Hello and suggestions please

[gamahucher]

Hello Everyone,

New to this though I've done a fair bit of home handywork woodwork before so I figure as long as I take my time and plan ahead I'll get what I'm after. So with that in mind, I thought I'd ask for suggestions as to the correct order to do things in. I'm building the STF-1 and my intent is to have the body as a blue stain so the grain is still visible but cut (Routed) into the body above the pickguard will be the infinity symbol which I plan on then filling with epoxy resin that has glow in the dark powder in it.

My query relates to the order. I'm thinking stain - route - fill - smooth - restain - sand - polycoat and then sand progressively to a high gloss.

Your thoughts and thanks in advance.

Warren

[Kick]

Welcome to the forum Warren. I think I would start with the routing but that is just my thoughts.

[Chuck]

Welcome Warren, I tend to agree with Kick that I'd get the routing done first. I'm assuming you don't mind the stain in the routed area as the epoxy fill will cover it?

[wokkaboy]

Hi Warren, welcome to the forum. I always do my routing before any sanding in case I mark the body. Then sand, stain, fill the symbol and gloss coats.

[Simon Barden]

Hi and welcome.

I agree with routing first, especially if (like most of us here) you're not an expert at fine routing and inlay. It's obviously a stage that has the ability to go wrong (though I hope it doesn't) and you always need to be prepared to be flexible with your build plans.

[WeirdBits]

Test your epoxy fill on a piece of scrap first. You'll need to mound it somewhat as it will contract as it hardens, then sand it flat/level. Once it has hardened and been sanded you see if it takes on any stain.

Ideally, you'll want to rout, fill, sand/level, sand again, and then stain.

And, welcome.

[gamahucher]

That's right, Chuck. It doesn't matter if any stain gets in the routed area.

[gamahucher]

Thanks everyone. Good advice. It will be interesting times I'm sure