First Post, First Build ( From Scratch ).

So I am building my first guitar and love the simplicity of the Telecaster and i woul like to document my progress for fun, and hopefully advice from experienced people.

So Here Goes :

I printed out a body plan :


And bansawed and barrel sanded a template for the body shape :



And one for the cavity routes (I still need to finish) :


And a nice peice of alder from Stew-Mac :


Any Critisism (Constructive I Hope), Comments (Polite I Hope), or Advice would be much apreciated.

P.S. I couldnt figre out how to format it so they go in order, Help please.

I'll tell ya what: I'm a few steps ahead of you on my first build. Check out my build thread (http://www.tdpri.com/forum/tele-home-depot/210279-so-starts-my-tele-1-a.html) and see if you can learn from my mistakes.

I learned a lot from Jack Wells' build thread here (http://www.tdpri.com/forum/tdpri-2010-%24210-tele-build-challenge/202061-2010-tdpri-%24210-challenge-caster.html) In fact, I probably would never have tried to build my own truss rod had I not seen Jack do it first. So I was definitely inspired by his build. I learned a lot from watching him. I even finished my neck the same way that he did and it's turning out very nice indeed.

If you get stumped ask questions. I've learned a lot here. Folks here don't mind giving helpful advice.

I'm currently in the process of building master templates; I intend for the main one to give the shape and also the bridge/neck pup and control routes and string through holes. The next one with provide the next route and also the back ferrule holes.

Then build 3/4" templates from those.

Then use the 3/4" templates on some pine.

My thread (http://www.tdpri.com/forum/tele-home-depot/177347-first-build-cosmic-slop-partscaster.html)

Thanks,
Luke.

Some good tips I've received here are:

- use 1/4" MDF for the first template

- spend plenty of time getting the edge of your 1/4" template smooth

- on all steps, take your time and think about what you're doing

Also, like Luke just said, remember that you'll need a separate
template for the neck pocket.

Subscribed!
Keep the pics coming...this looks fantastic!

I threw away my 1/4" templates and rebuilt them from 3/4" mdf. The 3/4" gives me more room to adjust my router bit depth for the various pickup and control routes.

Well I was to lazy to reply yesderday so here goes :

I routed out the body and I had some tearout, I'd say I did okay for the first time i ever used a router, and so I will fill in the holes with filler, Which is okay because i had planned on painting her anyway.

The Diagram Jack Wells uses for routing direction is great, and helpful.