Fuji Q3 Platinum Frustration

The Achilles' Heel of Luthiery
G650Driver
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Joined: Fri Jan 01, 2016 9:16 pm
Location: Mount Ulla, North Carolina

Re: Fuji Q3 Platinum Frustration

Post by G650Driver »

The 1.3mm cap set may improve things. That is definitely something on my try list. John talked me off the cliff today... I'd sure toss the Fuji rig over right now. Nah, I know the Fuji is a good system, I just need to follow John's council and make some adjustments with the product and my technique. Learning curves can make for some challenging times.

Thanks to all, and thank you John for the advise.

Mark M
NC
tippie53
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Re: Fuji Q3 Platinum Frustration

Post by tippie53 »

we are always here to help never be afraid to ask thats what this forum is about
John Hall
Blues Creek Guitars Inc
Authorized CF Martin Repair Center
president of Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans
http://www.bluescreekguitars.com
tippie53
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Re: Fuji Q3 Platinum Frustration

Post by tippie53 »

here is what you can do once you work through the learning curve
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John Hall
Blues Creek Guitars Inc
Authorized CF Martin Repair Center
president of Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans
http://www.bluescreekguitars.com
TEETERFAN
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Location: Kansas City, MO

Re: Fuji Q3 Platinum Frustration

Post by TEETERFAN »

Awesome self-portrait, John.
Kevin Doty
Kansas City
tippie53
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Re: Fuji Q3 Platinum Frustration

Post by tippie53 »

yup thats my skinny mirro
John Hall
Blues Creek Guitars Inc
Authorized CF Martin Repair Center
president of Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans
http://www.bluescreekguitars.com
G650Driver
Posts: 10
Joined: Fri Jan 01, 2016 9:16 pm
Location: Mount Ulla, North Carolina

Re: Fuji Q3 Platinum Frustration

Post by G650Driver »

That really looks awesome John!
Bob Gleason
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Re: Fuji Q3 Platinum Frustration

Post by Bob Gleason »

I've sprayed lacquer for a long time and have gone through 3 Fuji Systems. All of them worked great, usually. Spraying lacquer is like learning your ABC's.Takes lots of practice. There will be a few spray sessions that go great and you'll think you've got it, but you don't. There is no magic formula, unless you have perfect control over your spraying conditions, which very few have. John is pretty close to that it sounds like. Sure would make life easier.I'll just throw in one more variable to try. Often, depending on the weather, phase of the moon and how many black cats stroll by, it helps me quite a bit. Heating the lacquer is a real PITA, but it sometimes makes the difference between really glass like coats and **** coats for me. My target heat is about 125 degrees. --Bob
G650Driver
Posts: 10
Joined: Fri Jan 01, 2016 9:16 pm
Location: Mount Ulla, North Carolina

Re: Fuji Q3 Platinum Frustration

Post by G650Driver »

Thanks for the tips Bob. It’s encouraging to hear that you had success with the Fuji system. As for heating the lacquer... Before spraying, I poured (filtered) lacquer into a clean mason jar, sealed it, and placed it into a bucket of hot water. I also took a heat gun to the instrument just to raise the surface temp slightly. I even heated the spray gun. I sprayed the lacquer without thinning. John gave me a formula that might help things a bit. On John's guidance, I purchased a no-blush retarder in the same Mohawk product line. I'll add the retarder and some lacquer thinner next time. Hopefully I'll see better results. Just haven’t had the opportunity, but looking forward to another attempt. I’ll post back with the results.

Thanks!
Mark M
NC
tippie53
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Joined: Fri Mar 03, 2006 7:09 pm
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Re: Fuji Q3 Platinum Frustration

Post by tippie53 »

finish work is about as much technique and process as it is material
Never a dull moment
John Hall
Blues Creek Guitars Inc
Authorized CF Martin Repair Center
president of Association of Stringed Instrument Artisans
http://www.bluescreekguitars.com
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