Tele scratch build

[syscokid]

In the end, it came out fine - for the templates!!

You can make some cool looking clocks with those...

 

[SIx String Chef]

I took the router sled for a ride today. The glue side is flat

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I then sanded out the tool marks. I took the opportunity to sand the side that will be the back (below) - I am excited about it

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I then sanded the top on both sides with 220 grit to get it ready for the glue up.

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That's gonna end up being an impressive guitar, Ray! Can't wait to see it finished and playing!

 

[RVA]

You can make some cool looking clocks with those...

Hmmm. I could probably find better wood for that. Nice idea!

 

[RVA]

That's gonna end up being an impressive guitar, Ray! Can't wait to see it finished and playing!

Thank you! However, there is still plenty of time to screw this up. I am happy that I have gotten this far. We shall see!

 

[RVA]

Some days went missing due to the outage, so I am going to re-post some steps

 

[RVA]

I did some edge routing tonight. I am glad I did - I made some gouges that I hope not to repeat.

I secured the master template to the plywood with a couple of screws and washers, and went to work






In the end, it came out fine - for the templates!!

 

[RVA]

I got a bit ambitious after that, and I rough cut the real wood on the bandsaw. I will likely edge route them individually before gluing them up

 

[RVA]

So anyway, edge routing proceeded yesterday...but not without incident. Apparently, tear out is a real concern when routing curved pieces. If the router catches the material in a weak spot on the grain, and it is going against the grain, tear out occurs. Here is a good rundown of the topic

Avoid tear-out when routing

I only learned this AFTER it happened to me.


It just flew off onto the floor...and indeed, I was floored. You can see the jagged tear lines, as opposed to a slip with the router. As you can see, I saved the extracted piece, and therefore extracted a partial save! I will fill in the rest, and other minor tear outs, with sawdust later on

 

[RVA]

Another thing I learned...the proper router for edge routing a guitar. I had available these 2 quality routers. On the left, a Makita palm router, and on the right, a full size Dewalt


I thought the Makita would be the better choice for working tight curves due to its small size. However, when it hits the material to be routed and wants to run forward in the direction of the spinning (which all routers do), it is VERY difficult to control. By contrast, the larger Dewalt, with the big handles, is easily controlled and a pleasure to work with, and did not present any issues around curves. My dad set me straight on this issue.

 

[RVA]

Anyway, these halves are ready to be a whole. The shapes are well matched, and I do not think the remaining curvature of the top wood will be an issue under the pressure of the tele shaped cauls and many clamps. That will happen this weekend

 

[RVA]

Some set screws and a dry clamp to get it ready for the glue up

 

[RVA]

I added some wire channels, signed it RVA#1 for posterity, and clamped it up. Here we go!

 

[RVA]

Here she is unclamped and ready for another pass with the router. I'd say a solid join. This is finally a guitar body!

 

[RVA]

I could not resist. I gave it a belly cut and cleaned up the edges. Fine sanding and scar filling will follow cavity routing.

Note in the closeup (last image) that I made most of the tearout part of the belly carve, and only a dimple remains. That will be filled

 

[RVA]

Back to the bench



That's more like it




Not sure if the neck tint will work this guitar. I will see after stain

 

[RVA]

And now for something new. Stained and ready for clear coat. Note the threaded insert settings for a true bolt-on neck!

 

[RVA]

Yeah, ok now remember where we were. Youre going to nitro it this time and save a month.

Yes, but I decided on 2K urethane (2 parts, with a hardening agent). Probably this weekend

 

[iblive]

I’ve probably missed something…. But…. Are you building the neck as well? Or is it purchased?

 

[RVA]

I’ve probably missed something…. But…. Are you building the neck as well? Or is it purchased?

Purchased neck. I have enough on my hands with my first scratch body build!

 

[RVA]

Clear coat 2K