Greg's First Build - LP-1MQ #151

[Andy40]

Lovely looking quilt there Greg

[Simon Barden]

Never give up, never surrender! See, it all turned out fine . Looking very good.

[Zandit75]

I'm starting to think you were foxing us with all the worrying you were doing at the start!!
You sure you're not a professional luthier??!!

[GregLane]

Ha Ha! Learning something every day.

[GregLane]

Well four month labour, worry, learning, Xmas, and I think I have finally finished the colour. I am very happy with the result considering my ignorance and issues encountered. The issues all look small compared to what some builders problems I have seen on this forum - but at the time.....

Anyway a few quick photos then put the guitar away for a week to let the TruOil harden before assembly.

[FrankenWashie]

Oh my, that shine and the colour of that face😮😄 that is a fantastic result Greg! Awesome work!

[WeirdBits]

That looks real purty, great colour and fantastic gloss. Like staring into the depths of a tranquil pond.

[wokkaboy]

looks unreal Greg good work. How many coats of TO did you apply ? Might be worth waiting another week for it to fully cure before cut and polishing

[GregLane]

Wokks I did 30 coats of TO but it's along story. The last 10 were caused by me not knowing exactly how to use the micro pads correctly and caused a bit of scratching that took a couple of sanoffs to correct then I was having trouble getting to TO smooth using a cotton wool ball in cotton t-shirt( because I was not getting it wet enough). So then I tried a cotton wool ball by itself. Disaster - fluff everywhere. When I tried to sand off the fluff I was forced, in desperation, to use the micro pads wet with turps as a lubricant. Why hadn't I used the turps before. It was so easy and far less scratchy and removed the fluff easily. I had been scared to use the wet and dry process because of the veneer but now I know. The final coat is 50% turps and TO which goes on smoothly and shines.

Sorry about essay. I wasn't going to bore everyone with a learners saga but you did ask. hi hi.

I did not intend to polish the finish as I read somewhere (DB I think) that shine on the finish reflects light which therefore does not get down to the grain. Hence matt and satin finishes on timber. I need the light to get down to the quilt to keep it dark winey red. When I put on the colortone the quilt was very black but as the TO started to shine the quilt started to go red.

I would be interested if anyone has any comments on the theory.

[Andy40]

Greg thats looking superb. Keeping us in anticipation for the final look.