Strat au naturale (ST-1L) - First build, WIP

Any tips/guides on selecting the right drill bit for the screws?
Should I dip the screws in Tru-Oil? (I've heard you should - I assume it's either for lubrication, or sealing the hole.)

Best IMO is to select a bit you think is close and drill a test hole in some scrap, then test the screw in the hole. I usually lubricate screws with a little linseed oil.

Cheers,
Gav.

I use some bees-wax on the screw. You scrap the first 1/3 of the screw in the wax and it lubes the rest of the thread as screwed in. BTW, I LOVE the flame in the neck, the neck timber must have been destined for the 'Fender Custom Shop' but found its way into your kit! Nice. Also the Basswood body looks sensational.

Thanks guys.

I've kept the largest maple off-cut to test the tuner screws, but I don't have any scrap basswood. Is untreated pine a reasonable test substitute?

I'm happy with the way the headstock is shaping up. The biggest time saver has been my Aldi 180W Hobby Tool; the sanding "belt" on the flexible shaft at the lowest speed has just the right mix of bite and control to clean up the curves. The biggest challenge is the "notch"; power tools can't get in there, and there's a fine line between removing bumps/grooves and creating new ones.

The body is nearly there, too. There's no escaping the fact it's a soft finish on soft timber. Sand/rub it back again? One more coat? (A bit of both.) Ditto for the neck; the current "satin" finish is quicker than the earlier gloss finish, but doesn't show the flame as well. I'll give it another coat and see what happens; the headstock can take a few more.

I've been noticing some residual Tru-Oil tackiness on the neck in the last few days. It might be weather-related (increased humidity), or I might need to add a bit more turps to thin it. (It's probably going off.)

I think I'll take it as a sign to stop "finishing" it, and just finish it! ;-)

I've moved the neck to a warmer part of the house overnight to help cure the finish, but will let it sit until the weekend before starting final assembly. *gulp*

I was annoyed to see this after cutting out the headstock:
https://www.aldi.com.au/en/special-b...roll-saw-120w/

After reading various forums, it sounds like these are for thin, intricate cuts only. Possibly okay for a headstock, but no good for bodies (band saw required.)

Can't wait to see this thing finally together. You've done a great job with the finish mate.

Ah yes the Aldi specials, I picked up a cheap random orbital sander from there for $29, this saves hours of sanding time.. not just on guitars.. ;)

I might also check out the scroll saw..

Pretty ballzy going for an all natural finish first up as you've really got nowhere to hide but it looks like you've pulled it off beautifully, great job so far.

Andrew: Next time (if there is a next time), I'll certainly be looking for short cuts.

Nick: It's certainly been an experience... You can get a good "natural" gloss finish using Tru-Oil on a basswood body - but for sanity's sake choose a harder timber! ;-)

ST-1L guitar kit (on special): $99
Finishing materials: ~ $50
Learning the hard way: priceless