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Template and cut the top section of the veneer. This was sprayed first with veneer softener.
Attachment 5123
Apply glue. Titebond I.
Attachment 5124
Vacuum press.
Attachment 5125
This is just a common vacuum storage bag and household vacuum cleaner. Wasn't going to lash out on a proper vacuum press and pump at this point.
and press...
Attachment 5126
(that heavy UPS I haven't been motivated enough to install finally has a use...)
Removed from the press hours later.
Attachment 5127
This is where I realised that at some point my template had gotten flipped over.
The straight grain was supposed to be at the end of the body with the curved grain under the pickguard.
It had a better look about it.
Tried to make the other section line up and look acceptable, but couldn't so it was time to select the undo function.
Steam to loosen the glue.
Attachment 5128
And peel...
Attachment 5129
Some time later... a ST body with veneereal disease.
Attachment 5130
Some more work with a cabinet scraper and then some sanding cleaned it up well enough to provide a smooth surface for another attempt.
Deciding between these two of the possible layouts of a couple of replacement veneer pieces.
Attachment 5131Attachment 5132
Probably the first one as it has the most detail.
Going to make triple sure I don't flip any templates this time.
Easy to do Sam flip the veneer and glue the wrong side. I would have left it on. It looked cool the curved grain near the elbow cut. All good experience to remove and redo the gluing. Love the press!
Yeah, the press worked well the first time.
Not so well the second time as will be seen in Adventures In Veneering, Part 3.
Just checking it and it's got ripples.
ripples in the veneer!
aargh!!!! hate it when that happens!
its not easy to get right Sam and may take a few goes. Headstock veneers are much easier as they are so much smaller than a guitar body and you can get clamps all over the surface of a headstock.
Do you have to buy more veneer ?
Will the ripples be hidden by the pickguard ?
I won't be buying more veneer. Veneer costs would get to be much as the kit was. I won't be peeling the guitar again either. That was a real chore the first time.
Turns out most of the ripples pressed out.
There's just one where end of the elbow cut is. Wouldn't notice it playing, and wouldn't notice it unless went looking for it with wandering fingers - can barely see it and even then it looks like part of the elbow cut.
Cut properly this time, checked and checked again.
Attachment 5137
Into the vacuum bag.
Attachment 5138
Which was then pressed with MDF and clamps.
Top part glued, time for another visual check.
Attachment 5139
Still on track.
Going to use offcuts to test stains.
My wudtone inventory includes, Amber, Cherry Flamenco, Goldenrod, Hot Auburn and Burning Sun. Gloss and Satin top coats. (Yes, I bought a few when the wudtone clearance happened.)
I was thinking either Amber or Goldenrod would highlight the Camphor Laurel and still be a good choice for the neck as well.