Guitarnut's 2012 Challenge Build Thread -- COMPLETED

Details to come...

Curious...

It's inspired by this little piece of work. :wink:

Timemachine?

Sweetness! Can't wait to follow along!

It's inspired by this little piece of work. :wink:

:lol: , I almost went that way. Saved all your diagrams and everything. But if anybody should build it, it's you :wink:

Good luck Mark :grin:

Dave

Don't tell me you found prototype #3 under a bed somewhere :razz:

That sure looks like a good place to start!

Best of luck Mark.

It's inspired by this little piece of work. :wink:

A Telecaster? Weird!

:)

Annnnd.. he's in! Good Luck, Mark!

My intent is not to replicate but to borrow from the vibe of this historical guitar. There's some mystery surrounding it's construction and we may never know for certain how she was made.

I love the look of the #2 prototype...uh, except for that control plate. That's where I decided to take a left turn. In a recent thread there was a lot of speculation...largely on my part...about the chambering, the origin of the control plate, the make up of the body. All of that is what lead me to this build.

So, here's my plan. It will look like this. No control plate. No control cavity cover on the back. Just a back loaded vol and tone. Back loaded without a cavity cover?

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/pre01.jpg

Since the shape of the pickguard doesn't cross the strings and there's no neck PU to deal with, why not make the pickguard the control cover? Groundbreaking? No. Game changing? No. Simple and effective? Yes.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/pre02.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/pre03.jpg

The 14th can't get here soon enough for me... :cool:

Mark

OK... That's pretty cool!

I like this idea. What software are you using for the modeling?

Very classy, Mark. Can't wait to see it.

me likey

Very glad you're in, Mark!

I like your idea, too, and it's very different from all
your recent builds.

Seems possible to do a similar thing without even
having a separate top -- just drills and/or chisel
into the area behind the controls from the routed
area beneath the pickguard. This is what I thought
you might do before seeing your solution.

Sweetness! Can't wait to follow along!

Thanks Roger.

Mark

Don't tell me you found prototype #3 under a bed somewhere :razz:

Shhhhhh! :wink:

Timemachine?

Not quite...

:lol: , I almost went that way. Saved all your diagrams and everything. But if anybody should build it, it's you :wink:

Good luck Mark :grin:

Dave

Always the gentleman. :razz:

That sure looks like a good place to start!

Best of luck Mark.

A Telecaster? Weird!

:)

Thanks folks. Good to have you watching along.

Mark

A Telecaster? Weird!

:)

Who'd a thunk it?

OK... That's pretty cool!

Thanks!

Very classy, Mark. Can't wait to see it.

Thanks kwerk!

OK... That's pretty cool!

I like this idea. What software are you using for the modeling?

Thanks! The software is Lightwave 3D. I use it in my real job. :cool:

Very glad you're in, Mark!

I like your idea, too, and it's very different from all
your recent builds.

Seems possible to do a similar thing without even
having a separate top -- just drills and/or chisel
into the area behind the controls from the routed
area beneath the pickguard. This is what I thought
you might do before seeing your solution.

Glad to see you in as well Glenn!

Chambering has always been part of the plan. More for weight reduction than the access for the controls. But yeah, it could be done like you describe.

See you in the fray...

Mark

I had a few minutes to snap some pics this morning.

I have a few decisions to make on the materials. I just put a pile of goodies in the shot. I'll do proof of life shots later on the woods I decide to use.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/wood05.jpg

For the body, my first choice is this alder blank from a few years back. It's right at 1.5" thick but has a fair amount of bow in it. It should plane out in the .250" I can spare. I'll resaw the piece for my top.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/wood04.jpg

If the alder doesn't work out, my next choice would be basswood...I love the sound of basswood. And, there's plenty here for a few runs if I mess something up.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/wood03.jpg

For the neck I have a few choices as well. From the top down in this pic ...

A maple blank that I bought from StewMac. It's been used as a "club" for the patio doors. I stuck it there and meant to cut a new piece but never got around to it. So, it's been drying in the sun for the last 9 years. Should be good to go. :wink:

If it's too dry or warped, next is a large piece of white rosewood (Guyana) that would make a beautiful one piece neck. I would probably leave it unfinished. But, with a chambered body, I think the guitar would be neck heavy.

Third in the stack is a piece of good old flame maple...my usual choice for necks. It would sure look pretty in aged amber on that prototype body.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/wood02.jpg

Mark

that's going to be a lively little bugger

This looks like it's going to be really fun.
I'm diggin the lightwave mockup.

You do great work, Mark, so this will be an awesome build. Is it sad to say, though, that I'm most excited about watching you do your fretboard on the new sander? :lol:

Love the pickguard/control cover. That is a really good idea.


God I am itching to enter this year....The wood I have coming has a purpose though....but maybeeeee:razz:

that's going to be a lively little bugger

This looks like it's going to be really fun.
I'm diggin the lightwave mockup.

You do great work, Mark, so this will be an awesome build.

Love the pickguard/control cover. That is a really good idea.


Thanks guys!!!

Is it sad to say, though, that I'm most excited about watching you do your fretboard on the new sander? :lol:

Yeah, that's going to be interesting for sure. I'm really hoping to have it dialed in by the time I run the neck for this build. I have some time...I won't radius until after I've carved the back of the neck.

Mark

I've decided to go with the alder. What I didn't realize or take the time to notice is that in this pic, the top board is alder but the blank on the bottom is basswood. Now I'm no expert but I should have seen that right away. They were stacked together in the closet an I just assumed...well you know what that means. :oops: So, I have some alder on the way.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build01.jpg

But, I can still work the top so,...here it is after resaw. I got three 3/8" thick pieces out of it.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build02.jpg

I planed the bookmatch down to just over 1/4".

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build03.jpg

The knot on the end of the board had me a bit worried but I'll just miss it.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build04.jpg

After a cleanup pass on the jointer, I glued them up.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build05.jpg

Mark

Pretentious rant deleted... :oops: :oops: :oops:

Put another way...I gotta work this weekend. :sad:

Mark

Pretentious rant deleted... :oops: :oops: :oops:

Put another way...I gotta work this weekend. :sad:

Mark

Sorry you gotta work Mark , I can imagine the feeling , I was looking forward to your updates as I always do with your builds . Still plenty of time , its like opening weekend of baseball season. :smile:

Thanks Herb. I appreciate the support. Sorry to be a downer but I worked so hard all week to make sure I would be free this weekend so I could hit the starting gates with everyone else.

It turned out okay...just a bump in the road. :cool:

Mark

Well, yesterday didn't start out like I wanted it to, but it got better. I had to go into the office and rework some large graphic files. I decided to make use of Photoshop's Actions to try and automate as much as possible and thankfully shaved a few hours off the day...hours I could spend building. :cool: :cool: :cool:

To the build!!!

The alder for the body won't be here until Wed or Thur so I got to work on the neck. Here's the piece of flame maple I'll be using. I'll rip 4" off one edge and that should give me 2 blanks.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build06.jpg

The blank after ripping the maple and the fretboard blank I'll be using. This fretboard has very tight fiddleback figure.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build07.jpg

The blank started at a little over .900". Planing it to .760 opened up a knot.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build08.jpg

At first, I thought I could hide it ina tuner hole and that worked quite nicely but it also put the nicest figure on the fretboard side and shifted my center line too far to work in the truss rod jig. Not wanting to cover up the figure, I flipped the blank and the knot fell inside the profile so the fretboard will cover it.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build09.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build10.jpg

Here is is jigged up and ready for the truss rod channel. This is only the second time I've done a vintage style truss rod and the first time was frustrating because I couldn't get the stops to stay put without clamping the rails too tight for the router. this time, I used a few pieces of scrap aluminum channel and took the time to dial them in...they'll stay with the jig from now on.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build12.jpg

All done...

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build11.jpg

I'm probably going at this a bit backwards but I wanted to make full use of the squared edges of the blank before cutting the neck profile. Using a square, I found the center of my Shopsmith table and drew out some guides.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build13.jpg

Then I clamped the blank in place and tilted the table. A 3/8" Forstner bit cut the first bore for the truss rod nut.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build14.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build15.jpg

Then I connected the channel with a 3/16" bit.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build16.jpg

Next was the anchor. I cut a piece of flat bar stock and drilled it out for threads.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build17.jpg

Then I threaded it and the end of the truss rod. I tightened the anchor onto the threads and trimmed off all but about a 1/8".

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build18.jpg

Then I peened it over to lock the anchor in place. Nothing new here.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build19.jpg

I checked the height of the anchor to make sure I would have plenty of meat left for carving the back of the neck.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build19a.jpg

I marked the location of the anchor and using a 1/4" chisel, I cut a slot for the anchor. Not my cleanest work but once the fretboard goes on it will be just a memory.

When the truss rod is down in the channel, the anchor will rock forward slightly. You can see in this pic that I beveled the back edge to remove the corner that would hit the fretboard.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build20.jpg

After rough cutting the profile on the band saw it's time to route it to the template.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build21.jpg

Now here's where drilling the nut access early on could bit me. I needed to be very careful during routing of the profile that I didn't let a bearing drop into the bore. A couple passes from the top with a pattern bit, and then I flipped it and used a flush trim bit with the bearing on bottom to take the last pass.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build22.jpg

I was moving so slow around the area that I got quite a bit of burning from the bit. My template is slightly over sized for the pocket so I'll be able to sand that away with no issues.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build23.jpg

I trimmed the truss rod to rough length, threaded the end and then cut it to final length and installed it. And that's that.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build24.jpg

I recently saw someone use a slight chamfer around the bore...can't remember who it was. I like the look of that so I borrowed the idea.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build25.jpg

Next was the filler strip. I used one of the cut offs from the neck to rip a 1/4" strip.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build26.jpg

Then using one of the rails from the truss rod jig, I marked and cut the profile of the strip. A little work with a hand sander and it slipped right in.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build27.jpg

A little Titebond and it was a snug fit. Clamped it up and had dinner.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build28.jpg

An hour later I trimmed it down with a finger plane. I'll level it out and it will be ready for the fretboard.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build29.jpg

Mark

Great thread so far. I am loving this. Thanks for posting.

Great thread so far. I am loving this. Thanks for posting.

Thanks DD! Happy to share with the group.

I started out this morning by leveling the filler strip. I used a leveling beam with 120 grit.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build30.jpg

Then it was time for the fretboard. Nothing special here.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build31.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build32.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build33.jpg

After marking a center line...which is offset. I didn't take any pics while pinning and setting the fretboard but I offset it to one side so the fretboard is proud of the headstock.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build34.jpg

This is why. It gives me a flat edge that's perpendicular to the fret slots and takes the headstock out of the way for thinning on the band saw.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build35.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build36.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build37.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build38.jpg

A shot after rough cutting the fretboard profile. Since I have a fretboard extension..22 frets instead of the vintage spec 21... I didn't take the router all the way to the ends. I'll touch this up by hand.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build39.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build40.jpg

After a few minutes with a rasp and sanding tools...actually those are the spindles from my ROSS. They're great for hand use too. :wink:

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build41.jpg

I moved on to the position markers. All marked and ready to go. Before I drilled them, I center punched each cross hair to give the Forstner bit a point to center on,

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build42.jpg

All drilled and ready for dots.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build43.jpg

After seeing Bill's excellent tut on making clay dots, I had to try it. I'll be using black clay on this neck.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build44.jpg

I used a piece of aluminum channel and drilled enough spots for 30 fretboard and 30 side dots. It sits up nicely in the oven giving both sides even heat.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build45.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build46.jpg

Just a drop of Titebond and tap them in with a plastic hammer. G2G.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build47.jpg

Fast and smooth as usual. Cool little dot-cooking jig, too.

Looks good Mark , those clay dots are great , I used them on my Snakehead neck , they are easy to make , any size you want , sand down easy and look great .

+1 on the fimo, I love that stuff. Just wish I'd come across it sooner. ;-)

Fast and smooth as usual. Cool little dot-cooking jig, too.

Looks good Mark , those clay dots are great , I used them on my Snakehead neck , they are easy to make , any size you want , sand down easy and look great .

Thanks guys. Yeah the clay dots are nice. Who knew making them could be so easy? Heck, throw a pizza in for the last 15 mins of bake time and it's a party! :smile:

Mark

+1 on the fimo, I love that stuff. Just wish I'd come across it sooner. ;-)

:cool:

Even though the shop was heating up a bit I decided to go ahead with the neck carve. I can use a good sweat after all the beer and chips over the winter. :oops:

I've shown these steps in other builds but for the sake of a complete build thread I'm going over them here.

I like to set the depth of my carve in 2 or 3 places before I do any carving this gives me something to shoot for and keeps me from going too deep. Setting the neck up on a few blocks lets me slip the calipers underneath while I'm setting the depth.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build48.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build49.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build50.jpg

My usual MO for carving. I use the Ibex plane to shave away most of it. This time I followed up on the ROSS. It seems to really bring things along and keeps the gouges from the plane in check. I sort of got into it and didn't take many pics but you're not missing anything...it's as straight forward as it seems. Although every time I do one of these, I'm convinced I've screwed it up but it comes together eventually.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build51.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build52.jpg

All roughed in and ready for final sanding.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build53.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build54.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build55.jpg

Jeeeez, you make that look so easy. I'm scared to death of carving the contour on my neck. I was going to make a jig to get it close with a router, but now I might just try it by hand. Great stuff!

Wow, Mark, feeling decidedly ashamed at my lack of progress looking at this!

I really like the neck profile transitions with a slight contour, nice looks!

Really nice work on that neck. It's going to be really sweet with some finish to bring out that flame.

Looking good. I remember seeing you offer up that little tip before (leaving the fretboard proud to one side so you can use the flat surface during sawing the headstock), maybe it was on your last challenge build. I'm going to remember that whenever I get my own bandsaw.

Jeeeez, you make that look so easy. I'm scared to death of carving the contour on my neck. I was going to make a jig to get it close with a router, but now I might just try it by hand. Great stuff!

Go for it! It's no so hard and the more you work at it the easier it gets. Just don't let the look of things discourage you while you're carving. It will come together.

Wow, Mark, feeling decidedly ashamed at my lack of progress looking at this!

I knew I had to strike while I could...busy few weeks coming up. :sad:

I really like the neck profile transitions with a slight contour, nice looks!

Thanks! Every one I do is a little different. Makes them special. :grin:

Really nice work on that neck. It's going to be really sweet with some finish to bring out that flame.

Thanks! I'm thinking about using a vintage amber dye right on the wood...maybe a few drops of tobacco brown for age. That should do the trick. :wink:

Looking good. I remember seeing you offer up that little tip before (leaving the fretboard proud to one side so you can use the flat surface during sawing the headstock), maybe it was on your last challenge build. I'm going to remember that whenever I get my own bandsaw.

Thanks Roger. I hope it works for you...it doesn't always work for me. :oops:

You might enjoy my upcoming post of how I repaired one that went wrong...I'll explain all this later. It all ties back to the build...promise. :grin:

You love that little Ibex plane, don't you? Do you use it for
trimming your nails? :lol: I'm tempted to get one of those -- which
do you have exactly?

You love that little Ibex plane, don't you? Do you use it for trimming your nails? :lol: I'm tempted to get one of those -- which
do you have exactly?

I guess I'm just used to it. I have two spoke shaves but I've never been able to get them to work smoothly...probably not sharpened correctly.:oops:

My plane is the 36x12 curved sole. The best price I've found is HERE (http://www.pilgrimsprojects.biz/ibex.html). $52 vs StewMac's $65.

It's time for the radius on my fretboard. Some of you may have followed my recent thread on the swing arm belt sander I built to run off my Shopsmith. The build thread is HERE (http://www.tdpri.com/forum/tele-home-depot/314116-building-swing-arm-belt-sander.html).


GShgLco36ec


So far, I've only run a scraped neck to test it's accuracy. My plan is to use the sander to radius the neck on my Challenge build but I wanted a more realistic test first.

As RogerC mentioned above, the technique I use for thinning the headstock is pretty useful for a band saw. But, it doesn't always go to plan. This Strat neck was coming along nicely when I made the stupid mistake of feeding it thru with a 1/4" blade installed and on this one I ended up with a HS that was too thin and not even a consistant thickness.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/belt/nk01.jpg

I wanted to reclaim it and use it as a test for the sander. I started by shaving another 1/8" off of it and cutting up to the edge of the fretboard...with the proper 1/2" blade installed. :wink:

http://www.crenshawweb.com/belt/nk02.jpg

Then using a fret saw, I trimmed away the remaining maple making a flat surface from the top of the RW fretbaord to the new level of the HS. A piece of maple of similar color was squared up on the chop saw and blocked flat on one face.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/belt/nk03.jpg

Then with glue applied and the neck standing on end, I applied strong downward pressure to set the maple while I added the first few clamps. This was to make sure the maple stayed seated creating a good butt joint.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/belt/nk04.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/belt/nk05.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/belt/nk06.jpg

After the glued dried it was rough sawn and then cleaned up on the ROSS. The neck blank was quarter sawn and the patch was flat sawn. Really, the only hint of the repair is the edge where the quarter sawn grain shows against the flat sawn edge grain of the neck. Most of that will be trimmed away.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/belt/nk07.jpg

So, this brings me back to where I was when I made the mistake in the first place. The fretboard has already been trimmed to make the butt joint easier to deal with so I used a cutoff from another neck build to level up the neck...I never throw anything out. A curse and a blessing. :rolleyes:

http://www.crenshawweb.com/belt/nk08.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/belt/nk09.jpg

With the fence set, I thinned it down and filed the transition.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/belt/nk10.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/belt/nk11.jpg

To see the full effect the sander will have on the fretboard, I decided to put in clay markers. These are made from Fimo clay and baked like the black dots I used in my build neck.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/belt/nk12.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/belt/nk13.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/belt/nk14.jpg

I just need to flush cut the dots and it's ready for the sander. I probably won't carve the back until after the sander test...for obvious reasons. :roll:

http://www.crenshawweb.com/belt/nk15.jpg

Mark

Looking good!! The FB radius sander is genius, very impressive.

Thanks!

I got the idea from CptRyg here on TDPRI...he made one for his Shopsmith and I decided to build my version. I'm also planning a thickness sander attachment.

I made an improvement this morning on the sander that I'll use for my radius. I decided to change it's drive to use the Shopsmith quick connect coupler. It's running smoother and quieter than ever. :cool:

I made a custom drive hub out of a drill stop collar since the Shopsmith's shaft is 5/8" and the sander's axles are 1/2".

http://www.crenshawweb.com/belt/coup01.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/belt/coup02.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/belt/coup03.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/belt/coup05.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/belt/coup04.jpg

Then I mounted the sander...make up your own jokes here...and aligned it for the coupler.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/belt/coup06.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/belt/coup07.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/belt/coup08.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/belt/coup09.jpg

And the results... I plan to run the Strat neck this evening. If all goes well, I'll run the Tele neck too. :grin:

vSUuNGudN3A

Tidy work Mark :cool:

Waiting to see the end result on those necks

Tidy work Mark :cool:

Waiting to see the end result on those necks

Thanks! I'm uploading a video of the RW fretboard radius...it went very well. :shock:

Should be up in about 20 mins...my connection is crawling tonight. Must be a lot of gamers on line. :mad:

Here it is. The first run of a complete neck on the belt sander. Set up was quick. The sander worked well and the only thing I can complain about is that I didn't think about dust collection before running rosewood. :sad:

The video shows the first pass and then close ups of the fretboard. you can see a low spot from the 6th to 11th frets very clearly. After a slight adjustment to the height of the mounting plates, the second pass cleaned it up and left a very nice 12" radius. I really have no complaints about the outcome. There is still a very slight low spot on the bass side 8th fret or so but I doubt I would risk the rest of the radius to fix it. I think it will sand out during finish sanding.

I really wanted to run the maple neck tonight but I'm going to wait on a dial indicator to arrive so I can set the truss rod before the radius.

T2NOFadrtKY

That's neat and really fast! What grit paper do you use?
I bet you could radius a board with pearl or abalone inlays,
which I would dare do with a router.

Outstanding, Mark! I would kill to have that kind of setup

Great job with the radius sander Mark , very impressive .

I reckon! I hope you're feeling pretty proud of yourself, that's some excellent design and engineering right there.

Wicked! Great ingenuity with your sander. Shop made tools are almost as cool as guitars...

Nice work.

Excellent, just watched the vid. It all came together at the end and a wonderfull result. Well done matey. :cool:

Excellent, just watched the vid. It all came together at the end and a wonderfull result. Well done matey. :cool:


What he said. Proper job !!!!

That's neat and really fast! What grit paper do you use?
I bet you could radius a board with pearl or abalone inlays,
which I would dare do with a router.

Thanks Glenn! I'm using 100 grit. I'm surprised how polished the fretboard looks at that grit. An added bonus I guess. :cool:

Outstanding, Mark! I would kill to have that kind of setup

Thanks Roger...it probably wouldn't work on cement anyway. :razz:

This build is going well. Neck is lovely. Everything's lookin' good!

Great job with the radius sander Mark , very impressive .

Thanks Herb! Much appreciated.

I reckon! I hope you're feeling pretty proud of yourself, that's some excellent design and engineering right there.

Thanks Kwerk. Good to hear from a guy with your eye for retail. :cool:

Wicked! Great ingenuity with your sander. Shop made tools are almost as cool as guitars...

Nice work.

Thanks! Building jigs and tools is a close second for sure.

Excellent, just watched the vid. It all came together at the end and a wonderfull result. Well done matey. :cool:

Appreciate that. You've been along for most of the ride. Thanks again for the advice and help.

What he said. Proper job !!!!

Hi Mac. Great to hear from you. There's so much to read and follow in the Challenge, didn't know if you'd get around to me. :razz:

Hope all is great with you.

This build is going well. Neck is lovely. Everything's lookin' good!

Thanks Mike! The alder for the body will be in tomorrow so, much more to come.

Hi Mac. Great to hear from you. There's so much to read and follow in the Challenge, didn't know if you'd get around to me. :razz:

Hope all is great with you.

Cheers Mark. I'm enjoying just watching. Some good stuff going on , lots of nice woods and methods to be seen.

I think you perhaps need to build some increment adjustment into your swing arm supports. Radius stays the same but you can drop it down if need be. You'll be able to figure that one out in the fullness of time.

My tools are all away on site at the monent so no G work. Clocks change here next week so there will be light. Light means workspace will happen.

How come you havn't completed yet ? Has anyone declared that I missed ?

How come you havn't completed yet ? Has anyone declared that I missed ?

The extra daylight will be great. It made a huge difference here.

I'm waiting on body wood to arrive...scheduled for tomorrow. I haven't heard of anyone finishing but I think one is close. You know me, hurrying to finish isn't my style...says the guy with many unfinished builds.

Indeed. Hows that Strat comong along ?

I did it! I taped that sucker down and put a radius on it. First a pass at 12" then down to 9.5". Pleased as I can be. Nice even crown to the fretboard, consistent thickness bass side/treble side and beautiful 1.095" thickness at the heel.

Life is good. The alder for the body arrives tomorrow!

PEvE8xmfNNs

Indeed. Hows that Strat comong along ?

Was on hold thru the winter. The neck is going to get a radius this weekend. Both body and neck are getting finish soon after.

What about the other strats?

Here are some shots of the fretboard progress. All secure and ready to go...heart pounding.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build58.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build59.jpg

A few shots after the 12" radius run.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build60.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build61.jpg

And after the 9.5" radius.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build63.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build64.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build65.jpg

After making it thru the maiden run of the sander, it's back to build time. The alder for the body is "Out For Delivery" according to UPS. :grin: :grin: :grin:

I did it! I taped that sucker down and put a radius on it. First a pass at 12" then down to 9.5". Pleased as I can be. Nice even crown to the fretboard, consistent thickness bass side/treble side and beautiful 1.095" thickness at the heel.

Life is good. The alder for the body arrives tomorrow!

PEvE8xmfNNs

Brilliant!

Congrats on a job well done!

You should go the whole hog and radius the body too. :wink::mrgreen:

Brilliant!

Congrats on a job well done!

You should go the whole hog and radius the body too. :wink::mrgreen:

Thanks Kwerk! Now that would be something to radius the body. I could call it "The Pillow". :lol:

What about the other strats?

They're waiting patiently in the closet to be sanded and polished. I have a busy spring and summer ahead of me getting all the past builds finished up.

When I got home last night I found this waiting for me in the hall...the wife was thrilled. :roll:

I ordered 10 BF of 8/4 alder from woodworkerssource.com. I ordered 6+ width and received 8.5" width. The board being 97" x 8.5" x 2" is actually 11.5 BF. Every inch of it is pristine. Delivered for $90. Great service and great folks. I even received a very funny email about the processing of my order. I'm not affiliated with them, just passing on the great experience to you nice folks.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build66.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build67.jpg

Let the fun begin! I don't have a way to cut thick, wide stock so I have to improvise. I set a straight edge and cut as deep as the circ saw blade would go, then used a hand saw to finish it off...this alder is so light, it cuts like butter. The kerf from the circ saw kept the hand saw on track.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build68.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build69.jpg

Freshly cut...

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build70.jpg

Trimmed to 6.75" wide each...

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build71.jpg

Ready to resaw. I already glued up a top for the project but I think I'm going to take a different approach. I'm going to resaw .500" from these, plane eveything, glue them up separately, chamber the body and glue the top back on. It should give me a real nice match at the glue line.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build72.jpg

Resaw and planing opened up a nasty knot but it will all hide.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build73.jpg

If you were to just move the top from the left and place it on the body, they line right up. The knot on the body will be covered by the top and the knot on the top will be covered by the pickguard. Sweet!

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build74.jpg

I like the direction you're headed, Mark. I know it's probably been done, but I've not seen anyone do the stealth chambers technique before, so I'm excited to see the finished product.

I like the direction you're headed, Mark. I know it's probably been done, but I've not seen anyone do the stealth chambers technique before, so I'm excited to see the finished product.

Thanks Roger. I've not seen it either. But, :?: :?: :?:

Part of todays gpoal is to get the body routed and glued back together. I aslo want to route the opening under the pickguard. So, i spent a little time last night working on the pickguard. I used the TDowns drawing for the body. I traced the pickguard from the magazine layout of the #2 prototype. I had to do a fair amount of reshaping to fit the lines of the body but it was a good start.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/onbody.jpg

So, now I can print this out and use it as a guide for the work on the body.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/pickguard.jpg

Well some progress this morning. I started by laying things out to make sure my cavity idea would even work, It's a go. :grin:

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build75.jpg

Before starting on the chambers, I made a wider plate for my router. It a mid sized router and the stock plate slips off side to side when doing chambers. I made one out od thin maple once but it didn't glide along smoothly...too much friction I guess. So, this one was made from a thin plastic cutting board. I trimmed it up so it was 8.5" square.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build76.jpg

Then marked and drilled it. I started with a Forstner bit for the countersink and then drilled it out for the screws.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build77.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build78.jpg

It works great. No sticking issues like with the maple one.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build79.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build80.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build82.jpg

I wanted to check to make sure I could get the pots in after the top is glued on. It looks like I'll be going with the minis. They're slightly shorter.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build81.jpg

I made a quick check on the pickguard over the cavity...plenty of overlap.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build84.jpg

All marked and ready to be rough cut.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build83.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build85.jpg

Just as I was finishing the last cut, a piece of scrap dropped into the band saw and trapped the blade. If you've never broken a band saw blade, it will startle the feces out of you, to put it nicely.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build86.jpg

With the body routed smooth, a new blade on the band saw, and the top rough cut it was time to glue it up!

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build87.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build88.jpg

I found a couple of checks in the chamber that I soaked with CA.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build89.jpg

Clampzilla!!!

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build90.jpg

Nice work. That looks great. I really like the idea of the pickguard as the control access.

Nice work. That looks great. I really like the idea of the pickguard as the control access.

Thanks!

Out of the clamps and trimmed up. :grin:

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build91.jpg

To lay out the opening for the control cavity, I laid the pickguard cutout in place and then laid the chamber template on top. I traced it and marked the width to the left.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build92.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build93.jpg

I set a guide to limit the router's travel to the left. The chamber inside will guide the flush trim bit the rest of the way.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build94.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build95.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build96.jpg

A check of the height is a bit discouraging. I could probably get the pots in there but I can fix this and address a few other issues at the same time. Those are, the body is now under 1.5" thick and the knot has become more visible on the back of the guitar.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build97.jpg

Remember the alder top I cut and glued up early n the build? It's now going to be a back. Almost like I planned it that way. :wink:

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build101.jpg

I turned the body over and routed out the lower chamber. This gives me an instant 1/4" of depth in the cavity.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build98.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build99.jpg

Here's that ugly knot that's now going to be just a memory. :cool:

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build100.jpg

Happy control cavity.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build102.jpg

Say it with me...Clampzilla!!!

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build103.jpg

Good fix Mark , you really think on the run , you got a lot done there . Broken band saw blades scare the crap outa me , but I gotta admit I laughed when I read your description of it , glad all turned out well. :smile:

Good fix Mark , you really think on the run , you got a lot done there . Broken band saw blades scare the crap outa me , but I gotta admit I laughed when I read your description of it , glad all turned out well. :smile:

Thanks Herb.

First one for me. And I hope the last. Even with my ear muffs on it sounded like a gunshot. it cut into my band saw cover too...it was coming after me!!! :lol:

I haven't mentioned anything about the finish because I wasn't sure if I'd paint or leave it natural. I still haven't decided but I wanted to look at some options.

If I paint it, I was going to go white with a black PG...I remember reading that #2 was originally white before being stripped. Then I saw the Fastest Build winner...excellent work...and I wasn't so sure. Mine would be double bound in black. I did a render just for kicks to see what it would look like.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/wht02.jpg



Then I reversed it out... This one looks sort of like a tuxedo or a guy wearing spats. Sort of classic fashion styling. And, I don't have a black Tele. I'm leaning heavily toward this one. And I'm a big guy so I can't really lean slightly. :lol:

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/blk01.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/blk02.jpg

Thoughts???

Everything is looking fantastic - really fine work and well done on everything.

Of course finish is a personal thing - but I would lean towards the white with black binding. I think the black binding really looks great. The other reason I would pick white is black is a pain when it comes to finger marks showing up every time you touch the guitar. I think black also shows fine scratches easier.

*insert standing ovation icon* Superb, Mark! Your ingenuity is so danged impressive.

As for colors, I like the black, so I cancel out DeepSouth's vote. In other words, you're back to square 1 :lol:

Everything is looking fantastic - really fine work and well done on everything.


*insert standing ovation icon* Superb, Mark! Your ingenuity is so danged impressive.



Thanks guys. That's very kind of you to say. Being a video editor by trade, I'm always thinking several different directions...it makes it easier to punt when I need to. :smile:

My personal challenge in this build was to do it completely with what I have on hand...zero cash outlay if possible. Kinda blew that on the body wood. :oops:

But, no sense spending anymore than I have to. And, I have black and white binding on hand. Black PG material but no white.

So, another option...

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/blkout01.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/blkout02.jpg

Go black. Worst case scenario is that the next time you get pg material, you get a white sheet if you feel like it would look better.

Go black. Worst case scenario is that the next time you get pg material, you get a white sheet if you feel like it would look better.

Right on the nose...

This really has my head spinning...how about?

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/nat01.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/nat02.jpg

Gotta say Mark , I am not really a black guitar guy but this is drop dead gorgeous:shock:

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/blkout01.jpg

I definitely like the black body. And like, Phawley said, you can always change the
guard down the road. This thing would probably look good with about any color guard.

Very informative build thread! Both color choices look great! Some help, eh?
Oops, I now see you have posted a third color choice. That looks great also.

Wait a minute....the "natural/black" option wasn't up there when I replied. I need a
do-over as THAT is now my favorite choice. And, the same applies as it pertains to the
pickguard.

PLUS, you can claim that it's in tribute to the TDPRi Logo!

Wow! You can go wrong with any of those color options.

For what it's worth, I vote black with white pickguard by a hair.

Very nice work!

I'm a wood kind of guy. Love the natural grain & character. All your finishes look good - I don't think you can go wrong with any of them. I have a couple black guitars and they are hard to keep clean.

[QUOTE=Guitarnut;4034332]My personal challenge in this build was to do it completely with what I have on hand...zero cash outlay if possible. Kinda blew that on the body wood. :oops:

But, no sense spending anymore than I have to. And, I have black and white binding on hand. Black PG material but no white.



Oops, skipped the words and went straight to the pics. As mentioned before, you can change the pg later.

Black with white guard is, well...sexy. I vote black if that matters. Great build by the way, I want one of these style guits.

Thanks for all the replies folks. Lots of good info and suggestions. I'm gonna sleep on it and see how I feel about it tomorrow...though I have a week or so to think about it. It will definitely be double bound.

I finished up today by routing the bridge pocket and PU route. I put some blue tape over the neck opening in the template so I didn't lose my mind and start routng it by mistake...it could happen.:shock:

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/bulid104.jpg

I had to put a plug in the wire channel to keep the router bit in place...I think I know why they don't do this at the factory. :razz:

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/bulid105.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/bulid106.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/bulid107.jpg

All sanded to 220 and ready for binding channels. Looking at this pic, it's almost a shame to paint it. The top matched up nicely. Can you spot the seam? Well duh, it's down the center. :roll:

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/bulid108.jpg

Please don't paint it Mark , its far too nice for that.

Please don't paint it Mark , its far too nice for that.

+1 What he said !!

I'm liking the Tennessee Tuxedo look.

Having staked my claim as it were here is a pic of an Aerodyne. Regardless of how it works as a guitar I think it looks so darn classy. Clean lines and super tidy. Black it is chief .


120679

That blue tape is the best tool in my shop:wink:

+1 What he said !!

Having a few this evening? :razz:

Having staked my claim as it were here is a pic of an Aerodyne. Regardless of how it works as a guitar I think it looks so darn classy. Clean lines and super tidy. Black it is chief .


120679

Wow! Nice !

Please don't paint it Mark , its far too nice for that.

If the back were as nice as the front, I'd leave it natural for sure.

Having a few this evening? :razz:

Making a point is all. Actually had a nice home made Thai Green curry with some pals. Very tasty. We were checking out Gary Lucas as a guitar player amongst others. Almost top of my list , here's a taste


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DsPpAitcX1c&feature=list_related&playnext=1&list=AL94UKMTqg-9Cv2Mt8nf9xs2udkN9xquv1

and he's in here also

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqRHr5pEIFU&feature=related

+1 What he said !!

Don't listen to those guys! :lol: The grain is nice, though.
What about transparent black? Of the alternatives you
showed, I liked the black/no pickguard best.

Go back and look at your original rendering. Natural with your (already on hand) black pick guard. Beautiful grain, beautifully matched. That's my vote, for what it's worth. Second, if you have to paint it black, I absolutely love the tuxedo look with the white pick guard and bindings. Really, really classy looking. Great build, and great recovery on the pot height thing. I shudder to think I'd probably have taken a grinder or hacksaw to my pot shafts, no telling what damage I'd have done.

Go back and look at your original rendering. Natural with your (already on hand) black pick guard. Beautiful grain, beautifully matched. That's my vote, for what it's worth.

I'm with you. That was my plan all along...why I matched the grain on the top and sides. But since I've added the back, it needs binding. There's still plenty of time to decide. I'm going to do some tests with Tru-Oil on the alder and see if I can tone down the pink a bit... well, a lot. :wink:

Please don't paint it Mark , its far too nice for that.

If the back were as nice as the front, I'd leave it natural for sure.


Here's a shot of the back. I guess when I responded to Mac's comment I was remembering the knot on back...I moved thru this pretty quickly yesterday. I guess not all of it sunk in. :shock:

Mac was paying attention. The guitar would be cool natural. But it definitely needs binding.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build109.jpg

I'm with you. That was my plan all along...why I matched the grain on the top and sides. But since I've added the back, it needs binding. There's still plenty of time to decide. I'm going to do some tests with Tru-Oil on the alder and see if I can tone down the pink a bit... well, a lot. :wink:

I've seen flooring guys killing red/ pink with a very dilute green dye. As we all know red + green = brown

Black with white binding and a black pickguard. There I feel better. I made the decision. :cool: I think I hear Herb, Glenn and Mac applauding...

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/blkonblk.jpg

As excited as I was about leaving it natural, those two checks that I soaked with CA before gluing on the top are always going to show. Obviously the staining from the CA goes all the way thru. And there are a few more hairline checks that need to be dealt with. So, painted it shall be.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build110.jpg

Moving on, I cut the binding channels. I need to make an index for those little Stew Mac bearings. It was a real guessing game trying to find the one that matched the binding. But, I had the right one thankfully.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build111.jpg

First side all done.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build112.jpg

I had an idea to try on the back side. This binding has some memory so I taped up a loop to see if it will hold. Could be a good punt if you don't have any heat handy.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build113.jpg

While I was waiting on the front binding to set up, I decided to take care of the side dot markers on the neck. When I was repairing this rosewood neck for a test run on the sander, I used this piece of maple, a neck cut-off, to level it to the blade. I wasn't sure how at the time but, I planned to use it for a jig to drill the side dots too.

I smoothed it out and took out any high spots. I checked it with a level as I went until they both sat level on the drill table. I used a junk rail from my sander build. It's edge fits perfectly in the miter channel of the drill table. After marking the height of the channel, and the locations for bolts and tee nuts, I drilled and bolted it up.

After checking it on the table, I made a few tweaks. I slid everything to the left a few inches and this allowed me to bolt the neck to the jig thru the G tuner hole.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build114.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build115.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build116.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build117.jpg

I also added 1/4" shims to move the maple forward so it would support a neck that has been carved.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build118.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build119.jpg

Back to the binding. My little experiment worked out great. The shape is perfect for the tight radius by the neck pocket.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build120.jpg

All bound up and no place to go...:twisted:

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build121.jpg

The joys of using WeldOn 16 cement for bindings.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build122.jpg

As I was cleaning up the shop, I spotted this little jewel. It's the cutoff from my cutting board that I used for my router plate yesterday...looks like a tone bar template to me. :cool:

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build123.jpg

Mark

Perfect !

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build123.jpg

I liked the black/no pickguard best.

May be too dark on your monitor but it has a black PG...gotta cover up that gaping hole. :razz:

Why not go trans black? I reckon that would look awesome with the double binding!

Why not go trans black? I reckon that would look awesome with the double binding!

You're right, that would look great with the binding. I'm not sure alder grain is special enough for a trans finish. It works under 3 tone bursts but there's a lot going on visually so the grain isn't the star. Maybe on figured maple or ash.

The side marker jig is really nice. I need to make something like that to trim my headstock on the BS and sand it on the ROSS. Hope you don't mind if I steal it.

Might have been suggested before, but what about black back and sides as you have the binding to cover the joins and a stained top?

Great to watch such a smooth operation. Makes it all look like there's none of the dangers, perils and potential mishaps in your workshop that abound in mine. Your confidence is inspiring.

Deleted

The side marker jig is really nice. I need to make something like that to trim my headstock on the BS and sand it on the ROSS. Hope you don't mind if I steal it.

Thanks! Help yourself. :smile:

Might have been suggested before, but what about black back and sides as you have the binding to cover the joins and a stained top?

Thanks for the idea. It's a good one but I want something with a classic vibe. That's really the reason I only looked at black, white and natural. Mixing them might look great but I don't feel like it would be "vibey" enough. I just made up a word. :wink:

Great to watch such a smooth operation. Makes it all look like there's none of the dangers, perils and potential mishaps in your workshop that abound in mine. Your confidence is inspiring.

Thanks! It's controlled panic at best. I still have all the nerves and doubts, I've just learned to not let them get in the way of progress. :cool:

Great idea on the neck jig AND the tone block template. Nothing better than watching a
good plan come together.

Great idea on the neck jig AND the tone block template. Nothing better than watching a
good plan come together.


Thanks! I'm going to test drive the dot jig this evening. In talking with Herb, I've realized the opening in the cutoff is too wide for a tone block by almost 3/4". And, it's too narrow for recessing a TOM bridge...so it's basically a cutting board handle. :oops:

Thanks! It's controlled panic at best. I still have all the nerves and doubts, I've just learned to not let them get in the way of progress. :cool:

I agree with this 100% Mark , I wouldn't get anything done if I listened to that what if this,what if that voice that always pops up. Confidence plays a big part in building. :)

I finally peeled off all the binding tape. Everything looked liked it pulled into place so no filling needed. I'll know better when I get the binding scraped.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build124.jpg

Then I finished off the binding at the neck pocket. I've seen some guys use heat to soften the binding on those tight corners but something that also works and promotes adhesion is to wet the corner of rag in acetone and wrap it around the binding for 10 or 15 secs.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build125.jpg

While the remaining binding sets up, I moved on to the tuners. This will be my first set of tuners with bushings. I wasn't sure the spacing on my Tele neck template was correct so I ckecked them on the Strat neck since it was already drilled. Looked good to me.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build126.jpg

I turned my dot jig around and used the back of it to align the headstock. That way I only need to worry about left/right alignment to the bit.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build127.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build128.jpg

I got the bindings all scraped flush. There wasn't much to worry about on the sides. The Stew Mac bearings are dialed in real well. The slight difference is easy enough to take of during prep sanding. On this binding job, instead of a full sized scraper I used a new utility knife blade. It worked great. Lots of control and it cuts as well as a scraper. When you get the binding level with the top/back, you can micro-plane the wood to remove any issues with grain that might have pulled up.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build129.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build130.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build131.jpg

Wow that looks great.
Solid black is definitely the way to go.

Top notch work as usual, Mark

You're right, that would look great with the binding. I'm not sure alder grain is special enough for a trans finish. It works under 3 tone bursts but there's a lot going on visually so the grain isn't the star. Maybe on figured maple or ash.

Mark, I applaud your choice of black/white binding! :lol:

I also suggested trans-black but agree with your reasoning here.

Nice job on the binding. I'm not sure I understand the tip on holding
an acetone soaked rag against the binding. Is the idea that you
wrap the binding around the corner and then hold the rag against
the outer surface of the binding? That doesn't seem to make sense.

I've tried heat on binding a bunch of times but it seems to deform
the binding material slightly.

I think a tobacco burst would be glorious!

Barncaster

Mark, I applaud your choice of black/white binding! :lol:

I also suggested trans-black but agree with your reasoning here.

Nice job on the binding. I'm not sure I understand the tip on holding
an acetone soaked rag against the binding. Is the idea that you
wrap the binding around the corner and then hold the rag against
the outer surface of the binding? That doesn't seem to make sense.

I've tried heat on binding a bunch of times but it seems to deform
the binding material slightly.

I think you wrap the binding in the rag at the point of the bend... All the way around the binding, not just on the outside. This should soften it enough to bend more easily around the corner. Something I should have probably tried on my build.

Looking very good so far! Following this one closely

Wow that looks great.
Solid black is definitely the way to go.

Top notch work as usual, Mark

Thanks!

Mark, I applaud your choice of black/white binding! :lol:

I also suggested trans-black but agree with your reasoning here.

Nice job on the binding. I'm not sure I understand the tip on holding
an acetone soaked rag against the binding. Is the idea that you
wrap the binding around the corner and then hold the rag against
the outer surface of the binding? That doesn't seem to make sense.

I've tried heat on binding a bunch of times but it seems to deform
the binding material slightly.

I guess I didn't explain that very well. I wrap the acetone soaked corner around the binding where it will fold over the corner. Maybe wrap is the wrong term. I just pinch the binding between thumb and finger. It doesn't soften it all the way thru like heat does. If I were to guess, I'd say it eases the surface tension, front and back, enough to allow it to bend without stretching it.

I think you wrap the binding in the rag at the point of the bend... All the way around the binding, not just on the outside. This should soften it enough to bend more easily around the corner. Something I should have probably tried on my build.

Looking very good so far! Following this one closely

What he said. :cool:

Thanks!

I think a tobacco burst would be glorious!

Barncaster

Sure would...going basic black on this one. :smile:

I guess I didn't explain that very well. I wrap the acetone soaked corner around the binding where it will fold over the corner. Maybe wrap is the wrong term. I just pinch the binding between thumb and finger. It doesn't soften it all the way thru like heat does. If I were to guess, I'd say it eases the surface tension, front and back, enough to allow it to bend without stretching it.

Thanks -- I get it now, and look forward to trying that.

Nice work matey.

the Tux look will go great on it :cool:

Nice work matey.

the Tux look will go great on it :cool:

Thanks you, sir. Glad to have you looking in. :cool:

Day 3 of my captivity.

I got a fast start on my build because I knew this was coming. 16 hour days in the edit suite. Today is a little better. I saw the sunrise this morning...going to work when it's dark and back home when it's dark can really mess with the psyche. A few more days and things will be managable again.

I thought about doing a little work on the build when I got home last night but I didn't have the energy to even back my wife's car out of the garage. Probably would have screwed something up anyway. :wink:

Stay tuned...

yeah, good call, Mark. It's amazing what fatigue can do. Get rested up, and we'll be here waiting patiently (or not so patiently:razz:) when you get back to it.

I know for me, at least, being physically tired does NOT bode well for the operation of
power tools. Heck, I lack so much grace that being 100% isn't always safe. And I can
feel for you with the 16 hour days, as I've been there before and did not enjoy them. It's
the mental taxation, imo, that's the worst.

You're doing great on the build and you've got plenty of time so get some rest. We'll
find a way to keep Roger occupied while he's waiting.

yeah, good call, Mark. It's amazing what fatigue can do. Get rested up, and we'll be here waiting patiently (or not so patiently:razz:) when you get back to it.

I know for me, at least, being physically tired does NOT bode well for the operation of
power tools. Heck, I lack so much grace that being 100% isn't always safe. And I can
feel for you with the 16 hour days, as I've been there before and did not enjoy them. It's
the mental taxation, imo, that's the worst.

You're doing great on the build and you've got plenty of time so get some rest. We'll
find a way to keep Roger occupied while he's waiting.

Thanks guys! I appreciate the support.

I'm back on task and I'll have an update later today.

Today I drilled and glued in the side dots. My drill jig worked great!

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build132.jpg

Then I drilled and screwed the neck into place. I set it up in my string jig to find the bridge position, then marked and drilled the bridge.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build133.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build134.jpg

I mounted the bridge with 2 screws and used it as a guide to drilled the string thru holes.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build135.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build136.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build138.jpg

And, then the ferrule bores.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build139.jpg

Then the output bore.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build140.jpg

Next up was installing the frets. After re-cutting the fret slots with a depth stop on the fret saw, I tapped them all in. I have the Stew Mac fret arbor but I just wanted to do it old school.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build142.jpg

Fret ends beveled and all cleaned up with naptha. I also rolled the edges of the fretboard with a utility blade. This allows a non-uniform, junky edge that looks well played vs taking the edge down with a fret bevel file.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build143.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build144.jpg

I wanted a worn out, aged look to the finish on the neck. Not reliced but finished in a way that implied heavy use. I started with a few passes of vintage amber, then added a few drops of tobacco brown and made several passes with that color. Not a great look...just yucky, jaundice grunge.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build145.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build146.jpg

So, I sanded it back. You can see the junky edge on the fretboard.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build147.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build148.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build149.jpg

I then added a few drops of tobacco brown to about 3 ounces of DNA. A very dilute brown dye. I then made passes with this until I got the shade I wanted. Here it is with a few coats of nitro on it.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build151.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build152.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build153.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build154.jpg

That neck looks sweet!

Wow, really nice!

That neck is gorgeous.

Great work on that neck. It really brought the flame out.

Black with white binding and a black pickguard. There I feel better. I made the decision. :cool: I think I hear Herb, Glenn and Mac applauding...

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/blkonblk.jpg


If you ask me the only thing it still needs is that the knobs are angled instead of horizontal.

Just my opinion, but what do I know ;-)

Everything is looking great Mark , body , neck , binding , color choice is going to killer! Another Guitarnut classic :smile:

Your doing one heck of a fine job! I love how you finished that neck kinda reminds me of roasted maple. Keep doing what your doing awesome work!

Wow, really nice!

That neck is gorgeous.

Great work on that neck. It really brought the flame out.

Thanks guys! It was a total experiment but it came out okay. :cool:

Your doing one heck of a fine job! I love how you finished that neck kinda reminds me of roasted maple. Keep doing what your doing awesome work!

Thanks! I was going for old and burnished. Worn smooth but with some age and grime in it.

Everything is looking great Mark , body , neck , binding , color choice is going to killer! Another Guitarnut classic :smile:

Thanks Herb! I always appreciate your comments. I need to get over and check in on your build. I'm sure it's a work of art.

If you ask me the only thing it still needs is that the knobs are angled instead of horizontal.

Just my opinion, but what do I know ;-)

I hadn't considered that but it's worth taking a look at but I'm pretty much sold on the straight line ...it's more Tele-like to me.

Here are some new renders with the neck color updated. Angled knobs vs straight.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/knobs01.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/knobs02.jpg

Awesome!

Nice kitchen!

:wink:

Nice kitchen!

:wink:

Haha! It's a photog studio...just an image map to have something to reflect.

Great work! I have to ask though, is it common to have the neck pieces glued together horizontally like that? I know G&L does them vertically...

Great work! I have to ask though, is it common to have the neck pieces glued together horizontally like that? I know G&L does them vertically...

Thanks!

I'm not sure I follow the question. If you're referring to the laminated fretboard, then yes. it's done this way quite often. Same as if you were using a rosewood fretboard on a maple neck.

Here's (http://www.tdpri.com/forum/2012-tdpri-tele-build-challenge/317902-guitarnuts-2012-challenge-build-thread-2.html#post4016778) the part of the thread where I glued it up.

If I had started with a piece of maple that was thick enough, I could have shaved off the fretboard, installed the truss rod and then glued the fretboard back in place. This way the grain would have matched up.

Things are looking great!

Things are looking great!

Thanks GB!

I was determined to have a black body before end of day but I don't have any lacquer thinner and what I can get at HD or L's dries way too fast for the heat we have today. So, I turned my attention to the pickguard.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build155.jpg

I checked the printout size one more time. Then I traced it and rough cut it on MDF.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build156.jpg

Then cleaned it up on the ROSS. It still amazes me how guitar-friendly this sander is. Even when working on designs from way back when, it's the perfect tool. You listening RIDGID? Signing any endorsement deals??? :lol:

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build157.jpg

Then I cut a pickguard in black.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build158.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build159.jpg

And, I found a scrap of material and made one in white...though it's very thin.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build161.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build160.jpg

Lookin sharp. Ya know you would think its would be a easy choice which looks best black or white , but man on this build its tough to say they both look really good. For what its worth that black provides a nice contrast to the binding. That's a cool pick guard shape.

+1 on the ROSS. I don't know how you could do all this stuff without one.

Your guitar is so clean it's unreal. Very nice :mrgreen:

Mark, your beautifully clean work is an inspiration!

Interesting to see you do some mild relic'ing work.

One thing I've learned from your threads is that you
don't hesitate at all to redo something if it doesn't turn out
the way you want. (I'm thinking of the neck color.)

I think with the sleek, streamlined design concept you
have the straight knobs work better than the angled ones.

Your pics are also really nice. What do you use
for lighting and for holding the camera?

Maybe as a compromise have one knob straight and the other at an angle !!

Good work there Mark. M

Beautiful. I like the straight knobs.

I think the colour of the neck will really pop once you go black.

When it comes to pickguard:

1. Do you really need one?
2. I have a black tele myself, although not as sleek as you have planned. Anyway, I do love the three ply pickguard with a black surface and only white edges. Hoa about going two-ply with yours and put/glue the black on top of the white and carefully bevel the edge? Or maybe it will become too thick?

It will be great no matter what. Just my 5 øre (yes, I am from Norway and have no concept of cents). :wink:

Maybe as a compromise have one knob straight and the other at an angle !!

Good work there Mark. M
:lol: I like that idea :lol:

(yes, I am from Norway and have no concept of cents). :wink:

Well, I'm from the US and apparently have no concept of sense. :shock: :lol:

Lookin sharp. Ya know you would think its would be a easy choice which looks best black or white , but man on this build its tough to say they both look really good. For what its worth that black provides a nice contrast to the binding. That's a cool pick guard shape.

+1 on the ROSS. I don't know how you could do all this stuff without one.

Your guitar is so clean it's unreal. Very nice :mrgreen:

Thanks guys. I appreciate the kind comments.

Mark, your beautifully clean work is an inspiration!

Interesting to see you do some mild relic'ing work.

One thing I've learned from your threads is that you
don't hesitate at all to redo something if it doesn't turn out
the way you want. (I'm thinking of the neck color.)

I think with the sleek, streamlined design concept you
have the straight knobs work better than the angled ones.

Your pics are also really nice. What do you use
for lighting and for holding the camera?

Thanks Glenn, for the very kind words.

Though I've done my fair share of backing up, the first round of dye was intentional on the neck...like dying and sanding back on a top. I wanted the amber and brown to enfluence the final outcome. I guess I didn't explain that very well.

The pics are hand-held and shot under shop lighting. I use a Canon A230 HX. It's a great camera when it wants to work. It does have pretty good white balance capability. I think that's why the shots look good even though they're shot in fluorescent lighting.

Maybe as a compromise have one knob straight and the other at an angle !!

Good work there Mark. M

Thanks Mac! Always thinking. I like that about you. :razz:

Beautiful. I like the straight knobs.

I think the colour of the neck will really pop once you go black.

When it comes to pickguard:

1. Do you really need one?
2. I have a black tele myself, although not as sleek as you have planned. Anyway, I do love the three ply pickguard with a black surface and only white edges. Hoa about going two-ply with yours and put/glue the black on top of the white and carefully bevel the edge? Or maybe it will become too thick?

It will be great no matter what. Just my 5 øre (yes, I am from Norway and have no concept of cents). :wink:

Thanks! The PG is a must-have on this build. It's acting as the cover for the control cavity...no route on the back. Someone jumped right to the last page and didn't see the gaping hole it's covering. :razz:

I like the idea of a two-ply PG. I'll have to look at that.

I like the 2-ply idea as well, it would look like you had binding on the pickguard as well as the body!

Great work as usual Mark. That maple neck is just stunning.:-)

Great work as usual Mark. That maple neck is just stunning.:-)

Thanks!

Not much progress this evening. I did get the headstock decals on. These are the first I've applied. Pretty simple. I printed them on a home inkjet printer and sealed them with Krylon acrylic clear.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build162.jpg

I leveled the nitro coats I wiped on the other night.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build163.jpg

Then just soaked them in warm water for 20 secs and they slid right into place. I patted them dry with a clean rag and smoothed out any wrinkles.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build164.jpg

I couldn't resist adding the tuners for the full effect.

Crap! I just noticed the top of the C is torn. Starting over. :oops:

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build165.jpg

That's better...

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build166.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build167.jpg

I also did a quick render to look at the 2 ply pickguard. It's a great idea but to me, it makes the guitar look a bit "stripey". I could see it working but I'll stick with black for this one.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/blk2ply01.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/blk2ply02.jpg

I also did a quick render to look at the 2 ply pickguard. It's a great idea but to me, it makes the guitar look a bit "stripey". I could see it working but I'll stick with black for this one.



YES !

I also did a quick render to look at the 2 ply pickguard. It's a great idea but to me, it makes the guitar look a bit "stripey". I could see it working but I'll stick with black for this one.

Seeing your renderings, I have to agree. The white binding is enough.

YES !

Seeing your renderings, I have to agree. The white binding is enough.

:cool:

Well, I'm in captivity at work again. A producer just moved my Fri deadline to Thur so I need to find another day somewhere. I'm sitting here waiting on computers to capture video and render animation frames. Gotta love technology. :rolleyes:

No chance of any progress on the build for the next few days. I do need to get out at lunch one day and pick up some lacquer thinner and striping tape. Maybe tomorrow. :grin:

I do have my lovely Alvarez AJ-60 to pass the time. Cheap guitar but it sounds amazing. Maple back, sides and neck with red cedar top.

Wish me luck!

http://www.crenshawweb.com/aj60.jpg

Well, I'm in captivity at work again. A producer just moved my Fri deadline to Thur so I need to find another day somewhere. I'm sitting here waiting on computers to capture video and render animation frames. Gotta love technology. :rolleyes:

No chance of any progress on the build for the next few days. I do need to get out at lunch one day and pick up some lacquer thinner and striping tape. Maybe tomorrow. :grin:

I do have my lovely Alvarez AJ-60 to pass the time. Cheap guitar but it sounds amazing. Maple back, sides and neck with red cedar top.

Wish me luck!

http://www.crenshawweb.com/aj60.jpg

Who needs luck when you get to play one of those while your meant to be working:wink:

Who needs luck when you get to play one of those while your meant to be working:wink:

Guess I shouldn't complain. :wink:.

Well, I just hit my deadline at work with 3.5 hours to spare. The weekend is all mine and the weather is clearing. I'll be spraying black and clear coats. :cool:

Well, I just hit my deadline at work with 3.5 hours to spare. The weekend is all mine and the weather is clearing. I'll be spraying black and clear coats. :cool:

In the new shed I hope , is it all ready for you ?

Glad you went with the decal that way Mark , looks good.

We had snow yesterday !!

In the new shed I hope , is it all ready for you ?

Glad you went with the decal that way Mark , looks good.

We had snow yesterday !!

You're more than 1200 miles north of Mark --
about 750 miles north of Minneapolis.

If it wasn't for the Atlantic you'd be in tundra. :lol:

You're more than 1200 miles north of Mark --
about 750 miles north of Minneapolis.

If it wasn't for the Atlantic you'd be in tundra. :lol:

Unusual that you would be aware of that , in my experience most Americans don't know whether we have trees or not. :shock:
Yeah we're on a level with Juno in Alaska.

Last week it was touching 20c here , Bermuda shorts everywhere.

In the new shed I hope , is it all ready for you ?

Glad you went with the decal that way Mark , looks good.

We had snow yesterday !!

Hey Mac.

Yep, in the new shed. I haven't insulated or sheetrocked it yet but I have the opposite problem now. It's hot in there. :shock:

Thanks. I think I may take another shot at the decal. Same look, different placement.

Crazy weather everywhere. We have a chance of frost tonight...then back in the 70's Sat. Poor plants don't know what to do. My wife planted bulbs last fall that started sprouting back in Feb.

Is it too late to voice my opinion? I like the black body, but either a black or a white pickguard is either too much or too little contrast.
I'd consider a black pearl or tortoise shell pickguard as an alternative.

I think you'll be happy with double bound black, I know I am! :twisted:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v40/chillman4130/_MG_9444Esmall-1.jpg

Is it too late to voice my opinion? I like the black body, but either a black or a white pickguard is either too much or too little contrast.
I'd consider a black pearl or tortoise shell pickguard as an alternative.

Opinions always welcome though it is a bit late. :razz:

I like both ideas on black but I'm not sure about either one with white binding. With nothing mounted in the PG it's a simple swap if I decide to do something other than black on black later on.

I think you'll be happy with double bound black, I know I am! :twisted:

Sweet! That's encouraging. Funny, on my monitor it has a purple cast to it. But, I bet that would look great too. :grin:

I haven't talked about hardware yet. I'm salvaging some parts from the 2010 Challenge. I bought a stash of used bridges, pots, saddles and tuners off eBay.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build56.jpg

It's mostly junk but there are a few goodies in there. I'll use this bridge and set of tuners. You can see the tuners in my decal shot up the page. They look good with the flame maple. I won't use the black springs and saddle screws..shouldn't have put those in the pic. I'll use chrome dome knobs, strap buttons, neck plate and PG screws.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build57.jpg

I also have a Tele bridge PU kit from StewMac and a spool of 42 gauge wire. The perfect recipe for frustration. I need to work on my setup...my last try at winding wasn't so good. :oops: Failing that, I have a Golden Age bridge PU as a backup. I think it's slightly over wound.

I think you'll be happy with double bound black, I know I am! :twisted:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v40/chillman4130/_MG_9444Esmall-1.jpg

posh la Cab .......... sweet

Well, I don't have pics to post right now but I did make some progress today. I marked and drilled the vol, tone holes and did some final sanding. I decided to scrape the bindings instead of tape them off. I made a scraper out of a utility blade and some scrap PVC. I'm pretty excited to give it a try. Heck, it's black. Worst case I give it another coat. :twisted:

I spent most of the morning, when it was cool, adding lights and power to my spray booth (http://www.tdpri.com/forum/tele-home-depot/311150-im-finally-doing-im-building-spray-booth-2.html#post4070613). I installed 5 light sockets and 2 duplex outlets. One outlet for fans and one in the storage barn for the air compressor. The sockets got 100 watt (23 actual watts) CFL bulbs. It's nice and bright in there but it will be even better when I get around to adding sheet rock. The OSB siding sort of soaks up the light where sheet rock will reflect it.

So, with all of that done and the sun warming the booth, I tacked off the body and sprayed her black. I used nitro and ColorTone black pigment. 3 light coats and it's black as night.

Pics tomorrow after the bindings are scraped. :cool:

3 light coats and it's black as night.



An Irish friend of mine used to say "it's as black as the earl of hell's waistcoat!"

Very cool build...:cool:

Very cool build...:cool:

Thanks Dave!

I decided to scrape the bindings tonight while the lacquer was still a bit "chewy".

My little scraper tool, fashioned after Buckocaster's. It's tough to eyeball the amount of blade to let stick out so I got it close and then added several layers of tape. Then i scraped a bit and removed tape until I had it dialed in. I had the extra blade taped up until the final steps.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build174.jpg

Yep, that's black alright...

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build168.jpg

Front bindings scraped.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build169.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build170.jpg

Both bindings done. It's really a simple process once you get the hang of it. After I had the sides done, I removed the tape from the longer portion of the blade and held it at an angle to the top or back and chamfered the edge of the bindings to get an edge reveal. I found I could take the blade just shy of parallel to the surface and get a healthy edge showing.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build171.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build172.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build173.jpg

Great build Mark! The pick guard/cover plate is an idea that I may have to steal some day. I especially enjoy seeing how you use your Shopsmith to do various things. My dad gave me his Shopsmith with all the accessories so I'm learning from you. Can't wait until I get a chance to try a build. Thanks for sharing!

That looks hot Mark , can't wait to see it cleared :)

Looking really sweet Mark! :grin:


Dave

Great build Mark! The pick guard/cover plate is an idea that I may have to steal some day. I especially enjoy seeing how you use your Shopsmith to do various things. My dad gave me his Shopsmith with all the accessories so I'm learning from you. Can't wait until I get a chance to try a build. Thanks for sharing!

Thanks VeeBus! That's great that you have a SS and that it came from your Dad. I bought mine off C's List. Not as cool a story, is it? :wink:

Dive in and get to building...it's the only way to really learn. :cool:

Mark

That looks hot Mark , can't wait to see it cleared :)

Looking really sweet Mark! :grin:

Thanks guys!

Where the nail-biting anticipation smiley when you need it?

Where the nail-biting anticipation smiley when you need it?

Is anybody listening? We need one of those...for most every thread in the Challenge! :cool:

It's a great Challenge this year.

I wasn't really happy with the way the black laid down yesterday. if you look at the pics above, you can see it's a little dry. So, this morning I wet sanded the whole body, taped off the bindings and shot another round of black. I used some retarder this time and it laid down much better.

I had a bit of scraping to do when the tape came off and I had to scrape the front reveal again but it was much faster the second time around. Here it is ready for clear coats.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build176.jpg

I also have the neck ready for clear coats. Logos in place and sanded with 400. Along with the necks from my dual Strat build.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build177.jpg

It's all in the booth with a double coat of clear on it and i'm planning 2 more today.

Thats the ticket Mark. First round of black was looking kinda .......... military :roll:.. Looks tight now though Good job M

Nice job on the re-spray and those necks look marvelous.

Yep, gonna look like your guitar is wearing a tuxedo with a flamed maple tie. Pure class! :grin:

Oh yes, top notch!

Is anybody listening? We need one of those...for most every thread in the Challenge! :cool:

It's a great Challenge this year.

You sure got that right! :smile:

Wow. I am impressed. Such neat and clean work. My builds are more of the "looks like the only tool was a chainsaw" kind.

Thats the ticket Mark. First round of black was looking kinda .......... military :roll:.. Looks tight now though Good job M

Nice job on the re-spray and those necks look marvelous.

Yep, gonna look like your guitar is wearing a tuxedo with a flamed maple tie. Pure class! :grin:

Oh yes, top notch!

Wow. I am impressed. Such neat and clean work. My builds are more of the "looks like the only tool was a chainsaw" kind.

Thanks folks! I really appreciate the comments and support.

I finished the first round of clear last night. 3 more double coats tonight. I'll let them dry until Fri evening and then level sand followed by more clear on Sat. My goal is to get all of the clear coats on by Sat, the 14th. That will leave a month to cure, polish, assemble and do my video. Considering I had to be reminded of the video dealine last year, I'd say I'm in pretty good shape. :cool:

Pics of the body didn't come out well but here are some of the neck with clear on it.

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build182.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build183.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build184.jpg

http://www.crenshawweb.com/2012/build185.jpg

Looking great there Mark

Cant wait to see them both together (can't beat black and maple) :)

Just wondering, is there an advantage to nut making the nut slot until after finishing? It seems to me that it would be better to do it first and then use a small chisel to clean the slot as opposed to risking cracking the finish when removing between the 2 cuts.

Excellent work, Mark. Can't wait to see this baby all put together!

Just wondering, is there an advantage to nut making the nut slot until after finishing? It seems to me that it would be better to do it first and then use a small chisel to clean the slot as opposed to risking cracking the finish when removing between the 2 cuts.

I've done it both ways...haven't really noticed a difference. If it's cut while the lacquer is fairly fresh, it won't crack. I guess if something were to hang up or splinter, it could be an issue.

Looking great there Mark

Cant wait to see them both together (can't beat black and maple) :)

Thanks Warnz! I plan to do a mock up of everything before final clear coats. I'll post some pics.

Excellent work, Mark. Can't wait to see this baby all put together!

Thanks Roger.

I'm anxious to see your build come together as well. Still planning to pour tomorrow?

Looks great, Mark. Sound decision to not use the 3-ply pickguard.

Neck is gorgeous, and the black looks excellent after you thinned
the paint.

Thanks for the tips on scraping the binding!

I was going to do a double bound esquire in red but now I think I'm liking the black more. It looks killer Mark, great job.