MPL Megacaster - semi scratch build

[Fretworn]

I usually don't go for large extravagant headstock decals, but I don't mind Megacaster being large. It does say "Mega" after all.

[JohnH]

Got to play around with a friend's vinyl cutter last week, which was pretty cool. The text and logo I wanted were about the bottom limit of what it would happily cut, but we (well, he) got it to work. Ended up having to alter the logo slightly due to some unsolvable errors with my illustrator files, but I'm still pretty happy with it.

He printed a spare copy so I could test that the Tru oil will sit ok over the top, which it seems to. Now I can finally start oiling the neck.

[Simon Barden]

Looking good.

[Sonic Mountain]

Very nice, a vinyl plotter is defiantly on my list of workshop tools. It so handy for a variety of things. Even just putting the marker nib in and using paper to plot out designs at true scale.

[JohnH]

Very nice, a vinyl plotter is defiantly on my list of workshop tools. It so handy for a variety of things. Even just putting the marker nib in and using paper to plot out designs at true scale.

Yeah, it's pretty neat. I could definitely see a use for cutting exhibition titles and all that other text based wall-paraphernalia that goes along with most visual arts/fine arts exhibitions. Most galleries do that stuff themselves (or rather, they pay someone to), but they don't always and it would be nice to be able to do it myself when required.

Also, I know some people don't like the way the vinyl is slightly raised on the headstock surface, but I kind of like it - adds another tactile detail.

[Sonic Mountain]

There are a range of different thickness' available and you can clear over it and build it up like a water slide. I used to love having access to them at work, but I'm off site 4000klms away these days.

[JohnH]

Yeah, 4000km is probably a bit far away to make use of it lol.

[JohnH]

Just got the bridge in the mail, measured it up, put two strings on and breathed a huge sigh of relief - I routed the neck cavity dead straight, thank god. So this weekend I’ll do a final tidy up of the curves either side of the neck pocket, route and glue the binding and (with any luck) finally get some stain on this thing!

[JohnH]

Have had a productive week with this build (despite having a cold). Routed the binding channel, and glued in/scraped flush the binding. It isn't the best job anyone's ever done, but it's the best binding job I've ever done, so that's a win. Only two small gaps on one of the horns, but a bit of ebony timbermate and no one will know.







I also realised I'd made a super rookie mistake when I originally cut the rebate for my control cavity cover - it looked pro, but my router could only cut a rebate of 1.5mm, so there was nowhere to put the screws. I looked at buying either a bigger bit, or a smaller bearing, but both cost more than I had. Then I remembered I had this purfling cutter, so I used it and a chisel to cut a 5mm rebate. Much better, and looks just as good.



And then, finally, some stain.

[Sonic Mountain]

Nice work, John. Black stain is great.