ground) To clean the fret to the edge of the fret board and then put a slight bevel on the frets. I use the pictured fret file to round the edges. I like this file as it has a rounded save edge (totally safe on the wood) and a flat safe edge. Need to be carefull with the edge.





So now the top is prepped with a new was coat of shellac. Here is where I am.

[robbie o'brien]

[quote="johnnparchem"]Sorry you have to indulge me, here are a few pictures after one session of FP on the back and sides. I have not started the top.

I can not say enough about Robbie O'Brien French polishing technique and his on line class. I have successfully learned a few different methods including Milbure's. Robbie's is the clearest most straight forward, and repeatable method I have tried. He takes the magic out of the process and puts it in the results.


Thank you John for the endorsement. Your guitar looks wonderful!
Happy Finishing!

[johnnparchem]

I still really need to do a bit more work finishing the guitar.r I used a vacuum clamp to glue on the bridge; I probably should have waited another day or two as the gasket really marred to FP in in one area. I ended up having to sand that area. I now have the finish built back up but where I sanded it is slightly lighter than the surrounding wood. At this point I will leave it for a week. I am wondering as the finish cures the color will start to match better. We shall see. I am not above taking the whole top finish down and starting all over.

In any case I made a rough cut nut and saddle, stung the E strings and got to hear the guitar. It sounds like it will be OK. All of my geometry is spot on so the guitar will set up nicely.

[Kevin Sjostrand]

Bummer on the finish John, but it will probably blend in fine I'm thinking.
I know you will do a video so we can hear it, right?

Kevin

[musicman2000]

Can't wait to see the finished product.

Tom

[johnnparchem]

Sure I will do a video with my embarrassing playing. Btw... anyone who reads my posts know that I will never let anything sit for a week like I suggested in my last post. I went back and looked and ultimately the light area was not the issue. The area around my repair had built up creating a visible line that made the repair area look light. So with 600 grit sandpaper I sanded down the area around the repair, easy with a block did a couple more FP sessions and now all looks good. I should be finished with the top and neck tomorrow.

[johnnparchem]

I finished the FP today on the body. I still have just a bit of work to do on the neck and head plate veneer and after the finish cures for a day or two I will hand buff the finish. Here are a few pictures on how it turned out. The next post will be in show it off.

[SKBarbour]

Beautiful job John! I bet it will sound just as good as it looks.