Woltz's TLA-1Q

[Woltz]

So it's been roughly 3 weeks since I sprayed the clear and I was planning for 4 but the finish seems hard and doesn't have any strong smell to suggest that there are significant solvents still coming off it. So tomorrow I'll get some sandpaper, buffing and polishing compound and see how it comes up. My only concern is how flat the back will come up as it looks like I should've used more grain filler than I did.

Those planes will give you a proper workout.

You're not wrong Waz. It's actually surprisingly physical work.

That headstock shape and the body colour are both killer.

Nice to see another Canberran on here too - if you're ever up for beverages and gear chats, hit me up

Cheers mate, the colour has come up nice and the headstock shape I can't claim as my own. It's a G & L shape.

My knowledge and ability playing guitars is limited, so I'll probably contribute to the gear chat about as much as our current politicians are contributing to Aus haha. But I can definitely contribute to beverages at some point.

[JohnH]

Cheers mate, the colour has come up nice and the headstock shape I can't claim as my own. It's a G & L shape.

My knowledge and ability playing guitars is limited, so I'll probably contribute to the gear chat about as much as our current politicians are contributing to Aus haha. But I can definitely contribute to beverages at some point.

Ha ha ha, that's actually a bit of a relief - when I said gear chat I mostly meant along the lines of 'how's your kit going?'. I'm totally hopeless - I just like making stuff, but barely play and definitely don't know much.

[Woltz]

Well it was only a matter of time before something didn't go to plan. Sanded through the clear coat and some of the colour has come off the front. Unfortunately it's in a spot that won't be covered by the pickguard or other parts. So sanding back the front and starting again.

[wazkelly]

Bummer. Have you tried just touching up affected area first as that might work and save lots of time and effort.

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[Woltz]

Bummer. Have you tried just touching up affected area first as that might work and save lots of time and effort.

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Yep, tried a touch up first but it stuck out like the proverbial. Sanding back now whilst praying I don't go through the veneer.

[wazkelly]

What method are you using for sanding?
Wet with 1200 or 1500 might help to strip clear coats but not burn too much of the stain.

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[Woltz]

What method are you using for sanding?
Wet with 1200 or 1500 might help to strip clear coats but not burn too much of the stain.

Sent from my SM-A520F using Tapatalk

I decided to strip some of the colour as well so that I can re-stain and get even colour across the whole face. The issue at the moment is that the veneer actually isn't very flat so I have some spots where I'm back the wood and other spots where I've still got lacquer despite using a sanding block. Worst case scenario I'll sand everything back and do a solid colour if it doesn't work out.

[wazkelly]

Yeah, not much else you can do.
Unfortunately the veneer can be quite thin. When using TO i usually get at least 8 full strength coats down before sanding the top to prevent going through too many layers as i have also been where you are at and learned the hard way.
What is the timber underneath? If Ash it could have some decent grain to work with if you end up sanding through.

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[wazkelly]

Just checked earlier shots and the basswood on the back has some decent grain.

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[Woltz]

Just checked earlier shots and the basswood on the back has some decent grain.

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It's an Ash body so I've got options if the veneer doesn't work out.