Gorath's first build - TLA-1

[Gorath]

I think some might object to my rather crude headstock design and "decal". I guess I'd argue "it's punk rock"?

[andrewdosborne]

Nice Tele Gorath. I'm probably late to the game on this one but my ST-1 was buffed using photocopier paper method (on Wudtone)

http://www.buildyourownguitar.com.au...?t=2206&page=2

Sent from Lineage OS 14.1

[wazkelly]

G'day mate, presume you may also be known as Gareth?

With most finishes things need to be fairly smooth before moving on to the final polish stage and if using DT curing time needs to be taken into consideration as it can tend to take a bit longer than most folks realise. That said, once you have done your intensifiers and then clear top coats you may need to do some very light wet sanding with 1500 or 2000 wet & dry sand paper before using micro mesh pads where you can buy a 'guitar pack' from the Sandpaper Man in Oz via online ordering.

Once you have done all the wet sanding with micro mesh pads is when you can make a start with using Meguiars Ultimate Compound Polish that can be found at most auto accessory stores or on eBay - http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/like/131161573104?chn=ps

Time and patience following these steps will bring a showroom shine if that is what you are chasing.

Cheers, Waz

Edit: Love DT CG as a colour and it looks great on your Ash Tele with the black contrasting bits.

[Gorath]

Thank you Waz, (yeah it's Gareth) that is great advice and really gives me some direction. I've just as of this evening put my first finishing coat on the body. Happy to let it cure for ages before the final sanding and polishing.

Really appreciate your help as well Andrew.

My next thing is the neck. I've done my stain coat and then finishing coat on it. When I did it, I stained and finished the fretboard as well, as I hadn't read the bit about people taping this up and not doing these things to it. I've got some Dingotone wax now (presumably to use on the fretboard). What should I do now with the neck?

Here's what it looks like, and no sweat if I have to take the tuning pegs, string trees etc out again:

[Gorath]

[Gorath]

P.S. hope you enjoy my Hawaiian theme board shorts.

[dave.king1]

P.S. hope you enjoy my Hawaiian theme board shorts.

Don't all guitarists wear cargo shorts with a Hawaiian theme

[Andy40]

Thank you Waz, (yeah it's Gareth) that is great advice and really gives me some direction. I've just as of this evening put my first finishing coat on the body. Happy to let it cure for ages before the final sanding and polishing.

Really appreciate your help as well Andrew.

My next thing is the neck. I've done my stain coat and then finishing coat on it. When I did it, I stained and finished the fretboard as well, as I hadn't read the bit about people taping this up and not doing these things to it. I've got some Dingotone wax now (presumably to use on the fretboard). What should I do now with the neck?

Here's what it looks like, and no sweat if I have to take the tuning pegs, string trees etc out again:

Hey Gorath,

Sorry I have't got to reply on this for a while. I don't get a lot of time to post these days.

I would take the DT off the fretboard using a Stanley knife blade, then smooth out with some 1200 grit, then Dingo wax the fretboard. To Dingowax, I dig out a little bit and ply it in my fingers till it gets a bit soft and warm, then apply to a rag, then apply thinly to the fret board, then rub excess off with a rag and buff to shine.

Good luck

[Gorath]

Hey Gorath,

Sorry I have't got to reply on this for a while. I don't get a lot of time to post these days.

I would take the DT off the fretboard using a Stanley knife blade, then smooth out with some 1200 grit, then Dingo wax the fretboard. To Dingowax, I dig out a little bit and ply it in my fingers till it gets a bit soft and warm, then apply to a rag, then apply thinly to the fret board, then rub excess off with a rag and buff to shine.

Good luck

Thanks Andy, I'll give that a go on the fretboard.

What should I do with the rest of the neck? Polish/buff?

[stan]

welcome and cool Tele. Yep, polish and buff the rest, looks good.
The DT wont hurt the fret board, it's just that it will show wear as you play it. Maple necked fenders have their lacquered, so no big deal