The Buttercaster Project

[mojocasterman]

great stuff! The Martycaster is starting to look awesome. Can't wait to see the painting phase.

[jwells393]

If it's ash ................ I think you better use filler.

[kyle1167]

This is such a great thread, Buck.

You've inspired me to get going on my Tele project.

With Christmas coming and my birthday just two weeks after that, I'm hoping to get a power planer and an oscillating spindle sander from my wife and step daughter.

[Flashback]

Do you mask off the binding when you use the sanding sealer and such?

[Buckocaster51]

"If it's ash ................ I think you better use filler."

You are correct. No point in getting lazy at this point. Details as the job progresses.


"Do you mask off the binding when you use the sanding sealer and such?"

I don't others may. On the Buttercaster and Orangecaster, which will be painted with Rattle Cans, I won't touch the bindings again until the color coat is on. Then I will scrape the paint and other goop off and begin the clearcoats.

The Martycaster is going to a motorcycle shop for its Saphire Sparklepaint. Whether we mask or scrape will be up the painter. On the gold sparkle Buckocaster II he wanted to mask, so we masked. Probably will do the same this time, but you just never know.

Thanks again for the suggestions and questions.

Oh...Kyle...does your wife have a sister?

[kyle1167]

Oh...Kyle...does your wife have a sister? [/quote]



Why yes Buck, she does. She's married to my brother That's how we met. Trust me I've heard all the " You might be a red neck if" jokes that could pertain

Beside it's just an $80.00 planer and a $99.00 sander that I saw at Menards. The two are cheaper than the bandsaw that I originally asked for.

[Buckocaster51]

Work time is going to be scarce this week. Parent-Teacher Conferences two nights, a city zoning committee meeting Wed. and THE BIG GAME on Friday. So this might be about it.

Time to spray some sanding sealer so it is also time to make some paint sticks. Never done 3 at a time before so we need three of them...



four screws into the neck pocket on each body should hold the sticks



Before heading out to the "shop" we need to preheat the DEFT sanding/sealer. It will flow out of the nozzle better and build a bit better. Warm tap water will heat it nicely. This is a one of those Painting With a Rattle Can Secrets I learned when I was 12 years old and painting model cars.



Now, one at a time, we are out to the shop...

[Buckocaster51]

Haven't quite figured out how to snap pictures while spraying so we will have to be happy with some "after" pictures.

Here are the Buttercaster and the Orangecaster after the first triple-coat of sanding sealer.



And here is the Martycaster. Yes, it is Ash. Yes, it needs grain filler.



Now this is the fun stuff!

[Ronkirn]

Daymm boy, those are startin' to look like really nice Teles.... and I couldn't help but notice how messy your shop is..... close but no cigar, you should see mine.... both of 'em.

Ron Kirn

[Buckocaster51]

Originally Posted by Ronkirn

Daymm boy, those are startin' to look like really nice Teles.... and I couldn't help but notice how messy your shop is..... close but no cigar, you should see mine.... both of 'em.

Ron Kirn

Thanks...I think.

I thought about doing a little cleaning before I started spraying...but then the Sloth in me took over.

You know, if you use a tool once, you're probably going to use it again...so why put it back?

[Ronkirn]

You think Right...... I really dislike foolin' around with binding, and haven't done any in quite a while. but now you and TomS have me contemplating it once again.... Grrr.... still impressionable at 60....


Ron Kirn

[Mr. Sparkle]

This isn't a thread. It's the rosetta stone of building a Telecaster. Years from now cyber-archeaologists will uncover this and the world will rejoice that the lost art has once again been brought to life.

[mojocasterman]

Again thanks for teh latest pics. It's exciting to see it taking shape like this! Very inspiring.

[frank6v6]

Originally Posted by Buckocaster51

And here is the Martycaster. Yes, it is Ash. Yes, it needs grain filler.



Now this is the fun stuff!

Steve, Did you fill it already or are you planning on doing so after the sealer stage...I've read it can be done both ways....

-F

[Buckocaster51]

Originally Posted by frank6v6

Steve, Did you fill it already or are you planning on doing so after the sealer stage...I've read it can be done both ways....

You have to remember...I am just making this up as I go along...but yes, I do plan on grain-filling after these first coats of sanding/sealer. After the filling it will be back to the sanding/sealer.

Or at least that's the plan today.

[Ronkirn]

If you have a spray gun and Compressor you can buy a gallon of the Deft from Lowe's for 25 bux.... cheeper than a boat load of spray cans.... Just DO NOT use the Generic lacquer thinner from Lowe's, it's utility grade only, it has too much water content... get a good spray grade from an automotive finish supplyer.

If you get some of the satin, it makes a great sanding sealer, sands to powder very easy... after a few coats you can move to the glossy....


Ron Kirn

[andy__woods]

that Orangecaster looks great as is, doesn't even need to be painted!

[Buckocaster51]

"that Orangecaster looks great as is, doesn't even need to be painted!"

But then it wouldn't be ORANGE

"If you get some of the satin, it makes a great sanding sealer, sands to powder very easy... after a few coats you can move to the glossy...."

I hear you on a compressor and gun. Used to have one. Don't anymore. Used to take stuff to school to spray. Fell in love with Sherwin-Williams cabinet lacquer doing that. Long term plans are to build a "spray booth" type place in an underused upstairs room one of these days. Would just LOVE to do my own sparkle guitars. Got to get these three done first. Hurry, hurry. Hustle, hustle. Sand. Spray. Mask. Scrape. Spray. Hurry.

Or something like that.

[Tom S]

Things are looking fantastic! Congrats on doing so well on all these guits. You're making me want to get started on another myself. It's getting kind of chilly in the garage, though!

Hmmm...piano black body with a high gloss natural flame maple top? I'm tempted...

Keep on truckin' Buck!

[Big Tony]

Originally Posted by Mr. Sparkle

This isn't a thread. It's the rosetta stone of building a Telecaster. Years from now cyber-archeaologists will uncover this and the world will rejoice that the lost art has once again been brought to life.

What Mr. Sparkle said.

Great stuff! This is great education, I'm taking notes.

Once again: Thank you, Buckocaster51!

/ Tony

[Buckocaster51]

You kids are going to make me blush...but please keep it coming!

Didn't get much accomplished today. Parent-Teacher conferences didn't get over until 8 and then I wound up spending almost an hour on the phone with "band business."

I did get to spend some time sanding. First thing is to remove the paint sticks.



Then we can hit the DEFT Sanding/Sealer with 220 grit dry sandpaper. Gee...look at this, I am even using a sanding block! (A rare left-handed one at that!) Will miracles never cease?



In this "artsy" picture, you can see how the grain in the alder "Orangecaster" has all but disappeared with the sanding/sealer. Smooth as the bottom on a pair of old corduroy trousers!



The ash "Martycaster" is a different story. In this "artsy" grain shot you can see that even after 3 wet spray coats of DEFT sanding/sealer there is still grain showing.



That is why we use grain filler.

That is what we are going to do tomorrow night. (I hope.)

[BarnesTO]

So, you're gonna perfect this and sell Martycaster bodies, right? ;)

[Buckocaster51]

Originally Posted by BarnesTO

So, you're gonna perfect this and sell Martycaster bodies, right? ;)

I've been discovered!

Not much time to work tonight, but I did manage to get some grain filler on to the Martycaster. The filler I am using is some water-based stuff I bought from LMI a while back. It has dried out considerably. I've added some water per the instructions but it looks pretty pathetic.



Stirring it up with a cocktail weinie fork has made it look better.



In 1963 about 2000 of these 6" Air Force rulers followed me home from school. They have followed me around ever since. Don't have 2000 of them anymore. They are made of the neatest plastic. They make okay spatulas. I've also used them as shim stock on bolt-on necks and to shim-up saddles on acoustic guitars. In college I provided shim-stock for the entire dorm. Who needs levels when you have shim-stock?

I digress.

Here I am putting grain filler on the Martycaster. Pushing it in to the grain. At right angles to the grain.



Here is the body with the first (and hopefully only) coat of grain filler. I'll let it dry until tomorrow night and then try to figure out a way to remove the "excess." Then I will hit it with another coat of sanding/sealer.



At least that is the plan.

[BarnesTO]

Just name yer price.... ;)

[Flashback]

sweet its like a tutorial lol. You kinda helped me gain some visuals on routing edges for binding. Definitly gonna double bind my next nashville pine tele!

Great stuff man.

[Buckocaster51]

Originally Posted by Flashback

...You kinda helped me gain some visuals on routing edges for binding....
Great stuff man.

I've been standing in front of a classroom for over 30 years. I live for the moments when the "light bulb" clicks on.

Glad to hear I've provided some inspiration. Doing this has been a lot of fun. We are NO WHERE CLOSE TO THE END!

Thanks again for all of the "warm fuzzies" from everybody.

[mojocasterman]

great additions to the thread as always. Man, almost 6000 views, and counting! Great work, thanks for sharing. This is fascinating stuff. They should put you on Discovery channel in HD

[Buckocaster51]

This thought came to mind over the weekend:

If I had just rounded over the edges of those bodies and shot paint on them, they would have been finished weeks ago.

No! Not me! I decide to BIND them!

What a RIDICULOUS amount of time and effort to put into a couple of pieces of plastic that do absolutely NOTHING except LOOK neat!

I wonder who has too much time on his hands?

[Tom S]

Originally Posted by Buckocaster51

This thought came to mind over the weekend:

If I had just rounded over the edges of those bodies and shot paint on them, they would have been finished weeks ago.

No! Not me! I decide to BIND them!

Oh brother, do I know that feeling.

[jwells393]

My only binding experience was the guitar in my avatar. During the painting process I dropped the guitar from about four feet onto a brick floor. It landed on the binding and bounced. No damage to the wood ...... a dent to the binding. With some heat and a burnishing tool I was able to coax the binding back to its original contour. So ............ there's another purpose for binding besides looking neat.

I don't recommend dropping guitars during the painting process. It tends to fill the air with four letter words.

[0le FUZZY]

What a RIDICULOUS amount of time and effort to put into a couple of pieces of plastic that do absolutely NOTHING except LOOK neat!

...Same thang goes fer custom street rods but HO BOY! are they beautiful and jes like yer Teles are gonna be, werth erry seck-cunn of the time yew haff spent. I noe cause after I dunn Mark's TELECASTER I ceen it all nite erry time we picked and it waz werth all the werk jes lookin at it.



...Keep it commin! This iss a great thread.

0le FUZZY

[mojocasterman]

Originally Posted by jwells393

I don't recommend dropping guitars during the painting process. It tends to fill the air with four letter words.

ha ha ha, priceless

[Ronkirn]

It tends to fill the air with four letter words

Priceless and true..... oh so very true....

Ron Kirn

[The String King]

Great thread man.

I am enjoying the pictures alot :)

Does any one know if they sell Krylon here in the UK or know of another decent brand?

[Clive Hugh]

This thread is drawing me to it every time I get near my computer, I am just about to start my own project - my "Ron Kirn Template" arrived at the post office on Friday and the delivery called while I was out and left a note. So I called in at the post office like it said "after 4pm" and discovered the contractor who delivers had broken down somewhere and my parcel would't be available till Monday. I've been climbing a wall all weekend.

[Buckocaster51]

Originally Posted by Clive Hugh

... I've been climbing a wall all weekend.

You're going to have a blast when you do get your hands on it.

Let's see...what last minute advice can I give you?

Always let that router cutter come to rest before you remove the router.

Unplug that bugger before you change cutters.

Make sure everything is good and clamped and in position before you hit the "on" button.

You probably know all of those, but friendly reminders never hurt anybody.

Have fun.

[Ronkirn]

Always let that router cutter come to rest before you remove the router.

AMEN!

Unplug that bugger before you change cutters.

Double AMEN!!!

Make sure everything is good and clamped and in position before you hit the "on" button.

AMEN Crossing myself..

Ron Kirn

[Clive Hugh]

Thanks guys, I do always try to work in a safe manner, it only takes a split second for disaster to strike when working with power tools.

[Clive Hugh]

While I think of it, Ron and Buckocaster, I have a question, what are the differences between Ash, Alder, Poplar and Pine. These are all northern hemisphere woods, we have pine but mainly the radiata species which is strong and fast growing and fairly light when dry. I have also seen a variety of Oak namely Tasmanian Oak but don't know much about it. Any info is welcome.
Clive

[Buckocaster51]

I'm waiting for some sanding/sealer to dry on the bodies so I'll try to get some work done on the necks.

Going to use Allparts necks on all three of these guitars. The necks for the Buttercaster and Orangecaster are here.

Rosewood on the Buttercaster. Maple for the Orangecaster.



The headstocks are going to be painted to match the bodies - so now we are getting to the nitty gritty. Since the colors are light and the necks do have grain, we're going to put a coat of white primer on first. First thing to do is to mask off the rest of the neck. Razor blades are good things to trim tape. Almost as good as spray epoxy.



The neck is masked and the coat of white primer is down. Do you think this paint will be "orange" enough? I could only find it in these strange little mini-cans.



and away we go...