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kells80aus
16-05-2014, 03:37 AM
My PBG double cut is now with DB to do a proper job of shaping the headstock.
I've had a couple of goes at making a Gibson style routing template. All I did was make firewood. So I have offed this one to DB to do.
I've researched the origins of this PBG LP Junior Double Cut, and it is based on the '54 Single cut junior, just with the top loop cut out.
This varies greatly from the 58/59 style LP Junior Double Cut we all know and love.
While I have been waiting these five months for the slow boat from China to arrive, I have managed to get a Mahogany version of the '54 DC and also have 58/59 Double Cut comming as well, also mahogany. Might have to on sell one. The Mahogany '54 DC was an oversight as I didn't look close enough at the pics when I bought it. The '58/59 is the one I am really hanging out to get my hands on.
Just hoping it has a nice grain patern to it that I can take full advantage of. :D
Might have to get Stan to come up from Sleepy Hollow to give me a hand with spraying it with Kryllic when it's due for that part.

:D ?

Cheers PK

stan
16-05-2014, 03:45 AM
Sounds like a really cool project Paul, would love to help.

Better wait and see my results first haha, oh and naughty room time due to the nature of the finish.

looking forward to seeing how glossy Dingo Tone can be...

wokkaboy
16-05-2014, 04:10 AM
sounds good Paul, look forward to seeing photos when you receive all these axes !

so the 54 and 58/59 are pre-built axes or kits ?

lawry
16-05-2014, 06:33 AM
Yeah. What Woks said.

kells80aus
16-05-2014, 08:06 AM
'54 Mahogany DC.

kells80aus
16-05-2014, 08:12 AM
Cannot get any pics to upload.

stan
16-05-2014, 11:25 AM
Here's a reissue:

http://images.gibson.com/Files/d8b95056-d8eb-49cc-8639-e5a87872754f.jpg

kells80aus
16-05-2014, 07:13 PM
OK I resized them down to a cpl hundred Kb each
'54 style, and front and back of '58/59' style
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/2vatb-LP-JR-DCS-004-small.JPG
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/b7t61-IMG_0541sml.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/6ai82-IMG_0542sml.JPG

Fretworn
17-05-2014, 01:50 AM
Yeah! That's that beastie!

stan
17-05-2014, 04:50 AM
nice, love the symmetry of the '54

kells80aus
17-05-2014, 06:29 AM
ha ha, I am the opposite I love the character of the 58/59

Cheers PK

kells80aus
17-05-2014, 06:48 AM
Oh Sorry, forgot this bit. Wokka, they are kits. :)

I got a cpl of kits with the idea of making them pay for the one I can keep. Now I seem to be stuck with a four spares. lol

worst comes to worse I'll knock the nut off and make two into lefties for a couple of mates. they'll just have to get used to the pots under their arm pits.... lol


:D

Cheers PK

kells80aus
20-05-2014, 05:39 AM
58/59 double cut has arrived.
Quality is only average. the plastic nut had fallen off in transit. I'll probably replace that with a proper bone nut.

Now just wainting on DB for the other LP Junior. :)

one of these will end up with the P90 while the other gets a Mini Humbucker.

Cheers PK
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/bl84q-DBlCut_2.jpg

stan
20-05-2014, 08:59 AM
nice shape though Paul, you'll whip it into shape no worries.

bargeloobs
20-05-2014, 10:21 AM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from kells80aus on May 19, 2014, 14:39
58/59 double cut has arrived.
Quality is only average. the plastic nut had fallen off in transit.

Plastic nut falling off is probably not the worst thing that could happen, great incentive to throw it in the bin really...
They're some nice kits alright though, will be watching with interest.

kells80aus
20-05-2014, 10:28 PM
Ha ha Hope you mean throw the nut in the bin. :) I've ordered a bone nut from Novella Guitars in Melb. bit pricey at $8 but includes postage. I've got a Blank Bone nut AJ gave me, but I don't have the tools to shape it.

Cheers PK

bargeloobs
20-05-2014, 11:08 PM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from kells80aus on May 20, 2014, 07:28
Ha ha Hope you mean throw the nut in the bin. :) I've ordered a bone nut from Novella Guitars in Melb. bit pricey at $8 but includes postage. I've got a Blank Bone nut AJ gave me, but I don't have the tools to shape it.

Cheers PK

Lol, yeah the nut mate. I've actually been doing quite a bit of business through Cos at Novella, he's a bit like these guys here at PBG, willing to do anything to help you out, e.g sent me out some metric knobs by mistake that wouldn't fit my CTS pots, instead of swapping them he just said keep them and sent out the proper ones the very next day, also he just sent me out some extra nuts for my pots totally free. I'd recommend him to anyone looking for after market parts. His stuff might seem a bit pricey but it's all top quality gear, he doesn't stock rubbish.

wokkaboy
21-05-2014, 12:18 AM
the kits look great Paul, look forward to see these progress. Love the mahogany body

Fretworn
21-05-2014, 02:05 AM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from kells80aus on May 19, 2014, 14:39
58/59 double cut has arrived.
Quality is only average. the plastic nut had fallen off in transit. I'll probably replace that with a proper bone nut.

Now just wainting on DB for the other LP Junior. :)

one of these will end up with the P90 while the other gets a Mini Humbucker.

Cheers PK
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/bl84q-DBlCut_2.jpg

This one for the P90. I tend to think the other style should have Gretsch style mini's in them. Like a cross between a Junior and a Cabronita.

kells80aus
21-05-2014, 08:10 AM
Been busy today, I built a pot loom for the LPJnr
Also took a pic of the mini Humbucker to go on one of these juniors
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/5o74x-Pot-upgrade-001sml.JPG
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/03u79-Mini-Humbucker-003sml.JPG

kells80aus
21-05-2014, 08:16 AM
mini loom for Junior, and P90
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/99iq5-001sml.JPG
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/1ev65-P90-001sml.jpg

stan
21-05-2014, 09:50 PM
sweet

sulistbu
24-05-2014, 01:51 AM
Hi Paul,

Looking forward how you progress with these Juniors,
What type of finish have you planned for these Juniors?

Budi

kells80aus
24-05-2014, 05:30 AM
Looking forward how you progress with these Juniors,
What type of finish have you planned for these Juniors?

Budi



Hi Budi. Planning on Carmine Gypy Red Wudtone for the PBK '54 Kit and TV Yellow(or close), probably use Sun Yellow as most of the store bort stuff isn't translucent. The White Knight Kryllic seams to be translucent so I'll go with that for the 58 Kit. The '58 kit does not have much grain figuring so a semi sold will be OK on it.

kells80aus
24-05-2014, 05:34 AM
I had hoped to have been a bit further along with these builds. But I've been to busy fixing my sons car and going to the post office to post stuff out to people. Good luck with your Kits. Bud. ;)

Cheers PK

kells80aus
24-05-2014, 05:59 AM
Ok Ok I can now say I have officially started on the 58 Double Cut.
knocked off the plastic Nut. now have a Bone nut from Cos at Novella.
First off was to check the set of the neck to the body. I put the straight edge along the Nutless Neck to the Bridge. The bridge is sittng on the control cover plate to compensate for the height of the posts.
The Heineken is to keep things in Balance.... LOL



http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/2d6nb-58-double-cut-002sml.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/v187r-58-double-cut-001sml.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/mh1n8-58-double-cut-003sml.jpg

sulistbu
24-05-2014, 06:03 AM
Thanks like wise

Budi

Brendan
24-05-2014, 12:58 PM
Noticed that there seems to be a Heineken at each end. Good plan. Never too far away.

kells80aus
25-05-2014, 05:00 AM
Hi Brendan


Noticed that there seems to be a Heineken at each end. Good plan. Never too far away.

Ha ha ha Trick photography.

PK

kells80aus
25-05-2014, 07:26 AM
Body Prepped and redy for Sanding Sealer.

Cheers PK


http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/3h4a2-58-double-cut-001sml.jpg

kells80aus
25-05-2014, 07:27 AM
Sanding sealer applied

http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/05se7-58-double-cut-003sml.jpg

kells80aus
25-05-2014, 07:35 AM
The tail of two Sun Yellow. The stick in front of the guitar is coatd on both ends with two different Sun Yellows.
The LH yellow is translucent the RH yellow is a solid colour. I would prefer to be using an Opaque Yellw. but the RH Yellow is very close to TV-Yellow which is the colour I want.

Cheers PK

Oh Yeah and this 'Supposed" Mahogany body is a very pale colour for Mahogany. I suspect it is something else.
Just means I won't buy another Kit from Sonor Music... :P

PK

lawry
25-05-2014, 08:15 AM
Sweet!

kells80aus
25-05-2014, 10:57 PM
I've finished applying Sanding Sealer. I used Feast Watson SS. as It's what I have used effectivly in the past, that and couldn't find any other brands of Sealer in the Shed. Well there was a 10 Litre drum of Bondall sealer at the green shed.
I've used 10mm Dowel with a little masking tape on it to fill the Machine head holes to keep excess paint out. I did the same with the bridge posts and used 8mm dowel for the control holes.

Hoping to apply TV-Yellow this arvo. but still in two minds about this Rust-Oleum stuff as I really do not know what's in it. I might revist Paint SPot for something else, that's maybe a little less toxic.

Cheers PK

http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/2xmu5-58-double-cut-001sml.jpg

kells80aus
25-05-2014, 11:55 PM
Just discovered why the deck on this guitar seemed pale...... It's a laminate. No idea what the laminate is but looks very much like Ash. The body is three piece mahogany though.

Cheers PK

kells80aus
26-05-2014, 01:42 AM
Ok Some Yellow is applied. just waiting for it to dry before hitting the other side.

kells80aus
26-05-2014, 01:45 AM
1st coat
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/tphu3-58-double-cut-002sml.jpg

Fretworn
26-05-2014, 05:59 AM
Looks like you found the colour.

kells80aus
26-05-2014, 09:53 AM
Looks like you found the colour.

Hi Fretworn, yeah I tried the paint on stuff, and wasn't happy, so went for the spray on stuff after sanding off the paint on goo. The paint on was a lot darker and came out lumpy. The spray on is pretty close to TV-Yelloow. SO I am pretty happy with it.
Next task is to make a template for the headstock. Not exactly sure how I'll go about it. But I am sure I'll sort it. I've got some images ofa gibson headstock, so I might try printing one then fold it in half before I cut it out. that way it's more likely to come out symetrical.

Cheers PK

stan
26-05-2014, 10:53 AM
wow that yellow looks great, I thought it would be too much, but it looks good

kells80aus
26-05-2014, 09:26 PM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from stan on May 25, 2014, 19:53
wow that yellow looks great, I thought it would be too much, but it looks good

Yeah I was a bit worried about that too. But it does look good. I'm off to the Big shed later to get some Japan Black for the headstock.
I am also thinking about making a better pickguard than the standard. Maybe Turtle shell, as I have some, or even Black Pearloid if I can source a piece from somewhere.
Doing a new pickguard means I can tidy it up and make it more symetrical. The standard pickguard is not a great fit as it gets too close to the edge in some places.

Cheers PK

kells80aus
26-05-2014, 09:30 PM
Standard Gibson Headstock
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/5g5je-LP-Junior-Drwg_0005.jpg

bargeloobs
26-05-2014, 09:56 PM
/<\\/p>[/<\\/p>[/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/]<\\/p>/]<\\/p>/Quote from kells80aus on May 26, 2014, 06:30
Standard Gibson Headstock
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/5g5je-LP-Junior-Drwg_0005.jpg

Just from memory having used a Gibson overlay on my last build I had to shave a bit off the bottom as the pitbull headstock's are slightly shorter in length (about 9mm) and a bit narrower at the base of the nut.
The biggest problem I found is the peghole placement on Pitbull guitars, you'd think there would be a uniform template that they use on each kit but it's not the case, the holes are in fact far from square and actually quite random. It would be great to have the option to select an undrilled headstock.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/xiak6-Gibson-Headstock.jpg

SIMpleONe89
26-05-2014, 11:39 PM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from kells80aus on May 25, 2014, 07:57

Hoping to apply TV-Yellow this arvo. but still in two minds about this Rust-Oleum stuff as I really do not know what's in it. I might revist Paint SPot for something else, that's maybe a little less toxic.



I think Rus-oleum is enamel paint so you have to be careful sanding it because it takes ages to clear. Very nice colour!

kells80aus
27-05-2014, 12:28 AM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from bargeloobs on May 26, 2014, 06:56

/<\\/p>[/<\\/p>[/<\\/p>[/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/]<\\/p>/]<\\/p>/]<\\/p>/Quote from kells80aus on May 26, 2014, 06:30
Standard Gibson Headstock
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/5g5je-LP-Junior-Drwg_0005.jpg

Just from memory having used a Gibson overlay on my last build I had to shave a bit off the bottom as the pitbull headstock's are slightly shorter in length (about 9mm) and a bit narrower at the base of the nut.
The biggest problem I found is the peghole placement on Pitbull guitars, you'd think there would be a uniform template that they use on each kit but it's not the case, the holes are in fact far from square and actually quite random. It would be great to have the option to select an undrilled headstock.
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/xiak6-Gibson-Headstock.jpg

Hi Barge.
This kit isn't a PBG. it's, IMHO, not up to their standards. I do own a PBG double Cut Kit that I have't started yet. I got/getting Dingobass to do the headstock on that one. The headstock on this kit is about the right width, but it is shorter than standard by about 10mm.
right now I am wrestling with how to transcribe the printed LP plan onto something a bit more substantial. I might have to see if AJ's CNC can cut something abit heavier than foam. :)

Cheers PK

bargeloobs
27-05-2014, 12:34 AM
Orr righto my bad, shit even if you could trace the template onto some plastic (ice crean container lid or something) to give you a more rigid outline to transpose it onto the headstock IDK...

kells80aus
27-05-2014, 01:10 AM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from bargeloobs on May 26, 2014, 09:34
Orr righto my bad, shit even if you could trace the template onto some plastic (ice crean container lid or something) to give you a more rigid outline to transpose it onto the headstock IDK...

It's more of an eyesight problem with me. I've done this sort of thing before, but the older I get the harder it is to stay on the line. Anyhow worked out how to transpose the layout to a piece of wood or pespex. I've got a few sheets of clear adhesive sticker stuff. I'll just print out a headstock and stick it on something and just cut file trim around it. :D

Cheers PK

kells80aus
27-05-2014, 01:22 AM
Here we go printed sticker template. perfect size too

8-)

Cheers PK
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/a105j-58-double-cut-001sml.jpg

kells80aus
27-05-2014, 02:23 AM
Latest Mock up. Looking pretty damn good. :D

PK
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/ndn1o-58-double-cut-003sml.jpg

wokkaboy
27-05-2014, 03:10 AM
sweet PK looks very cool

pablopepper
27-05-2014, 03:47 AM
Looking awesome. A very close stand in for TV yellow.

keloooe
27-05-2014, 03:53 AM
Nice stuff there with the Yellow!!!

kells80aus
27-05-2014, 03:59 AM
Thanx Guys.

I spent hours trawling paint shops for colour cards, and then just lucked onto Rust-Oleum. It lacks tha opacity of a genuine TV-Yellow. I tried to find something more akin to the original. but the only thing apart from this paint that I could find was 250ml of nitro from the UK. and no way was I going to risk death and the nauty room by using that. I did think of using butterscotch on it but then I'd just be copying Gav DCJR. :P
next job is to sort the headstock shape and then the Japan Black on the face


Cheers PK

sulistbu
27-05-2014, 08:00 AM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from kells80aus on May 26, 2014, 12:59
I did think of using butterscotch on it but then I'd just be copying Gav DCJR. :P



Hi Paul,

I will ;)

BTW you're project progressing really well

Regards
Budi

kells80aus
27-05-2014, 08:14 AM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from sulistbu on May 26, 2014, 17:00

Hi Paul,

I will ;)

BTW you're project progressing really well

Regards
Budi


Thanks Budi.

I hope your DCJunior comes up well to. I don't remember what the Mahogany figuring was, but I think is was quite nice. You should do a diary on it too.

Cheers PK

kells80aus
28-05-2014, 04:47 AM
BWAHHHHH I actually did it. I hand shaped the headstock on the "Mellow Yellow"

All I had was a paper cut our of the headstock to work with, and one half round file.

Not bad for an amo.

now your gunna say it's only a Gibson shape. Well AFAIC it's harder to do one of these than to make up something completely random. with this there is no room for error. :P


PK
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/pxyjf-58-double-cut-001sml.jpg

gavinturner
28-05-2014, 06:00 AM
Nice work. That Gibson headstock shape is notoriously hard to get even in my experience. Great job..

cheers,
Gav.

kells80aus
28-05-2014, 06:43 AM
Tks Gav. :D

PK

kells80aus
30-05-2014, 03:46 AM
I am a bit underwelmed by the japan black. might have to add it to some shellac or Krylic to get that deep cover I am looking for.

PK
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/02z3y-headstock-sml.jpg

Brendan
30-05-2014, 11:53 AM
From memory the Japan Black is "semi transparent" PK. That said, a couple of layers of somthing glossy and it should look the business!

kells80aus
30-05-2014, 07:12 PM
thanks Brendan. I am hoping that will be the case

Cheers PK

bargeloobs
30-05-2014, 09:54 PM
[quote]/<\\/p>[/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/]<\\/p>/Quote from kells80aus on May 29, 2014, 12:46
I am a bit underwelmed by the japan black. might have to add it to some shellac or Krylic to get that deep cover I am looking for.

What was you intended look PK, were you aiming for pure black or just something a few shades darker?
Headstock shape looks good btw.

kells80aus
31-05-2014, 01:10 AM
Hi Barge, my intended look was that Jet Black Gloss. but the more I look at the Japan black with the hint of the grain showing through the more it grows on me.

Cheers PK

kells80aus
03-06-2014, 09:58 AM
OK. New(Next) Double cut is in the mail according to Adam. can't wait. Carmine Gypsy Red..Yep she'll be known as "Gypsy". I am going to put a Mini Humbucker in this. as "Mellow Yello" has a P90. But then I do have another double cut kit sitting in the shed with slack neck slot. What I am thinking for that one is is to put a Togle switch in that has a selection of clean + .047 uF and maybe .6 uF. It's just an idea, maybe WeirdyBits can add something to this.. the more I think on it the more I'll use the crappy kit for it. As to the colour of this Dodgy kit I am thinking a Bad Bad BLACK.. total Black on all of it.
anyway that's for later Bring on the PBG Kit. and DB I will critique you on the headstock. ;)

PK

WeirdBits
03-06-2014, 11:21 AM
You could maybe go with a On/Off/On toggle switch and 0.015 and 0.022uf caps (not too dark, with perhaps a couple of resistors to limit their tone cut). Or, if you really want to experiment, use a six-way rotary and build yourself a varitone. Ideally, you'll want to test several different caps and/or resistors to find the tone(s) that suits you and the particular guitar/pickup combo.

kells80aus
03-06-2014, 10:42 PM
Tks Scott.
the rotary switch sounds intersting. :)
Just don't know if it's beyond my ability to withstand that much finger burning. :D
but certainly worth a look.
If had of had a bit more money' I'd have looked at those little electronic setups(forgot what they are called now).


PK

kells80aus
08-06-2014, 02:39 AM
THE BLACK

Mahogany Set Neck Double cut '54 Junior
Japan Black all over.

8O

PK
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/0k35u-The-Black-071.jpg

stan
08-06-2014, 05:11 AM
looks great like that Paul, i like the way some grain shows through

gavinturner
08-06-2014, 05:16 AM
Nice Paul! Looks great as is, but personally I'd go one more coat. Just my preference for blacker than black :). She's looking good!

Cheers,
Gav

kells80aus
08-06-2014, 09:05 AM
Hi Gav I am tossing up between putting tung oil, schellac or acryllic over it. I am leaning towards tung oil. Tastes better than Tru. ;)

Tks Stan. Plan was to show some grain.

PK

gavinturner
08-06-2014, 09:41 AM
LOL Get stuck in! ;). Sounds like a great plan.

cheers,
Gav

kells80aus
09-06-2014, 02:46 AM
I was just in my workshop/shed. and looking at 'The Black' and realised I had some gold highlights left over.
So this is Now looking quite stunning. I am hoping it holds this over when the gloss goes on top.
I'll try get a pic that shows up the highlights.

PK

kells80aus
09-06-2014, 03:34 AM
It's very hard to pick up with the camera, but this is full of gold flecks and is absolutely STUNNING.

PK
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/l5d93-The-Black-002.JPG

bargeloobs
09-06-2014, 06:02 AM
Man that looks nice, coming along beautifully PK.

pablopepper
09-06-2014, 06:29 AM
Wow. Gorgeous.

lawry
09-06-2014, 08:26 AM
Black with gold sounds fantastic. I can imagine the lights catching that very nicely..

gavinturner
09-06-2014, 12:16 PM
Wish I could see her sparkle - I bet she's a sight! Nice work Paul..

cheers,
Gav.

kells80aus
10-06-2014, 10:55 PM
Gypsy finally arrived this Morning after near six months wait. Well I had to go and pick her up from the post office. PBG DC Junior Set Neck. Yep there is a theme goining on here all set necks. It was supposed to be two, but became three. Such is Life.

PK

Pics to come onece some colour goes on, Wubtone Carmine Gypsy Red. Hence the name Gypsy.

kells80aus
11-06-2014, 01:41 AM
Gypsy. Not sure If I'll even bother straightening up the rough neck foot. But I suppose I should in order to get a good glue joint. :)

PK

Oh, and DB's Gibson headstock effort as well. :P
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/kgu6t-Gypsy-001sml.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/wkfcl-Gypsy-002sml.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/h2qqf-Gypsy-005sml.jpg

kells80aus
11-06-2014, 01:46 AM
Gyspy disrobed.....lol

PK
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/56978-Gypsy-004sml.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/tmxsg-Gypsy-003sml.jpg

kells80aus
14-06-2014, 07:41 AM
OK, I've finally got hold of a litre of HiChem Clear acryllic Laquer.

I've sat down and watched Jarrods Vid and a couple of others.

Then I went out and checked my spray gun. the one with the 100mm cup..

1. Bugga it's a touch up Gun. A K3 Katsuda Not sure it's gunna do the job... Maybe some one can help there. I do have some full sized spray guns somewhere.


2. Do I need to use a retarder. one of the Vids I watched the guy used 50% laquer 50% thiners. and 10% Retarder.


I've got a few guitars to hit with the Laquer.

Cheers PK

kells80aus
18-06-2014, 03:04 AM
The Black Headstock Cut.
Simple cut. a continous curve to the middle and back. Nope it is not a circular cut.
I shaped it with the french curve. marked one half then flipped it for the other half.
Jiggied it out then used the drum sander in my drill press to finish it off.

The first pic makes it look asymetric, but I can assure you it is symetric.

PK
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/z4864-The-Black-005sml.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/cy8jp-The-Black-006crp.jpg

wokkaboy
18-06-2014, 03:19 AM
headstock looking good PK

stan
18-06-2014, 04:16 AM
looks very cool Paul

kells80aus
18-06-2014, 04:30 AM
Tks guys

I've dabbed a bit of Gold highlights on the face since the pics, so that it matches up with the body which has gold highlights on the deck as well.

PK

lawry
18-06-2014, 09:12 AM
Yeah. Gold highlights on that will look great when the light catches it. Cool, Paul.

Fretworn
19-06-2014, 02:10 AM
Love the headstock shape. Nice simple curves wok just as well (if not better) than fancy scroll work.

kells80aus
19-06-2014, 04:54 AM
Thanks FW.

Now I am up to trying to get acryllic to come out of my sprygun like it's supposed to. The best I can work out it the apperture is too small and it doesn't like the low pressures needed for Acryllics. I am still spraying cotton candy all over the place with this K3 touch up gun, so I forked out $34 for a HVLP gun with a 1.4mm aperture and specs for running on 15-45psi. perfect for spraying acryllic.

Now just got to wait for delivery.

Cheers PK

kells80aus
20-06-2014, 01:33 AM
I Just resized the neck block on the Black. It had been about .5mm too small for the neck route.
I used a piece of .5mm Rock maple and glued it to the side of the neck block to bring it back up to size for a nice tight fit. I had to glue it to the neck as it's impossible to clamp into the neck socket itself.
I'll do a bit of gentle sanding on it to make it almost invisible.

CHeers PK
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/uzxh7-The-Black-007sml.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/yap6q-The-Black-008sml.jpg

kells80aus
20-06-2014, 03:54 AM
Ok Job done, one barely visible Fix.

PK
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/7i31r-The-Black009sml.jpg

kells80aus
20-06-2014, 04:09 AM
Oh, Before anyone says I could have used a reversed Irwin clamp as a spreader in the neck slot.
A reversed Irwin Clamp needs at least 75 mm wide space to get into. even the little 100mm Green shed one I have is well over 60mm wide.
I probably could have made something up out of a couple of bits of wood and some rope. But I like the way I went about it better. :D

PK

lawry
20-06-2014, 04:26 AM
Nice job with the patch, mate. I had to look very closely to see it. Excellent!

kimball492
20-06-2014, 09:22 AM
Love the yellow looks fantastic
Kimball

kells80aus
20-06-2014, 09:53 AM
Tks Lawry I tried to hide the patch as best I could but the glue is the give away as it doen't absorb as much colour as the rock maple.

Tks Kimball I like that yellow one. I need to get out in the shed and cut it back so I can hit it with some acrylic.
although I am sure I could get a hi gloss just on the yellow coat itself. I still have the Gypsy Carmine red one to do as well. I've just been wainting to get over a couple of hurdles with these other two. I've started to put acrylic on the Black, but my spray gus is too small(also read Cheap) to do the job right, so I am just waiting on a new spray gun to turn up.

Cheers PK

kells80aus
24-06-2014, 09:25 AM
Woo Hoo new spray gun turned up today a H827W.. whatever that means. now I need to learn how to drive it, so I guess I'll be spraying metho and laquer thiners on everything for a day or two.
I don't plan on doing any colur work for about a week. as Melbourne is being hit by really really really cold weather.. Blizards are hitting the hills they laughingly call the high country.
So I am chucking a lot of wood into the Coonara and curling up in front of that to keep warm for the next week.

I've been spending a lot of time W&D'ing the Yellow. everytime I get it close to perfet I break through the colour, and have to do some carefull touch up.

The Black is waiting for more pleasant weather as all she needs is a top coat of acryllic.

Gypsy is still in the bax. as the weather is just too cold. I could probably get the DeWalt orbital out and run that over the top, ready for the Carmine Gypsy Red base coat.

PK

kells80aus
30-06-2014, 10:32 AM
Keith Richards 29/06/2014 Belgium Double Cut Junior
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/ma53z-TV-Yellow-DC-KR.jpg

kells80aus
03-07-2014, 10:13 AM
BWAHHHHHHH the "Yellow" is driving me nuts. I spray, I Wet and dry with 1500 grit.. I break through the colour. i repeat the process. SIX times......... it's driving me nuts. Ahhhhh. but now I know why. I didn't rip the sticker off the damn cork sanding block...... It has a high spot.........DOH....... DOH......... DOH........

the other really hard part is giving it several days between respray..... Man this thing should have been finishe a couple of weeks ago.....soon please. guitar god.....please please me.

with regards to the "Black" well. it's too damn cold and wet to be messing around spraying Kryllic
she will have to wait a while.

Gypsy, well she is comming along fine. first coat of Base applied today to the top and sides.
found some more fine scratches.... too bad. they stay. hope the colour covers them.

PK

stan
04-07-2014, 07:50 AM
oh man, I know your pain with the yellow - the satin black saga on the back of my LP is the same

nice fix with the neck

kells80aus
04-07-2014, 09:22 AM
Bugga, I seem to have gained a few more scratches on the Gypsy. Best I can figure is I should cut my nails before handling this. So it is sand the back off which has a deep colour coat and a base coat. So tomorrow I'll hit it with the De-walt sander and re-coat from scratch. I wan this to be a GotM.

sub note.
I have found it is best to have quality gear to do any sort of sanding, routing, cutting work on anything.
Cheap gear just F--ks stuff up. I have an Ozito router and it has made some nice bits of firewood, because the plunge brake just keeps failing. Now I have a De-Walt router as well. :) all is good now.




PK

stan
04-07-2014, 10:21 AM
I have found when you wet sand, keep the water clean and constantly dip the paper - otherwise you end up with larger particles embedding in the paper and they leave scratches. Also watch the stray edges, they cause scratches outside your sanding area

Same goes for dry sanding, and it is even more pronounced

bargeloobs
04-07-2014, 10:37 AM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from stan on July 3, 2014, 19:21
I have found when you wet sand, keep the water clean and constantly dip the paper - otherwise you end up with larger particles embedding in the paper and they leave scratches. Also watch the stray edges, they cause scratches outside your sanding area

Same goes for dry sanding, and it is even more pronounced

Just to add to Stans comment, a drop or two of dishwash liquid in your water helps the paper glide too.

kells80aus
18-07-2014, 07:52 AM
C&P from other topic.

The last few weeks have been a long hard road. I have been struggling to get past spraying clear orange peal onto "the Black" I have been at my witts end trying to work out why I am getting orange peel paintwork from my gun.
I have taken councel from Jarrod and my mate big kev at the Green Shed. he was a panel beater in a past life.
Jarrod has set me on the right track with the pressures being between 18 and 30 psi. Big Kev told me about how much thinners. If you mix your paint up ist should stop dripping off the stirrer within 10 seconds.
The final problem was due to brain fade. I'd been using my baby compressor as I ddin't want to drag the big one all the way through the house for fear of sleeping on the couch. the little Stanley compressor was OK for the air brush but suffered from asthma after one squirt with the bigger gun.
So I added a fire extinguisher to the mix. now instead of 14 litres of air I have about 32 litre. :)

As for work on the Gypsy she is doing just fine on her own. she has had a lot of coats of Carmine Gypsy red and is getting a coated every 2-3 days. She is close to glossing

Cheers PK
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/gfu14-Lute006sml.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/53kct-Lute004sml.jpg

kells80aus
18-07-2014, 07:56 AM
I have at least got the first coat of Acryllic on the Black and W&D'd back to slightly rough with 600grit. I don't want to take it any further till I get anouther layer or two of acryllic on.

The Yellow is ready for acryllic. But I am not going ot hit that until I get this part of the process sorted. I'd rather have to sand back only one guitar instead of two, or even three if I include The Lute. then there's the Gypsy after that still to come.

PK

PK

kells80aus
26-07-2014, 03:16 AM
Just been having a practice pollish. I thought the acryllic had gone milky, but It's beautiful. there are still a few dimples so this will get a 600 grit cut back and more acryllic applied.

But can't go spraying till the weather warms up. No heating in my workshop/shed and it's only been 10-11-12-13 deg for the past couple of weeks.

PK
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/uarfm-The-Black-037.jpg

Gavin1393
26-07-2014, 04:23 AM
Pk, come meet me in the Naughty Room where I can suggest the Jambuck heaters (approx. $100 at the Big Green Store). Speeds up the drying time and curing time immensely. I think it may have been Jarrod who introduced this to the forum. Really works well. Thanks for the help this morning with the Junior!

wokkaboy
26-07-2014, 04:41 AM
looking nice and glossy PK.
I've seen the Jumbuck infra red heater at Gavs and it works well. Even DB bought one (I won't say where! haha)

stan
26-07-2014, 05:06 AM
great mod with the extinguisher!

Gavin1393
26-07-2014, 05:11 AM
/<\\/p>[]<\\/p>/Quote from wokkaboy on July 25, 2014, 13:41
I've seen the Jumbuck infra red heater at Gavs and it works well. Even DB bought one (I won't say where! haha)

Dobbed in!!!!!!!

Treachery!!

hahahahaha!

kells80aus
26-07-2014, 07:18 AM
NAUGHTY CORNER for DB.

Tks Stan.
great mod with the extinguisher!
This used to live in the bullbar of my 80 series. I have anoother one under teh passenger seat, so if the passenger annoys me I just drive over a sharp rock and wooosh inbstant ejector seat. LOL
Converting an old water/acid fire extinguisher is easy. just need to block off the holes. if using it for a compressor additional reservoir you could leave the little pressure guage in place. I took mine out and plugged it with a 1/8 bsp plug. the handle I took out and just found a bolt the fits the internal thread size, shove a lump of rubber under a washer and sealed it off. For the in/out pipe I cut the rubber hose down to about 100mm and just shoved a barbed fitting in. Instant air container. they hold about 18 litres 'from memory'

PK

gavinturner
26-07-2014, 10:12 AM
Thanks guys for the heads up on the Jumbuck IR outdoor heater. I've been using my 1000W work lamps, but this looks much, much better. I mean anything with the *DB* seal of approval is a must have. LOL!

cheers,
Gav.

kells80aus
01-08-2014, 02:41 AM
'The Black Junior'

So Near Yet so far. Still full of pits on the deck, But I am getting there slowly
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/8gd0k-Lute016.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/pz3m0-Lute017.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/xwboe-Lute019.jpg

kells80aus
01-08-2014, 02:44 AM
New Toy


http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/07/8v5v6-Lute018.jpg

gavinturner
01-08-2014, 03:25 AM
Nice PK. I have the exact same straight edge. I've found it excellent.

cheers,
Gav.

kells80aus
01-08-2014, 03:45 AM
Tks Gav

I also bought their fret rocker as well.

Now we just need Jarrod to make up some 12 inch long by 12 inch radiused fret sanding blocks ;)

PK

wokkaboy
01-08-2014, 04:24 AM
Hey PK the DC coming along nicely, nice level of gloss, looks like after wet sanding out the pits must be getting close to assembling.
Nice fret ruler too !

kells80aus
01-08-2014, 04:43 AM
Thanks Wokka,

Yeah. it is getting close. I am thinking another layer of acryllic on the top should do. It's bucketing down with rain right now so may have to wait a day ot two. I've dicovered another problem, since taking the pics above, the acryllic has popped up a bit just above the bottom bridge post. Seems the hole drilled for the earth is too close to the surface. I had cotton budded some acryllic into the bridge post holes, but as the earth hole is only 2mm dia it mustn't have got enough in it to protect it. So I am going to let it dry out and see how it settles. worst comes to worse It get's a bit of attention with the sander. It is a simlar problem I had on "The Yellow' where the moisture got into the bridge post and I sanded a hole in the yellow. I re-coated 'The Yellow' It is still sitting here waiting for some acryllic to go on. I am using the Black as a test bed to learn how to use the spray more effectively to apply the acryllic. It is a bit of a trial and error game. too much air, turn it back, spray gets lumpy, add some thiners, at the momnet I am dealing with it occasionally spitting a big dribble spot onto the guitar. as well as an odd problem with the spray gun seeming to surge afrom time to time, that is probably my little compressor not being up to the job. I may yet have to drag the big one out of the garage and all the way around to the shed.

PK :D

stan
01-08-2014, 10:13 AM
Nice Paul, Blackie is coming along well. Got to say this weather is CRAP for trying to do anything with paint/clear.
I see you finally have my fret ruler - I will pick it up soon...

kells80aus
02-08-2014, 11:34 PM
Er, Um, Oops.... what started out as a little fix up suddenly became a big fix up.
When jiggling the dewalt sander around the lead caught the coping saw and pulled it down off the peg board. The words immediatley spoken were not printable, two gashes in the deck of the Black. half an hour later and the gashes are gon, but so was all the black and acryllic off the deck.... Reset..

about to restain, re-gold highligh and later on re-acryllic.

PK
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/88q7y-The-Black-004.jpg

kells80aus
02-08-2014, 11:50 PM
Japan Black re-applied. first with swirling motions to fill the pores of the grain then end to end to make sure it is even.

PK
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/cpcsu-The-Black-006.jpg

stan
03-08-2014, 12:26 AM
oh mate, what a setback, i feel your pain.
However sometimes it is almost better to go again rather than persist with chasing you tail fixing errors and complications.

lawry
03-08-2014, 01:48 AM
I can imagine the adjectives were quite precise and pertinent, Paul. I'm impressed by how quickly you've made progress though. Still, with all that rain, hail, slush, sleet and snow you've been getting down there you're probably glad to be inside working up a sweat!

kells80aus
03-08-2014, 02:02 AM
Tks guys. sanding and staining aren't my nemessis. it's the spraying of the acryllic.
In my case the spaying is subject to tow outside influences.
1. the weather.
2. my low skill with a spraygun, although that seems to improve slightly with each attempt.

I had intended to go and do a little bit of pre work for fret dressing this and some others. but that has gone by the board with the set back, as I also planned to load up the trainer for a tip trip. That process is time critical as I am up against the weather as well as my tip vouchers running out on 30th August.

PK

kells80aus
06-08-2014, 03:33 AM
BWAHHHHH stupid spray gun. it's piddled all over the work. Couldn't see why it was doing this till I tried turning the head ring a bit tighter , and woosh it went another couple of turns. turned out the nozzle wasn't done all the way up. It piddled on the Black so Here's hoping I don't have to grind it back too much. At the moment I have a pplied a couple of coats and will apply some more tomorrow. then it should be getting close to where I need it to start the cut back process.

PK

lawry
06-08-2014, 09:17 AM
Damn Paul. You're sure having a bad trot with this gig. It'll seem all the more sweet when you're finished. Sure hope you can patch it up easily and cleanly.

kells80aus
06-08-2014, 09:45 PM
Hi Lawry. These things happen when you use equipment that you have never used before. You have to learn all the pitfalls the hard way. It's not like I know a spraypainter that could just drop by and show me what I need to do. :)

All the previous builds have been done with Shellac and Tung oil. so pretty inocuous hand application methods used with them, not these gadamned newfangled sprayamajiggies.. rofl

PK

stan
08-08-2014, 01:02 AM
mate you are not alone, satin clear is made by the devil and after every single application, with a week in between, it cracks and crazes, my LP will never be finished....

kells80aus
09-08-2014, 01:53 AM
The Black is back.
Got a few coats of Acrylic on, and now it seems to be going on in a uniform thickness. I am opting to only apply very thin coats so this will take several more layers before the cutting back process starts.

The little white deposits on the deck are bits of acrylic. they just wipe off witha brush of the hand.
happens when the presure is a little high. and I was running out of acrylic in the gun as well. :)

PK
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/e8675-The-Black-004.jpg

gavinturner
09-08-2014, 06:07 AM
Looks great PK!

cheers,
Gav.

Nickosaurus
09-08-2014, 06:15 AM
Woohoo!

Gavin1393
09-08-2014, 06:45 AM
Inspired!!

lawry
09-08-2014, 08:48 AM
That's nice! What colour hardware you putting on it?

kells80aus
09-08-2014, 11:00 PM
Tks Lawry,

I am sticking with the chrome. for two reasons. out of work and out of money. I have to use what i've got.
I just don't have enough gold bits to do it all in gold even though I think it would make a great JPS.

Somehow I still need to come up with some stick on sandpaper strips for the leveling beam I have in the post. $2.75 + $6.95 pastage from Johnyshades, or $25 +postage from Stewmac. looking at 320-400 grit. May even resort to borrowing a bit off Jim Oastler at Underground Music in Werribee

PK

stan
10-08-2014, 09:37 AM
just use double sided tape to stick it with...

kells80aus
10-08-2014, 10:37 PM
Hi Stan,

I do have some double sided tape, but it is a bit spongy, so thought it might not give the smooth flat results I want. But I guess the spongyness would settle once used.

PK

kells80aus
19-08-2014, 09:16 AM
I think I have just made it past a critical juncture in the build of the Black and Yellow(No I Hate Richmond, and Collingwood, and North Melbouren, F-it I hate all but the Dog's). The Yellow I was ready to apply some Krylic too, but was working on the Black first. Damn if I didn't cut through the Krylic in about 5 or 6 place. I was just about to strip it all back and start again, but decide to take a brave step. I dabbed some Japan black on the rub through spots, and then hit it as hard as i could with more Krylic. I am pretty damned happy with the outcome. I managed to twidle the nobs on teh spray gun enough to achieve a reasonbly flat finish. as far as flay goes it is like I sprayed clear sand all over it, but I figure if I can do this a couple more times I will build up enough thickness to be able to W&D it back to a crystal gloss finish. I got to say that it was stunning before I rubbed through the gloss. I had pollished the Yellow up[ pretty nicely, but I have doubts about the durability of the yellow gloss I used, so once I get through with the black I'll put about half a lite of Krylic on that one. The Gypsy Dancer is then to be finished. Might just put a coat or two of red on her. I want to gloss her up but do not want ot make a mess of it. this is why I have been working on the Black, as it was a Basket case to start with, and just for the record Ray H, It's turned out pretty good. :)

Cheers PK

stan
20-08-2014, 08:55 AM
Hey Paul, you can get thin double sided tape as well, thin like packing tape

stan
20-08-2014, 09:04 AM
Hey Paul, you can get thin double sided tape as well, thin like packing tape

kells80aus
22-08-2014, 10:02 AM
Hi Stan, yeah some of the double sided tape i have is thin. I'd forgotten I had this stuff. I'd bought it to sticking templates on body blanks, but ended up opting to clamp stuff down. I have two rolls.
AJ and I had a close inspection of the leveling beam I bought.. It is only a length of mild steel RHS that has been linished to smooth down the two narrow surfaces. It alos appears to have been chrome(or similar) plated.
Blind freddy could make one of these. I paid $17US + Postage so say $40AU for a bit of kit I could have made myself.
My first fret levling effort was a bit rough as I only had AJ's crowning file to use and it's a 2.5 mm unit and the frets were closer to 3mm.
But never mind it's on the Black so it' is a learning experience.
One other issue that reared it's head. when I got home from AJ's the second time I had the neck up side down and the Truss rod, slid all the way to the top of the headstock route. I discussed this with Jimm Oastler and he wasn't all that fazed about it as long as it is back inside teh neck when it gets tensioned up. Fixing it properly would mean steaming the fret board off, and that would be a PITA.

PK

kells80aus
07-09-2014, 03:28 AM
Damn IT. Cut through the Acryllic again on the Black. I am in two minds about whether to cut my losses and just live with it or strip it and start again. I mustn't be getting the acryllic thick enough. The other problme with the arylic is the sparkles in the coat. all over the guitar.
If I re-do it I'll find another more solid black as this feast watson stuff has no deapth in the colour coat at all. one slip and you cut straight through it.

PK

kells80aus
14-09-2014, 04:01 AM
:D
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/s4540-20140913_1453381.jpg
http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/774l2-20140913_1451581.jpg

bargeloobs
14-09-2014, 04:33 AM
Oh my god that finish! (drool).
That's amazing Paul...seriously!!

kells80aus
27-10-2014, 12:59 AM
Hi Barge,
Yeah that was done with the big car polisher. lol and Maguires compund.
I have been a bit stagnant on these double cuts.
SO today, I extracted a didgit and polished and set the neck on the Yellow.
I was going to try and fix a few finish blemishes. but have got to the point I just don't have the time. So stuffit I'll glue it all together. and get it up and running.
If I had some more clamps I'd glue the Black neck in as well

Cheers PK


http://www.pitbullguitars.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/10/4ex71-The-Yellow-002.jpg

stan
28-10-2014, 01:40 AM
great to see these coming along PK

kells80aus
20-11-2014, 12:02 PM
Had to pull the neck off the Yellow, unfortunately the glue just wasn't ready to let go and cracked the heal.

However with a little injenuity, I've managed to fix it with some Tassy Oak dowels. Lucky break was when I pushed the dowels in they forced glue into the cracks. the dowels also intersect by a couple of mm so will hold each other. So should be strong enough

PK

wokkaboy
20-11-2014, 12:19 PM
nice fix PK !

kells80aus
16-01-2015, 07:44 AM
Hi All,
now down to a day or two to finish the Yellow.
I've had to refinisha few spots on the body and the neck that took a bit of a hit when I de-glued it.
For new listers
this is an authentic style 58' Double cut in as near as I could get to TV yellow off the shelf colour.
the build is totally mahogany body and neck the fretboard is rosewood.
Pickup is a single P90 with a B500 Vol pot and an A500 Tone pot witha .022 uf cap. the leads are shielded cotton pushback with added heat shrink layer to avoid unnecesay shorts.

More pics when it's all glued up and running.

Cheers PK

kells80aus
17-01-2015, 11:05 AM
I should have stayed in bed today. this build now comes pre distressed ofter taking a few knocks in the assembly

Oh well it works. just got to wait a bit forthe glue to cure properly before putting all the strings on.

the two string nooise test works, this one is set up with a push pull tone pot that selects a .023 or a .047uf. but my iniatial reaction is it meeds a greater tone gap.