First Scratch Build

[SSO720]

I finally decided to build a tele from scratch. My other builds have been with bodies/necks purchased online. I wanted to do a Thinline but the cap material was giving me problems. Then thought about a contoured tele. Finally decided to start at the beginning and just make a basic tele. I guess it goes back to learning to walk before you run.
I got a great deal on a blank of African Mahogany 5' X 20" x 6 qtr. I will actually get 3 one piece bodies out of the blank. Paid $60 for the wood.
I used the T Downs PDF and made my templates. Then got down to making saw dust.
The first lesson learned was the tear-out lesson. I was being very careful and following the directions for the "downhill" routing, but still ended up with some tear out. Guess that's what wood filler is made for.
The ROSS and some hand sanding smoothed everything out and I was on to the cavaties. First the forstner bits then the router. I even drilled the bridge and string thru holes with success. Ended the day with all my fingers and a body that looked pretty good.
Next up are the wiring routes, round-over, grain filling and finishing. Was thinking of a dark burst around the edges to hide my mistakes. Any suggestions on grain filling would be appreciated. My only prior experience was using Z-Poxy on the Lacewood Veneer build.

[SSO720]

I stayed at it today and made more progress. Got the wiring channels drilled, learned how to take out a dent with a wet paper towel and an iron, and did the 1/4" roundover on the edges. I also played around with Timbermate and some brown die. Worked on it with some scrap until I got a good color. Will try that tomorrow.
I weighed it and it came in at a nice 5.6 lbs. My big woops moment is very visible at the neck route.
The body has nice grain and the color is much lighter than I expected. Will probably shoot with some amber tinted clear

[PinewoodRo]

Looking good so far! Thanks for posting the pics, I'm going to try something like this myself over the summer.

[SSO720]

This is the first time I have ever attempted to build something like this. My previous experience with wood/tools has always been something habitat related.
I am having a ball with it. Everytime I do something new I expect to either pull back a bloody stump or a mangled piece of wood.

[R. Stratenstein]

Not the cheapest, but best routing results, avoiding burning and tear-out use a spiral bit. It may seem counter-intuitive, but use an UPCUT bit on your router table, which will want to pull the wood down securely on the table. (Router and bit don't know you're using them upside down on the table)

Anyhow, you've got a great start. Looking forward to seeing your progress here, and no bloody body parts, please!

[SSO720]

The first thing I want to say is thanks to all the participants of this forum. When I first came here I knew nothing about trying to assemble a guitar let alone attempt to build one. If it wasn't for all of you I wouldn't be boring you with this build or having the time of my life. Retirement is great!
Today I did final sanding and grainfilling. I have a Skill downdraft sanding table and it is the best thing out there for this. I love it. I got it sanded to 320 and then wiped down with Naptha. It shows very nice color and grain.
Then I mixed some Timbermate with some dyes and put it on just like the Stew-Mac video, then scraped it back with a credit card. Will let it dry and then sand tomorrow.