It seems like the list of "things that need doing", never gets shorter while building a guitar. I decided to finish my guitar, prior to gluing the neck, bridge, fingerboard, and nut. After installing the rest of the stuff, I just touched up the finish.
I'm glad I did it that way, and I'm going to do it the same way when I build my 00.
A more-or-less copy of a Martin OM
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Diane Kauffmds
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MaineGeezer
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Re: A more-or-less copy of a Martin OM
For the next one I may at least put a sealer coat on the top, and perhaps the rest of it as well. I find that the top tends to get dirty and collect minor dings and nicks. A sealer coat might help keep the top clean -- or make it easier to clean -- and make the top a bit harder and less likely to dent.
Don't believe everything you know.
Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about.
When things are bad, try not to make them any worse, because it is quite likely they are bad enough already. - French Foreign Legion
Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about.
When things are bad, try not to make them any worse, because it is quite likely they are bad enough already. - French Foreign Legion
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Diane Kauffmds
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Re: A more-or-less copy of a Martin OM
A sealer coat is definitely needed. I learned that I needed it when I did the project guitar, because I kept having to sand the dirt off the top. For the OM, I put a coat of shellac on the top; it stayed clean and made a cleaner cut edge when routed for the binding.
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MaineGeezer
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Re: A more-or-less copy of a Martin OM
I haven't given up...other things have intervened and not much has happened on this project for a while. I've raised the grain and done final sanding. Carter has approved the fit of the neck joint "for now." Final fitting will occur after finishing.
I'm going to try the Aqua Coat grain filler. Still debating about the finish. French polishing, Tru-Oil, or spray lacquer. Carter is set up to spray lacquer. I'm no great hand with a spray gun, but I may try it. Or not. :) With Carter's coaching I might do an acceptable job.
I'm going to try the Aqua Coat grain filler. Still debating about the finish. French polishing, Tru-Oil, or spray lacquer. Carter is set up to spray lacquer. I'm no great hand with a spray gun, but I may try it. Or not. :) With Carter's coaching I might do an acceptable job.
Don't believe everything you know.
Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about.
When things are bad, try not to make them any worse, because it is quite likely they are bad enough already. - French Foreign Legion
Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about.
When things are bad, try not to make them any worse, because it is quite likely they are bad enough already. - French Foreign Legion
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MaineGeezer
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The finishing process has started
Here's a couple photos of the guitar with two sealer coats of shellac and an application of Aqua Coat grain filler, sanded with #400 sandpaper and rubbed down with 0000 steel wool. It still needs more sanding/rubbing, but it's not bad.
I'm still debating what the top finish will be.
I'm still debating what the top finish will be.
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Don't believe everything you know.
Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about.
When things are bad, try not to make them any worse, because it is quite likely they are bad enough already. - French Foreign Legion
Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about.
When things are bad, try not to make them any worse, because it is quite likely they are bad enough already. - French Foreign Legion
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johnnparchem
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Re: A more-or-less copy of a Martin OM
Looks like it is filling well. Looks good.
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MaineGeezer
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Re: A more-or-less copy of a Martin OM
It's getting there, but the pictures may look better than the reality. I think it still needs at least a couple more applications of the grain filler with associated sanding/rubdown. I'll see Carter on Monday and get his take on the state of things.
I suppose it largely depends on whether I want the "glass smooth" look or a surface with some amount of texture to it.
I suppose it largely depends on whether I want the "glass smooth" look or a surface with some amount of texture to it.
Don't believe everything you know.
Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about.
When things are bad, try not to make them any worse, because it is quite likely they are bad enough already. - French Foreign Legion
Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about.
When things are bad, try not to make them any worse, because it is quite likely they are bad enough already. - French Foreign Legion
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Diane Kauffmds
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Re: A more-or-less copy of a Martin OM
You're doing such a nice job on that guitar Steve!
I honestly think that the preparation for the finish is the most important step in finishing the guitar. If it's not done properly, the guitar will never look right. It's something that can't be rushed, and can occasionally be frustrating.
You've been careful, and systematic while building the guitar. I have no doubt whatsoever, that your guitar will exceed your expectations and will be fantastic. Hang in there! You're in the home stretch.
I honestly think that the preparation for the finish is the most important step in finishing the guitar. If it's not done properly, the guitar will never look right. It's something that can't be rushed, and can occasionally be frustrating.
You've been careful, and systematic while building the guitar. I have no doubt whatsoever, that your guitar will exceed your expectations and will be fantastic. Hang in there! You're in the home stretch.
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MaineGeezer
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Re: A more-or-less copy of a Martin OM
Here are a couple of pictures taken in the sunshine, after application of a couple coats of shellac, a couple coats of Aqua Coat, and some French polishing using tung oil with the shellac, with sanding between all those various layers. It still needs more sanding in a few places.
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Don't believe everything you know.
Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about.
When things are bad, try not to make them any worse, because it is quite likely they are bad enough already. - French Foreign Legion
Anything is possible if you don't know what you are talking about.
When things are bad, try not to make them any worse, because it is quite likely they are bad enough already. - French Foreign Legion
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Diane Kauffmds
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- Joined: Sun Mar 09, 2014 8:13 pm
Re: A more-or-less copy of a Martin OM
Holy cow Steve! I didn't realize that the back and sides had that waterfall (?) figure. Your choice of finish is bringing it out beautifully.