The Buttercaster Project

[Buckocaster51]

A couple of shows on the History Channel and I'm back.

One of the ironies of this whole thing is that while we spray lacquer, we want it to dry smooth and shiny. Then we attack it with sandpaper. But I think the results are worth it.



The shiny parts don't look too bad, but there are lots of dust specks and a considerable amount of orange peel. Sanding with 400 grit paper until the shine is gone will cure both of those problems.

Then it is back to the 600, 1000, 1200, 1500, & 2000 grits. Then to the two types of polish. We've seen that before.

What we haven't seen is the reflection of one of my work lights in the finish.



I'm pretty happy.

[Buckocaster51]

these two characters like it too...

[mojocasterman]

it's looking fantastic. I lost count... how many times do you go through this process, again?

[Flashback]

Now how long till you can string em up?

[daviddoubleu]

Wow, wow, wow and one for luck, wow. Amazing work Buck. The patience you have is really something to be admired.

When's the Martycaster due back from the paint shop? I'm looking forward to seeing how the finish turns out.

[Buckocaster51]

Waiting for parts. They could go together today if'n the parts were here.

Don't know about the Martycaster. It is "Deer Season" here in Iowa. The painter has "real" customers to take care of right now.

Once again, thanks much for the nice words.

[Stuco]

So they are finished for final assembly?

[Buckocaster51]

Yup.

Ready to go!



I have tuners and nuts and will probably start on that today.

[kyle1167]

What material are you using for the nuts?

[Buckocaster51]

Originally Posted by kyle1167

What material are you using for the nuts?

I'm not a vegemusician. Bone works very well for me.



I'm not sure I can hear the difference between bone and plastic. Some people say they can. I can't say that I do.

Going to try brass on the Martycaster. I've used brass bridge pins and bridge saddles on acoustics, but have never played with brass on an electric.

I probably won't be able to hear a difference with that either - I stand too close to the drummer...you lose a lot of nuances with "cymbal ear."

If you know what I mean...

[Flashback]

Originally Posted by Buckocaster51

I probably won't be able to hear a difference with that either - I stand too close to the drummer...you lose a lot of nuances with "cymbal ear."

If you know what I mean...

LOL, aint it the truth...


I was wondering though. What kindof wiring are you gonna do on them. Are they all gonna be the same. Or something different for each?

[Ronkirn]

hey here's a chance. . . the nut only makes a real difference on 6 notes, every other one played has a fret and a finger, or slide, or capo between the note and the nut....

Ron Kirn

[mojocasterman]

man they're looking fabulous. Can't wait to see them with the parts on :)

[BritishBluesBoy]

Looking fantastic!! You have inspired me to try my hand at a bit of home painting... Am not equipped to make my own bodies (one day!) so have ordered one... Thanks so much for all this great info!!

Cheers!!

BBB.

[andy__woods]

Originally Posted by Ronkirn

hey here's a chance. . . the nut only makes a real difference on 6 notes, every other one played has a fret and a finger, or slide, or capo between the note and the nut....

Ron Kirn

Interesting thought

[Buckocaster51]

Originally Posted by Flashback

I was wondering though. What kindof wiring are you gonna do on them. Are they all gonna be the same. Or something different for each?

I put one of those 4-way switches on the Lavendercaster last summer. I like that extra option, whatever it is, and will use it on these. I guess I should know more about it...but by the time I go through an amp, the PA, and compete with the drummer, I can't tell much difference. I know some people can, but I can't.

Now when I'm sitting in the comfy chair playing for myself, in a situation where I can actually hear things, that is a different story.

[Buckocaster51]

Time to put some tuners on...but the first thing to do is clean up things...just a little...



These Allparts Vintage Staggered Height tuners seem to be as good as anything available. These came from the Corporate Headquarters of FretTech, INC, Limited (but not very)



They are actually staggered in height. Two long, two medium, and two short.



First thing will be to install the bushings on the face of the headstock. Let's see how big they are.



It looks like the big hand is pointing at the "10"

[Ronkirn]

Bucko.... be careful . . .even though it's been several weeks. . the Lacquer is still gonna be quite soft.... protect the back of the headstock as you press in the ferules, and don't pound ‘em in too hard.... it will cause the lacquer to deform from the pressure.

The cheep little pipe reamers available at Harbor freight for about 5 bux is great for opening up the holes to allow the ferules to go in without screwin’ up anything.

Ron Kirn

[Buckocaster51]

Here is the bushing that has to go into that hole...



Looks like the big hand is pointing at the "44" ... something isn't going to fit.

There are lots of ways to make that hole bigger, but I happen to have this bad boy...



It is an honest-to-gosh Tapered Reamer...

A few twists is all that it takes.



I routed (or is it "reamed") the hole out until the bushing went in half way...remember it is a "tapered" reamer...so the holes it makes will also be tapered. A little "persuasion" was needed to push them the rest of the way in.

A Quick-Grip hand clamp, a leather caul/pad on the back side of the headstock for protection, and a couple of squeezes from the Buckocaster's mighty right hand is all that it takes.

[Buckocaster51]

After heeding Ron's kind advice... here is what we have...



Once all of the bushings are in, we can line up the tuners to mark some holes. Since it seems that the Buckocaster NEVER throws anything away, it was easy to find a short length of yardstick material to use as a straight-edge. The face of the headstock is being protected by a pad.



Holes were marked with a blue pen (they sound better than the orange pens) and "center punched."

A pilot hole for the screws needs to be drilled in the maple. Something BAD would happen if I tried to screw the screws in with a screwdriver without drilling a pilot hole. Drill should be the diameter of the solid portion of the screw. A piece of tape in on the drill to serve as a depth marker. Wouldn't want to drill through the face of that Pumpkincaster. Not now. That would upset the Ol' Buckocaster.

Big Time.



Don't want to upset the Buckocaster. Nosirreebob!

[Buckocaster51]

Running the threads of the screws through some wax-type stuff (it's a cheap candle, I doubt there is much "real" wax in it) will make it go into the wood a bit easier.



With the tuners being held in line with the DiWiDi Technologies Clamping Guide it is a simple matter to put in the screws. Try to use a screw driver that actually fits the head of the screw. It really DOES make a difference.



After the screws are in and tightened...we can see what these staggered-height tuners are all about. On paper at least, probably wouldn't even need to use (a) string-tree(s).



and this is what they look like from the front



I'm still happy!

[jwells393]

Do DiWiDi Technologies sell those clamping guides?

[Buckocaster51]

Originally Posted by jwells393

Do DiWiDi Technologies sell those clamping guides?

Ummm...I don't know. Maybe you should check their web site.



...or maybe not...

[Westerly Sunn]

I've been following your thread in silent awe... but must speak up to thank you for sharing your tele-journey. It is not only informative but also highly entertaining! You're gettin' down to the short rows now ain'tcha? ...and looking teleriffic! Anyway, thanks and congrats on your persistance and great work, Bucko!

[Buckocaster51]

Here is today's installments for those of you who are living their Telecaster Fantasies through me...I know you're out there...yes...YOU...you're the one...don't deny it...

1)I have been notified by ELECTRONIC EMAIL that my Box O'Parts is on the way via USPS. I don't really know where this Box O'Parts is coming from. (Okay, I know the internet business, but haven't really figured out its physical location - if it has one.) It may be here sooner. It may be here later. But it IS on the way!

But really, other than nut work, I am dead in the water with the Buttercaster and Pumpkincaster until then.

2)I saw the painter tonight after my work (his work was still going on.) Sad to say that the Martycaster is still in the same box that I took it to him in. Good to say that he has the paint and flake. As I have said before, it is deer season (both for the hunters and drivers) here in Iowa and he is pretty busy. He did offer though - and hang on to your hats for this - to have me come to his shop a couple of nights next week - and coach me through Martycaster painting while he irons out deer wrinkles.

If we can get together on that, it will be a blast and a half.

Oh...the other day...I was surfing the "web specials" of a well-known Left Coast body-builder...guess what I found?



Yup. This whole process is going to be starting over before too long. I'm thinking a relicced Fiesta Red Esquire this time. I've never tried that reliccing thing. It might be fun.

[mojocasterman]

oh man, a relic fiesta red Esquire... you are my hero

[mapcaster]

Originally Posted by Buckocaster51

Yup. This whole process is going to be starting over before too long. I'm thinking a relicced Fiesta Red Esquire this time. I've never tried that reliccing thing. It might be fun.

Will this hide the wood grain? Whatever type you build, you have to be able to see the wood grain in the final product. Just my opinion.

[jbar]

Don't have much to add. Just wanted to say that this thread is great. I really admire the skill you have for this. I would love to be able to build my own tele, but first things first. I need a place to build things (my apartment has no room for this kind of work), I need tools, and I need the technical competence. Oh well, in time.

I just got back from spending a week in Sheldon, Iowa and man that was cold as compared to where I live. Good thing you have a hobbie to fall back on when the snow comes in (this week maybe?) My wife and I flew out just before it started to get worse. Everyone was talking about how nice the weather was, but 40s and low 50s is downright cold for my desert-rat blood.

[David Barnett]

Originally Posted by jbar

Don't have much to add. Just wanted to say that this thread is great. I really admire the skill you have for this. I would love to be able to build my own tele, but first things first. I need a place to build things (my apartment has no room for this kind of work), I need tools, and I need the technical competence. Oh well, in time.

I just got back from spending a week in Sheldon, Iowa and man that was cold as compared to where I live. Good thing you have a hobbie to fall back on when the snow comes in (this week maybe?) My wife and I flew out just before it started to get worse. Everyone was talking about how nice the weather was, but 40s and low 50s is downright cold for my desert-rat blood.

I thought the desert gets cold at night too.

[Jelly]

Originally Posted by David Barnett

I thought the desert gets cold at night too.

It do, but I guess the desert rats is in they holes round bout then

Hey Buckocaster, I probably don't need to remind you, but here is a request that you document the nut work as well as you've done everything else! I'm sure you'll do it anyway, but that's one area where I could really use a tutorial.

Can you all believe this thread is free?!

[Clive Hugh]

Thanks again for this thread, it got me started on my own build and I have checked your thread throughout before I did anything, between this and Ron Kirn's book I have got as far as ready to put the first clear coat on in the morning.
Clive

[Buckocaster51]

Originally Posted by Jelly

Can you all believe this thread is free?!

Ahhh...maybe this is time for a not-too-subtle reminder that we all need to send Paul some $$$ now and then.

I did some nut work last night...took plenty of photos...just didn't have time to post them.

Speaking of "cold" here in Iowa...the last couple of days it has been raining. Have even had some lightning and thunder. The "word" is that cooler weather is sweeping in from the west as I speak.

Clive? Paging Clive Hugh! When are we going to see some pictures from you? I'm especially interested in finding out if in the Southern Hemisphere paint comes out of the rattle-cans "backwards"...if you know what I mean.



thanks again everybody

[theshredermaster]

can't wait for a "relic'd" esquire thread!!!!!!

[Ronkirn]

an't wait for a "relic'd" esquire thread!!!!!!

Wouldn't that take about 30 years of gigging?


Ron Kirn

[mojocasterman]

Originally Posted by mapcaster

Will this hide the wood grain? Whatever type you build, you have to be able to see the wood grain in the final product. Just my opinion.

Maybe he could go with a see through shell pink relic'ed finish! :)

[Flashback]

Originally Posted by Ronkirn

Wouldn't that take about 30 years of gigging?


Ron Kirn

+1 !!!

[Clive Hugh]

Originally Posted by Buckocaster51

Clive? Paging Clive Hugh! When are we going to see some pictures from you? I'm especially interested in finding out if in the Southern Hemisphere paint comes out of the rattle-cans "backwards"...if you know what I mean.



thanks again everybody

Buckocaster,
I have a few shots but haven't a clue how to put them onto the web.
Clive

[jwells393]

Buckocaster,
I have a few shots but haven't a clue how to put them onto the web.
Clive

I'm not the Buckocaster but it's not that hard.

If you want to post pictures in the TDPRI forum the webmaster wants them 640 pixels wide or less. An easy way is to upload them to Photobucket.com. There you will see thumbnails of your pictures. Under each thumbnail is an Img line. Copy that line and paste it into your post. That's it.

You could also upload them to the TDPRI Photo Gallery.

The following works for most Internet pictures.......... and those in the TDPRI Photo Gallery.

Right click on the picture. Select something like "Image Properties" depending on your browser. A dialog box will open.......... copy the address line. In your post, click the picture icon above the typing area. A box will open. Paste the image address in that box. That's it.

You can also post them as an attachment whereby you don't have to host them anywhere. You click the paper clip icon to the right of the smiley face icon above the typing area. The Manage Attachments window opens, you navigate to the picture on your computer. Click the upload button. When the upload is complete close the Manage Attachments window click the down arrow the the right of the paper clip ...... click the attachment name and your picture will post.

So Clive ........... no more excuses.

[Buckocaster51]

Originally Posted by Ronkirn

Wouldn't that take about 30 years of gigging?

I read you loud and clear.

[Buckocaster51]

Time to work on the nuts of the beasts.

I'm using bone nut blanks that came from the Corporate Offices of Fret Tech, Incorporated, Limited (but not very). The have a nice curved bottom that will fit into the curved nut slot on the Allparts necks...which also came from Fret Tech.



They are a little too tall though. We'll need to do something about that.

But Houston, we have a problem.



Won't fit. No how. No way.

The big hand on my trusty dial calipers is pointing at the "21."



It's a bit blurry, but here it is pointing at "30."



Gonna have to do something to put a smile back on the Ol' Buckocaster's face.