2010 TDPRI $210 Tele Build Challenge - RooftopCaster

I'll throw my hat into the ring and give it a whirl. This one will probably outweigh the concrete-caster. It'll be a Rosewood and maple sandwich body and a rosewood neck. I already have the lumber for the body, I just need to locate a slab for the neck.

This guitar was going to be lucky number 13 in the series but I'll move it's production to the front in order to meet the competition deadline.

Now all I need is a little co-operation from mother nature. last time I looked, there was over a foot of snow on my "workbench".

Here are the required photos of the woods I'm planning on using.

As you can see, there will be much milling and joining of wood. My plan is to cut the cut the long piece into 3 before cleaning up the sides and re-sawing into 13/16 thick boards. Then I will attempt to match the grains for a couple of glue-ups the represent the bread of the sandwich. The meat/cheese will consist of thin slices of maple that will be about 1/8 inch thick. I plan on routing the wings of the glue-up before assembling the top and bottom.

Good luck!

Now all I need is a little co-operation from mother nature. last time I looked, there was over a foot of snow on my "workbench".

With more coming down right now :roll:

Dig a pony.

What Else do we need - I'm sure I've missed something.
(not sure if sandpaper is considered a tool)

Body Lumber - Primary
Body Lumber - Secondary
Neck Lumber
Skunk Stripe Lumber
Neck Dot Material - large and small
Glue
Truss Rod
Truss Rod Anchor
Truss Rod Nut
Frets
Tuners
Nut
String Tee
Bridge
Control Plate
Pot 1
Pot 2
Cap
3-way Switch
Jack
Wire/Solder
Pickguard Material
Assorted Screws
String Ferrules
Bridge Pickup
Neck Pickup
Neck Plate
Strap Pins
Decal
Lacquer
Strings

Lists are cool. I oughta make mine more concise. And that's what I'm gonna do!

(not sure if sandpaper is considered a tool)


I dunno, but my pine build is gumming up quality sandpaper like nobody's business.

Hi folks,

Week 1 of this project is over and I am already shifting lanes from my original plan. Cutting and milling rosewood will do that to you. the 2 x 4 x 72 inch slab that was my body is now three necks. The body lumber is in route, and will not be re-sawn and milled from a single slab. what was i thinking?

I started out with 1 big ole' heavy board and now have 6 smaller heavy boards.

1 - cut 26" lengths of the 2 x 4
2 - cut each of those into three 1 and 1/8" x 2" pieces
3 - square up 1 side and both the top and bottom of each piece.

I didn't glue up the pieces yet because I think there might be some precautions that I should take when gluing up rosewood. I was right, and wrong. The edges need to be cleaned with acetone before applying the glue.
The downside is that all this should be done immediately after cutting and joining. I will have to give each edge a quick shave next time.

Parts are starting to trickle in and I am not concerned about exceeding the maximum price set. Building the neck, truss-rod, and picking up pre-owned components keep the overhead down. Well that's not entirely true, I could have purchased a 40 neck but it wouldn't have been rosewood, it wouldn't have been a 9.5 radius and it probably wouldn't have fit.

I will upload the pics in a few days.

tootles - jb

The parts are starting to trickle in - here are some pickups, neck-plates and control-plates and the milled 2-piece rosewood neck blanks. I'll shoot a picture of the jig I came up with to make these this weekend.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_03.jpg

A close-up of the headstock with the paper pattern cut out of the printed pdf file.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_04.jpg

here is the bridge I'll use. I picked it up on the 'bay already loaded - 26.00
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_05.jpg

An assortment of tools I plan on using.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_06.jpg

When I pulled up in the drive, I saw something in the front door. My rosewood planks for the body and some truss-rod material.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_07.jpg

A close-up of the 1018 low-carbon steel. These are 3/16 for the truss-rod and 3/8 for the anchor and nuts. There should be enough for 16 necks - or about 83 cents per truss rod.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_08.jpg

I'll be happy if I get through half of these tasks.


1. glue up rosewood neck blanks.
2. cut rosewood body planks to 17" lengths.
3. design and build surface planer jig for my router.
4. cut out mdf templates for body, neck, pickguard.
5. build truss rod channel cutter and neck radius jig (same jig).
6. cut 1/8" maple strips for sandwich innards.
7. plane 2-piece rosewood neck blanks to 1".
8. plane all rosewood body planks to 13/16".
9. cut 3/8 steel into truss rod nuts and anchors.
10. cut 3/16 steel into truss rod lengths.
11. cut 10-32 threads onto truss rod ends.
12. drill pilot holes for TR nuts and anchors.
13. tap 10-32 threads into TR nuts and anchors.

tootles - jb

Looking forward to seeing your progress! Hope you have a good weekend.

the rosewood neck has been cleaned, glued and clamped. I need more clamps - you can never have enough clamps.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_13.jpg

I don't have a joiner or a surface planer but I do have long, thick and straight pieces of steel. That and a router, and a bit with a bearing can almost do as good of a job.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_12.jpg

nice and flat, just add a little jitterbug sanding and it will be smooth as glass. at least it will be flat.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_11.jpg

I fabricated a couple of rails and bolted them to the router base. They ride along two pieces of steel to give a decent flat surface. Good thing, this rough sawn rosewood is bumpy, and wavy. not for long.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_10.jpg

the pdf printout is adhered to the mdf. I'm not entirely sold on this stuff. It seems to be a bit wimpy. I'm wondering if particle board might make for a better template.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_09.jpg

I was unable to work today (Sunday) but still was able to cross some stuff off of my todo list.

1. glue up rosewood neck blanks. - yes
2. cut rosewood body planks to 17" lengths. - yes
3. design and build surface planer jig for my router. - yes
4. cut out mdf templates for body, neck, pickguard.- some - not sold on mdf yet
5. build truss rod channel cutter and neck radius jig (same jig). - still on the drawing board.
6. cut 1/8" maple strips for sandwich innards. - nope
7. plane 2-piece rosewood neck blanks to 1". - yes
8. plane all rosewood body planks to 13/16". - half done
9. cut 3/8 steel into truss rod nuts and anchors. - nope
10. cut 3/16 steel into truss rod lengths. - nope
11. cut 10-32 threads onto truss rod ends. - nope
12. drill pilot holes for TR nuts and anchors. - nope
13. tap 10-32 threads into TR nuts and anchors. - nope

Like the idea of a rosewood build. Looking forward to seeing how you handle the truss rod construction. I jusr received steel for that very thing. Though I missed the fine print on the McMaster site where it said I ordered 6 feet of 3/8" steel! :-) Oh well, enough nut & anchor material for life!
If you find a better template material, holler. The particle board available locally is the large chunk, floor underlayment variety. I assume you're thinking of something w/ finer particles? If it would cut down on the brown cloud of mdf dust, I'd be all for giving it a try.
Thanks for sharing your build!

To do week 3:
1. cut out templates for body, neck, pickguard.
2. build truss rod channel cutter and neck radius jig (same jig).
3. cut 1/8" maple strips for sandwich innards.
4. plane all rosewood body planks to 13/16".
5. cut 3/8" steel into truss rod nuts and anchors.
6. cut 3/16" steel into truss rod lengths.
7. cut 10-32 threads onto truss rod ends.
8. drill pilot holes for TR nuts and anchors.
9. tap 10-32 threads into TR nuts and anchors.
10. glue-up body top, bottom, and middle
11. cut out neck
12. route truss rod channel.
13. cut skunk stripe blanks.

Below is my updated materials list.
I guess I am alot farther along than I thought.
3 weeks ago I had only the list.


Materials List:
*** Body Lumber - Primary - rosewood - ebay
*** Body Lumber - Secondary - leftover maple - ebay
*** Neck Lumber - rosewood - ebay
*** Skunk Stripe Lumber - leftover maple - ebay
*** Neck Dot Material - large - 1/4 inch dowel - Home Depot
Neck Dot Material - Small
*** Glue - titebond II - Home Depot
*** Truss Rod 3/16 1018 low carbon steel - Midwest Metals, ebay
*** Truss Rod Anchor 3/8 1018 low carbon steel - Midwest Metals, ebay
*** Truss Rod Nut 3/8 1018 low carbon steel - Midwest Metals, ebay
*** Frets FW7400 - LMI
*** Tuners - Guitar Fetish
*** Nut - Gordy
*** String Tee - Gordy - Guitar Fetish
*** Bridge - 60's tele - ebay or AzGuitarParts
*** Control Plate - loaded ebay
*** Pot 1 - na
*** Pot 2 - na
*** Cap - na
*** 3-way Switch - na
*** Jack with cup - ebay - & guitar Fetish
*** Wire/Solder - in shed
*** Pickguard Material 1/16 garolite from Mcmaster-Carr
Assorted Screws - Northside Truevalue Hardware - use blackguard book for specs
*** String Ferrules - Gordy - Ebay - Guitar Fetish
*** Bridge Pickup loaded with bridge - ebay - AzGuitarParts
*** Neck Pickup - ebay
*** Neck Plate - ebay
*** Strap Pins - ebay
Decal - hand paint with detail brush and silver lacquer
Finish - Deft or Rustolium clear lacquer - Walmart
*** Strings - from inventory

Tools to get:
1/4 & 1/2" Particle board for templates and jigs - Home Depot/Lowes
10-32 die for cutting TR threads - Home Depot/Lowes
new carbide tipped table saw blade - Home Depot/Lowes
2" tall spindle sander cylinder bit for drill press conversion.

*** - Denotes material already obtained

I decided to use plywood instead of the MDF for my templates.
Let the process begin

First use the bandsaw on the template - don't get greedy! stay away from the black line. That's what "spindle sanders" are for.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_14.jpg

Now it is time to get close to the line - Real close
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_15.jpg

How to adhere the template to the neck blank and keep it centered.
Use the ends of the truss rod channels to drill a couple of small holes.
First mark the position with a drill bit.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_16.jpg

Then drill a small hole - not too deep maybe 1/4 inch
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_17.jpg

with the lines marked and the template mounting holes drilled - use the bandsaw and cut it out.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_21.jpg

A slight countersink for . . .
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_18.jpg

a small 3/4" flathead woodscrew
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_19.jpg

screw it down to the neck blank - That template is not going anywhere.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_20.jpg

I use scraps from both the template and neck blank to support the baseplate of the router. Same height - makes sense to me.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_22.jpg

I took a 1/4 inch deep rout for a first pass all around.
Then I switched bits to a 1 inch bit and finished the rout. I was very carefull not to take too much at a time - listen to the router. if the motor slows down, you are taking too much.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_23.jpg

The neck profile is complete - next time - the truss rod channel
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_24.jpg

I use scraps from both the template and neck blank to support the baseplate of the router. Same height - makes sense to me.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_22.jpg


Makes sense to me too - I just never thought of it. Good idea!

1. cut out templates for body, neck, pick-guard. - again
2. build truss rod channel cutter and neck radius jig (same jig).
2a. build thingy to cut out the thingies (using router) used for the radius jig thingy.
3. finish cutting 1/8" maple strips for sandwich innards.
4. plane all rosewood body planks to 13/16".
5. truss rod
6. glue-up body top, bottom, and middle (not in that order)
7. route truss rod channel.
8. cut skunk stripe blanks.
9. design and build fret bender
10. design and build router table

Well we are getting near the half way point and I am probably about 1/8 the through this project. In my mind I'm gigging already but we all know how that goes. My goal by Sunday is to take some photographs of my project and have the average person be able to tell what I'm building.

If I am able to get the body blank all glued up and ready to cut I will be happy. The body will consist of 4 piece rosewood top, 10-12 pieces of maple for the middle and 3-piece rosewood back. I'll be putting the router through it's paces this weekend - along with the shop-vac.

tootles - jb

Since I was not satisfied with my first neck, I've decided to glue-up a couple more pieces of rosewood and try again. I'll use the first neck to test out my radius jig thingy.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_25.jpg

With that drying, It's time to continue slicing up some maple for my body sandwich innards. I got me one of those big carbide tipped blades for this.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_26.jpg

I think I have enough slices. the body template is completely covered.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_27.jpg

Now back to my handy dandy surface planer. I'll just screw on the two rails that I fabricated and go at it for a couple hours. I'll take off about 1/16" at a time until I am at 13/16" for all 6 body planks.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_28.jpg

With all six body planks surfaced and joined(took off the rails for joining) I lined up the pieces for grain matching. As you can see, there is about 1 1/2" of wood still missing, Oh wait there it is - on the right. I'll trace the outline and trim off a piece to add after the glue-up is dry.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_29.jpg

This is the other 3 pieces in the clamps. The big piece on top is a hunk of steel about 5/8" thick and flat as can be. weighs plenty but still clamped it flat to the table top.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_30.jpg

Well, getting chilly out here in the garage, time to retire to the indoor work area. but first, a little clean-up. Who am I kidding. I made a tremendous mess. Nothing little about it. note to self - empty shop vac and replace filter.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_31.jpg

As promised - there is no doubt that a telecaster has been conceived on this day.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_32.jpg

Well I was able to get some stuff done this weekend even despite the crappy weather. I just wish our Spartans would blow somebody out once in a while so I don't have to sit on the edge of my chair for the entire game and I might just get a little bit more work done. I finally sold myself on the idea that mdf can be used to make a decent template and went that route. I am going to create a new neck template out of mdf but am going to rely more on the edge of a steel plate than I am a printed piece of paper to get a straight line. It seems that my original template was not truly straight. bowed slightly from left to right. and of course, the neck came out just like the template. Not really all that bad - maybe 1/20" or so. enough to notice. The main goal for this weekend was to complete all of the thickness planing of the body planks and get them glued up. I mocked up a sample configuration and will try to adhere to it.

here is my updated list:

1. cut out templates for body, neck, pick-guard. body yes, neck nope, pick-guard - huh??
2. build truss rod channel cutter and neck radius jig (same jig). - nope
2a. build thingy to cut out the thingies (using router) used for the radius jig thingy. - nope
3. finish cutting 1/8" maple strips for sandwich innards. - yes
4. plane all rosewood body planks to 13/16". a big yes and a big mess.
5. truss rod - made some test threads - passed inspection
6. glue-up body top, bottom, and middle - yes, yes, and sorta
7. route truss rod channel. - nope
8. cut skunk stripe blanks. - no but this is a two minute task
9. design and build fret bender - in my head only
10. design and build router table - might splurge this week and get a real one


till next time - Tootles - jb

Here is my to do list for this weekend.

1. MDF Template for neck, neck route, pick guard
2. build truss rod channel cutter and neck radius jig (same jig).
3. build thingy to cut out the thingies (using router) used for the radius jig thingy.
4. truss rod
5. route out neck shape and truss rod channel
6. cut skunk stripe blanks.
7. design and build fret bender. (on the cheap)
8. design and build router table (on the cheap)

There is a new house being built across the street and I planned on doing a bit of dumpster diving for router table materials.
But just for the heck of it I looked them up on the internet. One thing led to another and before I knew it, I was loading a box into the back seat of my Buick. Not quite a router table, but the next best thing.

Just drill three small holes and 1 big hole and you're done.

http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/workstand.jpg
Adjustable Height Heavy Duty Workstation

22 bucks on sale this week at Harbour Freight
item number 46725-8VGA

wow this is great

I just wish our Spartans would blow somebody out once in a while so I don't have to sit on the edge of my chair for the entire game and I might just get a little bit more work done.


till next time - Tootles - jb

For what it's worth, it was a great game, and of course I wish my beloved Vols would have won. Also for what it's worth, I hope you guys crush Duke and win it all :wink:

Dave

...Not quite a router table, but the next best thing.

Just drill three small holes and 1 big hole and you're done.

http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/workstand.jpg
Adjustable Height Heavy Duty Workstation

22 bucks on sale this week at Harbour Freight
item number 46725-8VGA

Hmmm... I'll be interested to see how this works out as a router table!

Edit: Did you notice that they have a router insert plate for $20?

Jim

I broke open the 22 dollar workstand and checked it out. looks like the housing to the router will go right here. 45 minutes later the stand/router table is complete.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_33.jpg

I need a new neck template. this time I'll use a piece of steel to connect the lines. the paper printout was not straight last time.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_34.jpg

using the same mounting technique as last time, the neck is ready to rout. I'll take off a 1/4 inch at a time.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_35.jpg

after the second pass, I removed the template and proceeded to take another 1/4 inch pass. using this table is way better than trying to balance the router and all that.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_36.jpg

for the 4th and final pass, i changed to my longest bit and finished it off.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_37.jpg

Now for the true test, 2 3/16ths at the heel.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_38.jpg

The best part of using this table is that the whole thing can be picked up and moved . . . OUTSIDE! - my shop vac is thanking me. I'm thinking he is tired of eating Rosewood chips morning noon and night.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_39.jpg

Using my little bandsaw to cut out the rosewood top.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_40.jpg

remember that 1 1/2 inch piece I was talking about? . . . glued and clamped.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_41.jpg

I glued and clamped the sandwich innards a few pieces at a time. when it's all glued up, I'll trim it up and rout the body with my handy dandy cheapo BadAss router table.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_42.jpg

Looks like you're doing quite well there. That wood is going to look nice! I have to say that, while I do like a good paint job, it's hard to beat Mother Nature!

The router table solution is very clever. Looks to me like you could soup it up quite easily if you wanted and turn it into one of those rigs like you see in Fine Woodworking.

Great thread Motor, really like the detail. Can't wait to see the work on the truss rod itself.

today's work starts out with some brisket from West Texas BBQ. M-50 just south of Jackson MI
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_43.jpg

With the sandwich innards glued to one body half, it's time to rout.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_44.jpg

Since this body is two pieces, i can screw the template to each half to secure it for routing
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_45.jpg

with all the body routing complete, they lay side by side. Do you see a face, or do you see a lamp, or do you see a rosewood tele under construction.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_46.jpg

I've rounded up all the clamps in the place and glued the top to the bottom.
I'll let this cure for a bit and move onto something else.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_47.jpg

First I need to cut a piece of roundbar - 3/8 inch
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_48.jpg

After drilling a hole down the center with a number 21 bit, I oil up the 10-32tap and twist it down.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_54.jpg

I think this looks about the right length for my anchor.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_49.jpg

With a round file, I first file one way, then the other.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_50.jpg

Looks about right to me.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_51.jpg

With a hacksaw, I sawed some slots into the remaining threaded piece.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_52.jpg

Side by side, an anchor and a trush rod adjustment nut.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_53.jpg

Now to the rod. First cut a piece of 3/16 low carbon steel.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_55.jpg

The key to a straight thread is all in the prep. I filed down the edge to form a taper to guide the die for the initial turns.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_56.jpg

I use oil to help lube and cool the tool as it cuts. three turns in, one turn out. I wonder if that's why the oil is called 3 in 1.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_57.jpg

When the threads are deep enough, I check the fit with the anchor piece. I enlarged the end of the hole a tiny bit to allow someplace for the rod to go when I peened down the end.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_58.jpg

I cleaned up the peen and marked it with a "L". One day maybe somebody will dig up this tele and wonder what the "L" stands for. One clue . . . It doesn't stand for Leo.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_59.jpg

Truss rod is ready to be inserted into the neck. too bad the neck isn't ready yet. I think it might be time to finally start working on that neck jig thingy I've been putting off.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_60.jpg

I forgot to check off my list items

1. MDF Template for neck, neck route, pick guard - yes, yes, hmmm
2. build truss rod channel cutter and neck radius jig (same jig). - no, but I thought about it though.
3. build thingy to cut out the thingies (using router) used for the radius jig thingy. - no, but I have an idea now, should work, the angle is there. Gonna use my new stand to create the keys.
4. truss rod - yes
5. route out neck shape and truss rod channel - shape yes, channel nope
6. cut skunk stripe blanks. - I keep forgeting this - it only will take a second too
7. design and build fret bender. (on the cheap) - gonna use my new stand
8. design and build router table (on the cheap) - yes, and then some

not on the original list for some reason. I must be getting old
9. glue-up, cut, rout, sand body - yes, 8 lbs. without the routs.

to do this week.

1. rout pickup cavities and drill jack hole.
2. rout neck pocket
3. radius edges of body - .125 roundover
4. build truss rod routing/neck radius jig (this could take most of the day)
5. drill machine head hole guides
6. rout the channel
7. plane headstock to 9/16"
8. add 1/2" radius curve to headstock
8. drill the holes to get the truss rod in
9. cut skunk stripe
10. install truss rod
11. install skunk stripe
12. plane bottom flat once again.

That is sure going to be one pretty guitar! Can't wait!

Nice work on the truss rod! Great pictures, thanks.

3. build thingy to cut out the thingies (using router) used for the radius jig thingy.

I love this one! :lol:

Quote:
Originally Posted by motor_city_tele View Post
3. build thingy to cut out the thingies (using router) used for the radius jig thingy.
I love this one!

When I originally designed the neck radius/channel cutter jig on paper, I knew that I would need two matching sets of two pieces each of material. The concave pieces will bolt to the router 180 degrees apart, and will match up with the two convex pieces that are mounted at a right angle to the neck's center line. The convex pieces will also serve another purpose. they will be mounted in such a way as to not allow the neck blank holder to shift vertically, but still allow it to be moved laterally. I was thinking I could cut them out with the band saw but decided against it, knowing that they would not be perfect. Since I plan on building a dozen necks or so with this jig, I wanted something hard and smooth. didn't know what I was going to use so I just called them thingies. Since then, I've determined that they will be machined out of 5/4 maple in a single pass using the router. I could call these the "convex/concave maple router guide/anchoring keys used for making a consistent radius" - or - just call them Thingies until I can take a photo - :-)

tootles - jb

Here is a rough configuration of the wooden components.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_61.jpg

A little closer to the body. but not too close, still have to sand out many irregularities.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_62.jpg

Here is a close up of the sandwich innards.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_63.jpg

Another closeup of the maple portion. Hold the mayo!
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_64.jpg

That is just some mighty nice looking wood you got there Mr. Motor_city_tele!

I planed the headstock to a smidgen over 9/16"
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_65.jpg

sure it's a little rough right now, that is the least of my concerns, May 3rd is fast approaching.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_66.jpg

body template screwed and clamped in place.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_67.jpg

after a series of taking about 1/8" incremates. the a-list routes are complete.
b-list is - neck pocket - can't do that yet - bridge holes need to be drilled first.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_68.jpg

here is what I routed the control cavity to - 1.5"
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_69.jpg

back on day 1 of this contest, I unrolled some butcher paper and mocked up a device that should rout a perfect 9.5" radius along the length of a 1-piece neck. - this is the original drawing.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_70.jpg

3. build thingy . . .
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_71.jpg

. . . to cut out the thingies (using router) . . .
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_72.jpg

. . . used for the radius jig thingy.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_73.jpg

It's not quite finished yet but I should be able to have something tomorrow.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_74.jpg

here is the rails of the truss channel cutter - just cut, sand and rip in two.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_75.jpg

I should be able to test it out tomorrow - it is the next step.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_76.jpg

Vey cool, keep up the good work.

Got up early this morning to get some work done - a little rainy but that didn't discourage this guy. He was busy. back and forth, back and forth - building an addition to his house.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_77.jpg
The outdoor critters can relax a bit and spring cleaning is easier these days now that this guy has been evicted from the neighborhood.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_78.jpg

Thing One and Thing Two
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_79.jpg

Clamped and straight. It's starting to come together. Just add the router and cut some relief in the sides and let her rip.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_80.jpg

1/4 inch maple sliced on the table saw and turned into a skunk stripe. 'bout time I did this.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_81.jpg

Neck pocket is next - but before that I need to drill some holes for the strings and bridge. Since my drill press is too small, I had to improvise another system that will get me straight to the back - and I mean straight.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_82.jpg

Rout out the neck pocket - 1/8 inch at a time - to 5/8 inch
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_83.jpg

Neck fits good - startin' to look like a rosewood tele.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_84.jpg

A close up look see at the neck pocket.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_85.jpg

Next - Lets get this body about finished already. A 1/8 inch roundover with a bearing makes quick time of this.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_86.jpg

Done with that bit 'til the next Teles
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_87.jpg

This is the rough body - so close to being done. Just don't flip it over.
Still need to drill string guide holes.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_88.jpg

what got done this week.

1. rout pickup cavities and drill jack hole. cavities yes - oops, forgot about the jack
2. rout neck pocket - yes
3. radius edges of body - .125 roundover - yes
4. build truss rod routing/neck radius jig (this could take most of the day) - 90% done
5. drill machine head hole guides - yes
6. rout the channel - nope
7. plane headstock to 9/16" - yes
8. add 1/2" radius curve to headstock - nope
8. drill the holes to get the truss rod in - nope
9. cut skunk stripe - Yes, Hooray! finally got this done
10. install truss rod - nope
11. install skunk stripe - nope
12. plane bottom flat once again. - nope

The Jig Maestro!

Awesome build and i like the way you did your headstock depth, me, i just sanded the heck out of it.

Very cool. Love the body sandwich.

1. drill jack hole. (can I say that here?)
2. finish truss rod routing/neck radius jig
3. rout the channel
4. add 1/2" radius curve to headstock
5. drill the holes to get the truss rod in
6. install truss rod
7. install skunk stripe
8. plane bottom flat once again.
9. drill and install fret dot markers
10. Radius the neck - (this will either be the bees knees or back to the drawing board)
11. cut fret slots
12. radius fret
13. cut and install frets.
14. drill string guide holes in body back.
15. prep body for finish - Hey can you believe it

This is gonna be an awesome guitar!! Great wood:roll:

Gorgeous. Love that wood - can't wait to see it all shiny.

Clever radius jig, I'd love to see some shots of it in action.

The channel is next - the neck is secured to the jig and the router is centered on the rails.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_89.jpg

another view of the channel cutting jig
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_90.jpg

After about 5 passes, the channel is done, I was careful as could be with this darn thing. measuring the depth twice after each pass. This is about the time Mr. Murphy pays a visit to my projects.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_91.jpg

After drilling the pilot hole and then the big hole, I inserted the truss rod through the heel and tested the length. I marked where the anchor will live. I'll use these marks to gauge how deep I need to drill the headstock hole.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_92.jpg

Before I can drill the headstock hole, I'll need to add the radius transition. I used the Drill press/spindle sander for this.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_93.jpg

After I drilled the pilot hole, I drilled the big hole, inserted the truss rod through this hole and gave it a couple gentle taps to seat the anchor. The 3/8 inch dowel makes a good plug. It's glued in with titebond.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_94.jpg

This is how the heel looks with the adjustment nut slightly recessed into the heel.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_95.jpg

I checked the dry fit of my skunk stripe I cut last week after rounding the edges. When I was satisfied with the edges, I glued it in then clamped it up.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_96.jpg

While that was drying, I decided to drill the string ferrule holes and the plug jack hole in the body. here is how they will look. I might make them a flush fit but hate to mess with what I think is a pretty decent alignment. I see a shadow lurking off to the side. Could it be Mr. Murphy waiting to jump all over these string ferrule holes? Lets keep them the way they are for now.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_99.jpg

After the glue dried on the neck, I gave it some light hand planing then hit it with the jitterbug sander.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_98.jpg

The neck has been mounted into the radius jig, the thingies have been secured. The router has been added and I did a quick run through to see if it all lined up. I am going to attempt to radius the neck first thing tomorrow. pictures to follow.

tootles - jb

I don't quite see how you are going to use thingy one and thingy two, yet Please elaborate.

I unscrewed the truss rod channel rails and removed them. Then I screwed in the thingies at a right angle to the neck centerline. The router will rock back and forth for each pass. I'll then advance the neck 3/8" and rock the router once again. I'll repeat this procedure along the entire length of the finger board. I promise there will be photos of this process tomorrow. I'll also time how long it takes to radius this neck.

Before routing the radius, I need to add the fret markers. I used 1/4 inch pieces of dowel.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_9901.jpg

All glued up, I just let it dry an hour or so.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_9902.jpg

While that drys, I'll cut out my pickguard template.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_9903.jpg

Here is a top view of thing one and thing two all mounted and secured into the jig. The neck will slide on it's mount under the whole apparatus.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_9904.jpg

Here is the business end of the jig. thing A and thing B are bolted on.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_9905.jpg

Here is an example of the rocking motion.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_9906.jpg

Looking down the length of the jig. The bit is at it's highest point here.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_9907.jpg

You can see where the bit is as the router is rocked to the left.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_9908.jpg

After about 4 minutes of rocking and rolling, the radius is complete.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_9909.jpg

Nice jig!

Nice jig!

+1. There have been some very cool jigs shown in this year's challenge.

I am beat. I worked since 8:30 am till about now - missed the Wings game - I guess they lost to Phoenix - didn't miss anything.

1. drill jack hole. (can I say that here?) - done
2. finish truss rod routing/neck radius jig - done
3. rout the channel - done
4. add 1/2" radius curve to headstock - done
5. drill the holes to get the truss rod in - done
6. install truss rod - done
7. install skunk stripe - done
8. plane bottom flat once again. - done
9. drill and install fret dot markers - done
10. Radius the neck - (this will either be the bees knees or back to the drawing board) Bees Knees - less than 4 minutes to radius a rosewood neck
11. cut fret slots - nope
12. radius fret - nope
13. cut and install frets. - nope
14. drill string guide holes in body back. - done
15. prep body for finish - Hey can you believe it - nope

Still to do -

Frets
pickguard
drill tuner holes
sand, sand, sand
body and neck prep - grain filler
sand, sand, sand
sanding sealer
sand, sand, sand
lacquer
assembly

Clever jig & tasty neck!!

Neck
1. fine tune neck profile - have rasp
2. rout fret slots - nut slot too
3. radius fret wire
4. grain filler
5. enlarge tuner holes - a little at a time - don't get crazy now.
6. prep for finish
7. sand and sealer
8. mask fretboard - or not
9. lacquer
10. cut & files frets to exact size
11. install frets
12. add logo
13. more lacquer
14. polish
15. install tuners
16. add string Tee

Body
1. trace and cut pickguard
2. grain filler
3. sand and sealer
4. drill any remaining holes needed
5. lacquer
6. polish - pickguard too
7. assembly - including wiring and strings

Seems like I'm missing something here.

That neck is gorgeous!

Until I can build another jig, This will be the method of choice for shaping the contour for the neck. I've seen many different procedures, some using blades, others using abrasives, one in particular uses a belt sander. That just scares the heck out of me.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_9910.jpg

Yet one more use for the neck jig. I had to move one of the thingies so the smaller, Dremel router base fits snug. I chose to make wider slots. I don't want to press then frets in. I will epoxy them in.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_9911.jpg

Side marker holes have been drilled and the little pieces of wood gets glued and tapped into the hole. Looks like I ordered too many of my side marker dowels. Don't worry, I'm not going to put them back in the box. Yet another Rain Man reference.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_9912.jpg

The toothpicks seem to be just the right size and contrast for this neck.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_9913.jpg

I caught a break today. I opened up my fretwire from LMI and low and behold, It just so happend to be pre-radiused to 9.5 inches. I guess buying 100 feet at once paid off. I don't have to build another jig - Yippie!
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_9914.jpg

I cut what I needed and put the rest back in the box. The last thing I need to do is step on a perfectly radiused bunch of fret wire. Here are the frets layed in place - no glue yet. still deciding when I might do the frets. before or after the finish.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_9915.jpg

I drilled out the tuner holes to the big size. I won't be needing to mount the neck in the jig any longer, so it was time to enlarge.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_9916.jpg

When I drilled the large hole, I didn't drill all the way through the headstock, the back hole are just wide enough to fit the peg. here is a shot of them, not screwed in yet.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_9917.jpg

Moving right along now. Time to open another big box and slide out my sheet of garolite. looks like bakelite, smells like bakelite, must be bakelte.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_9918.jpg

With the guard rough cut on the bandsaw, I marked and drilled the holes, mounted it to my template and went at it with the router. I was surprised how nice and smooth the process was.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_9919.jpg

I removed the rounded top screws and switched router bits and proceeded to take a bit of a bevel in the appropriate places.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_9920.jpg

I drilled the remaining body holes and did a loose fit of the components. I want to make sure everything fits before I tear it down for paint, chrome, and powdercoat. Just kidding. I'm sticking to lacquer. Hmmmmm. . . I wonder what kind of guitar the guys at OCC would build if given the chance.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_9921.jpg

Here is one last loose fit photo. The rosewood needs to be sanded still and grain filled. right now there is nothing on it. The reflections are strictly a result of the sheer hardness and the fact that the is oil present in the wood.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_9922.jpg

that looks great!

WOW!!! Be-you-tee-full!!! :shock:

close-up of the back contour and skunk stripe
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_9923.jpg

This one is pretty darn straight
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_9924.jpg

Here is a 3/4 shot
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_9925.jpg

Another 3/4 shot - seems the more I handle it, the darker it gets. Makes me wonder if I should just use some type of oil instead of lacquer. Any suggestions for this neck - besides poly or lacquer?
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_9926.jpg

Nice work........ http://i847.photobucket.com/albums/ab34/Jack393/Animations/cid_0ThumbsUp.gif.... Probably not that different from the Custom Shop models except for the name. What finish are you planning? You might consider an oil finish. A very few of the MIJ Rosewood Telecasters were finished with oil.

Good thinking on the side marker dots. Did you buy those from a local supplier?http://i847.photobucket.com/albums/ab34/Jack393/Animations/Wink.gif

I guess the biggest accomplishment this weekend was not screwing something up. I used the large slot and epoxy method for installing the frets. Each fret was sized to fit. when all were done, I mixed up the epoxy and carefully guided it into the slot. I used a slow set variety. The frets were set in place and gently positioned firmly in place. Any epoxy that got onto the fretboard, sides, even the headstock was wiped off with acetone and a towel.

Neck
1. fine tune neck profile - have rasp - yes
2. rout fret slots - nut slot too - yes
3. radius fret wire - n/a lmi shipped it already at 9.5"
4. grain filler - nope
5. enlarge tuner holes - a little at a time - don't get crazy now. - yes
6. prep for finish - not really
7. sand and sealer - nope
8. mask fretboard - or not - undecided
9. lacquer - yeah right - who am I kidding
10. cut & files frets to exact size - yes
11. install frets - yes
12. add logo - nope
13. more lacquer - nope
14. polish - nope
15. install tuners - not permanant
16. add string Tee - nope

Body
1. trace and cut pickguard - yes
2. grain filler - nope
3. sand and sealer - nope
4. drill any remaining holes needed - yes
5. lacquer - nope
6. polish - pickguard too - nope
7. assembly - including wiring and strings - nope

final to do list - for now

Neck
1. grain filler
2. lacquer
3. add logo
4. more lacquer
5. polish
6. install tuners
7. add string Tee

Body
1. sand, sand, sand
2. grain filler
3. lacquer
4. polish - pick-guard too
5. assembly - including wiring, strap locks, strings

General
1. photograph
2. price list
3. clean shop

After work I proceeded to get back to the finishing. The film on the body is grain filler. Rosewood is an opened grain wood so to achieve a glass finish with lacquer this step is a must.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_9927.jpg

After sanding with some 320 grit and a jitterbug, I wiped both the body and neck with a tack cloth.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_9928.jpg

An oily wood such as rosewood needs to have a sealer to keep the lacquer from flaking off down the road. Here is what I used.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_9929.jpg

Ever hear about watching the grass grow? Well, in Michigan in late April, especially after it rains, you can literally see the grass grow. Heck, I mowed it only yesterday.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_9930.jpg

Time for Hockey - Go Wings!

Both the neck and body look incredible! Very nice build!

Looks awsome!Nice looking wood:cool:

There's no going back now. Can't blame this build on anyone else if it all goes pear shaped. Since this headstock is so dark, there would be no point on using a waterslide decal for the signature. I will have to come up with another method. I printed out a series of different sizes of my headstock signatures and picked out one that should fit, taking into account there is going to be a string Tee in the mix. I rubbed the back with a soft leaded pencil to get something to transfer to the head stock.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_9931.jpg

Using one of my hard leaded pencils, I carefully traced over the signature.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_9932.jpg

I dug out my detail brushes and some leftover silver lacquer from when I mounted the Northern Pike a few years back.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_9933.jpg

Since this contest deadline is so close now, the last thing I need is an incompatibility issue with the clear lacquer I'm using.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_9934.jpg

I'll test it in a place that will be hidden when assembled. Here's one.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_9935.jpg

The two lacquers played well together so I carefully hand painted the signature on the head stock. The lacquer dries so fast that I can only get through one letter at a time before having to shake up the jar and get a new brush full. When I was satisfied with the signature, I shot a couple of clear coats over it and hung it up to dry.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_9936.jpg

Here is the headstock with my signature.
http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/RooftopCaster_9937.jpg

One more day of spray and then time to polish.

c'mon Red Wings -

A quick status report

Yesterday spent most of the day wet sanding.
started at 400 - (this is the time consuming level)
then . . .
600,
800,
1000 (glued arm back on)
1200,
1500,
2000 (glue failed, bolted arm back on)
medium cut
Finesse-it II (bolts failed, welded arm back on)

I'm going to give it a good look see up close to see if I missed anything.

then it's assembly.

tootles - jb

http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/rosewood_01.jpg

http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/rosewood_02.jpg

http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/rosewood_03.jpg

http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/rosewood_04.jpg

http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/rosewood_05.jpg

http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/rosewood_06.jpg

http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/rosewood_07.jpg

http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/rosewood_08.jpg

http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/rosewood_09.jpg

http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/rosewood_10.jpg

http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/rosewood_11.jpg

http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/rosewood_12.jpg

http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/rosewood_13.jpg

http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/rosewood_14.jpg

http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/rosewood_15.jpg

http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/rosewood_16.jpg

http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/rosewood_17.jpg

http://i979.photobucket.com/albums/ae273/brzys/guitars/rosewood_18.jpg


Materials List:
*** Body Lumber - Primary - rosewood - ebay 35.00
*** Body Lumber - Secondary - leftover maple - ebay 1.30
*** Neck Lumber - rosewood - ebay 10.33
*** Skunk Stripe Lumber - leftover maple - ebay 0.50
*** Headstock plug 3/8 dowel - Home Depot 0.15
*** Neck Dot Material - large - 1/4 inch dowel - Home Depot 0.29
*** Neck Dot Material - Small - 0.10 toothpicks
*** Glue - titebond - Home Depot 1.50
*** Slow Cure Epoxy - ACE 0.50
*** Truss Rod 3/16 1018 low carbon steel - Midwest Metals 0.85
*** Truss Rod Anchor 3/8 1018 low carbon steel - Midwest Metals 0.03
*** Truss Rod Nut 3/8 1018 low carbon steel - Midwest Metals 0.08
*** Frets FW7400 - LMI 2.60
*** Tuners - Guitar Fetish 22.00
*** Nut - Gordy's Music 1.00
*** String Tee - Gordy's Music 1.00
*** Bridge - Fender 60's tele w/Fender pickup - ebay 26.00 w/pickup
*** Bridge Pickup - Fender na
*** Control Plate - loaded - ebay 8.50
*** Pot 1 - na w/control plate
*** Pot 2 - na w/control plate
*** Cap - na w/control plate
*** 3-way Switch - na w/control plate
*** Jack with cup - ebay 0.99
*** Wire/Solder - in shed 0.25
*** Pickguard 1/16 garolite from Mcmaster-Carr 1.56
*** Assorted Screws - Northside Truevalue Hardware - use blackguard book for specs 4.95
*** String Ferrules - Gordy's Music 6.00
*** Neck Pickup - ebay 10.50
*** Neck Plate - ebay 3.25
*** Strap Pins - ebay 0.99
*** Decal - hand paint with detail brush and silver lacquer - Wasco 0.25
*** Finish - behlen vinyl sealer and lacquer - woodcraft 31.97
*** Strings - from inventory - 4.99

total materials cost - $177.43

That is some fantastic work, plain and simple. Just an amazing build!

Very nice, how is your arm doing?
http://www.medgadget.com/archives/img/elephant-arm.jpg
:mrgreen:

:shock: That looks amazing! |Great looking guitar :wink:

Very nice job! Sweet looking guitar!

Jim

It's been a pleasure.