Started rubbing out the finish this weekend

[Kevin Sjostrand]

Alright, I am very encouraged. I wet sanded the top further using 1500 grit and rebuffed using the Surbuf pad on my RO sander, and man does it look good. With VERY close inspection I can only find one of those tiny spots. I am very impressed with this Surbuf pad.
Before now, I have hand rubbed and done a final dry buff with a lambswool pad on my drill motor. I have to tell you that the pad works awesome. With rubbing compound, it took the scratches out in only a couple of minutes and left a glossy flat finish. Further buffing with Novus #2 polish and a new pad really brought out the shine. I had wiped a section with Novus #1 and it just sparkles.
I would highly recommend to you guys who are still hand rubbing, but don't have room for a floor buffer, or can't afford it to give these pads a try. I am using a single speed Harbor Freight RO sander (yeah, I know cheap) that cost $20 on sale. I will be looking for a variable speed unit for the next guitar so I have some control.
Check out Surbuf.com, or Woodcraft and Woodworkers Supply sell these things, two pads for about $13.
Here is a pic of the box.
Tonight I will wet sand my respray on the waists and finish the polishing, and glue on the bridge.
Onward!!

Kevin

[darren]

I was thinking about trying those, i think you or someone else posted about them maybe 6 mo. ago. What are you using for rubbing compound?

[Kevin Sjostrand]

Hey Darren,
I think it is John the violin maker who is also using these pads.
I am using 3M Rubbing compound, a smaller packaged product of their "Finnesit" product. The foam backing on these pads is thick enough to allow getting into the waist area.....but be careful as putting pressure along the edge becomes more agressive.
One thing I like is the pad does heat up the surface, but not quickly, so a burn through should not come as surprise using these.

Kevin

[Kevin Sjostrand]

Last night I carefully sanded the reprayed areas in both waists, and polished....it looks great, so I am basically done polishing now except for some touchup after it is all together and strung up.
I am learning alot about what to look for and what can happen with a sprayed on nitro finish.
Tonight I'll glue on the bridge and then spend some time with my wife. I should be able to get this puppy strung up this weekend. We shall see. Not much left to do.
Glue on the bridge
Mount the tuning machines
Attach the neck
Make the nut and saddle
Install the pickup
Glue in the label
String er up!
Take pictures and post them on this forum!! :>)

Kevin