Build #3: sitka/black walnut 000

[nkwak]

Since the fretboard is bound I ordered a set of fret tang nippers. I’d try to make my own but they didn’t cut cleanly.

In anticipation I also just revisited my first build and installed gold EVO frets as a sort of practice.

[nkwak]

I ordered feet wire a long time ago and I’d forgotten that I’d ordered stainless steel. After cramping up my forearms and wrists on trimming and nipping it I’m wondering WTF was I thinking? Now I’m having trouble pressing them in. I thought I’d gotten the slots reasonably clear of debris and took a file to beveling the openings but they’re still proud in the middle.They came in a loop so now I’m trying to figure out how I can reverse crimp them. Is that a thing?

[nkwak]

I’ve decided to mount on the SS frets. Fortunately I live so close to a Stewmac announcer is pretty much a next day delivery.

[nkwak]

Ok, scratch the last. I pulled the SS frets and ordered nickel ones. It chewed up the slots some but I can live with it.



I’ve also shimmed the dovetail with mahogany veneer. I still don’t have it right yet. There appear to be some gaps in the joint.

[Kevin Sjostrand]

Looking real good Neil. Why are you changing frets?

If your fretboard is ebony (looks like it is) its really easy to fix any chip out along the fret slots. Do it after installing your new frets. A little ebony sawdust and ca then scrape it flush. Or do it before and put a piece wax paper folded over an old credit card that will fit in a fret slot. This acts as a dam. Then use the sawdust and ca to fix the chip out. I do this all the time. It won't show at all.

Have fun!

[nkwak]

Thanks, Kevin. The new frets are in and dressed. Not one is showed tang tear out but it’s good to know it’s any easy fix.

Meanwhile, my attempt to shim the neck didn’t seem to work the first time around. There’s some very slight play on one side of the dovetail. There’s a slight gap and the joint holds somewhat but will come loose if the guitar is on its side. I’ll have to address that again before plotting the bridge position.

So I’ve final sanded the sides, sealed the back and sides with a spit coat of 1 lb cut shellac. Then I did another 1 lb cut pass with a sprinkle of white pumice powder. It mostly did the job but I’ll either have to do another pass and/or sand the sides again. Two steps forward one step back.

Anyway, here’s how it looks now:

[nkwak]

I’m about 6 coats into French polishing this build. I’d forgotten that this walnut had flaming to it. The increase thickness of the finish has firmed up the dovetail for too so I can hang it between sessions:

[phavriluk]

S-M sells a nonstick sheet that fret slot dams can be slice off of. Bought one myself, just before the free-shipping-for-a-year ran out.