GlennGPs TL-1 #1

[GlennGP]

OK, so having decided that Wudtone would be a really great thing to do, but in the knowledge that it's not going to be available any time real soon in Australia, I need to get on with my "proof of concept" TL-1. This is "proof of concept" in terms of my ability to build something functional, which the kids can then play without me worrying about it, so I'm not concerned with whistles and bells this time around. It'll pretty much be made as supplied, and as far as possible, with materials already on the premises. I'm hoping the Wudtone finishing products become available by the time I'm ready to move on to project #2.

Anyway, here's a pic I found of how I hope project #1 turns out.



I already have the acrylic gold paint to make this work, and it could end up looking reasonably classy.

I'll use this thread to update progress on the project. Sanding may begin in the next few days!

[GlennGP]

Well, having established that PitBull will be carrying the Wudtone products within the next few weeks (and bearing in mind the oft-repeated advice to "take it slow") I'll hang in there for the Wudtone finish rather than pressing ahead with the solid gold finish.

I'm thinking Goldenrod with silver highlights, extra gloss no ageing tint on the body; and, for the maple neck (which, I note, has some great grain features, including on the headstock), original vintage yellow.

Cheers,

GGP

[Gavin1393]

Quote from GlennGP on January 13, 2013, 15:45
Well, having established that PitBull will be carrying the Wudtone products within the next few weeks (and bearing in mind the oft-repeated advice to "take it slow") I'll hang in there for the Wudtone finish rather than pressing ahead with the solid gold finish.

I'm thinking Goldenrod with silver highlights, extra gloss no ageing tint on the body; and, for the maple neck (which, I note, has some great grain features, including on the headstock), original vintage yellow.

Cheers,

GGP

Hi Glenn

That makes a lotof sense to me. looking forward to see how it turn out. i am doing my Spalted Maple with it and have to admit I am thrilled with what it looks like. It is a tans-lucent finish....which has really shown up the Maple.

[GlennGP]

Hit a snag with the project. I sanded the body of the TL-1 on Sunday night, and then wrapped it up to await the arrival of a Wudtone finish. I didn't think the temperature over the last couple of days was too hot, but it seems it probably was, and the body has started coming apart at the seams (see pics).





Within minutes of advising Adam about this he replied, honouring the warranty and undertaking to get a replacement kit in the mail tomorrow (yes, I have to send my kit back, complete!). Customer service above and beyond, nice one Adam and co.

[adam]

Hi Glenn, thanks for the kind words and sorry again about your snag. First one I've seen crack like that, so at least it's not a common problem.

I'm no expert but maybe wrapping it up wasn't a good idea. You did have some high temperatures in Victoria recently, so that might explain it. I'd be interested to hear what the others think caused this. Maybe we can include something in the box to advise customers about keeping the kit in a "cool, dry place".

Oh, Dingo Bass, this kit is heading your way to see if you can work some magic to see if we can salvage and sell on eBay (if we can fix the problem so it won't crack again).

[GlennGP]

When I say "wrapped it up", what I mean is I just put it back in that travelling sleeve of soft stuff it comes in so that it wouldn't get dusty! However, my workshop must get warmer than I expect during the daytime. I'll have to find a more thermostatic environment for the build, but I don't think Mrs G will let me do it in the lounge!

GGP

[dingobass]

Quote from adam on January 16, 2013, 20:10
Hi Glenn, thanks for the kind words and sorry again about your snag. First one I've seen crack like that, so at least it's not a common problem.

I'm no expert but maybe wrapping it up wasn't a good idea. You did have some high temperatures in Victoria recently, so that might explain it. I'd be interested to hear what the others think caused this. Maybe we can include something in the box to advise customers about keeping the kit in a "cool, dry place".

Oh, Dingo Bass, this kit is heading your way to see if you can work some magic to see if we can salvage and sell on eBay (if we can fix the problem so it won't crack again).

Yikes! The first thing that comes to mind is the direction of the grain in the two pieces. They are both running in the same direction. this means there is no "give" in the construction, therefore the two sections pull away rather than moving together.
I am sure that this was an honest manufacturing mistake as all of the kits I have seen have had the grain running in opposite directions.

Gee, thanks Adam.... You know I love a challenge! :P

[adam]

That's why you're The Man DB! If it is a Factory fault, we can claim a replacement, When you get the cracked body, check it out, and if you can put a few words down on email to me I'll claim a replacement from the Factory.

[dingobass]

Quote from GlennGP on January 16, 2013, 20:23
When I say "wrapped it up", what I mean is I just put it back in that travelling sleeve of soft stuff it comes in so that it wouldn't get dusty! However, my workshop must get warmer than I expect during the daytime. I'll have to find a more thermostatic environment for the build, but I don't think Mrs G will let me do it in the lounge!

GGP

Buy Mrs G a big bunch of flowers and a mega selection of chocolates and then broach the subject of lounge room kit builds!

Worked for me!

On a more serious note, I do think this was a one off occurrence. In the mean time I would suggest that you keep the kit in the coolest part of the house whilst you are not working on it.

Look forward to seeing your build progress and please share pics of it as you go!

[Gavin1393]

Ouch!

Yep! DB you hit the guitar over Adams head! Well, the nail on the head...grain running in the same direction and with wood being in a constant state of breathing moisture in and out in combo with not enough of that dratted glue they use....

Glenn, how big is your workshop space? I had a 3x3 and it would play havoc with my wood....the wood just gets too hot and starts to curl no matter what thickness and with no-where to go will just pull apart.