Hello internet,

I've started my first build on a gorgeous spalted maple thinline tele. The kit is absolutely beautiful and I've had such a good time so far! I bought it in anticipation of being told to stay home, and managed to get a few things I'd need before society started shutting down. I'm also a teacher, so my two week break starts next week and I'll be pouring many hours into the guitar. I also haven't done much woodworking ever, so this is a whole new adventure for me.

A few things:
1. My plan is to dye the guitar blue, and then use a gold Rub'nbuff wax to fill the wood grains. I'll use teak oil to pull of the excess wax, then tung oil to finish/seal the whole thing. I am quite confident this will look incredible on the sides/back due to the open grained ash, but am less convinced on the front with the veneer. Will the effect still work on the maple veneer?

2. I've spent about 8 hours sanding so far, and have told myself at the end of each hour that it isn't enough so that I follow the advice that is everywhere on the forum. The back and sides are now much smoother than when I got it, which is quite pleasing. The veneer is super thin so I haven't sanded the front at all, but it is quite rough. Is there any way I can make the front smoother without saying goodbye to the veneer? Or will this happen naturally when I finish the guitar with tung oil?

3. During my dry build, I took note of the style of bridge I have and was moderately perplexed as to how it works. My other electric has a Tunomatic bridge, so this is new to me. It is the same as is pictured with the kit, and has a saddle for each string. I saw on Fatboy's build diary that it is personal preference if you want a string through or top loaded bridge. If I wanted a string through, I don't really know how to do that, and I only have access to a handheld cordless drill. Can anyone recommend a good guide? If I top load it, how on earth does that work? Can I even top load?

I think that's all for now. Thank you in advance for your helpful comments.

I've also bought a vintage 60s Japanese guitar that I plan on concurrently trying to tidy up. Is there a forum for that?