The new item on the agenda.

[McCreed]

Good advice from Simon. I noticed that with the shielding tape also, but didn't address it.

I def concur with Simon about that type of factory p/g shielding. On more recent import p/g's the material is more like a "metallic paper" sticker. IME if it has a flat/matte finish to it, it's generally rubbish and poor conductivity. The shiny "foil-like" material is a bit better, but I use quality copper tape with conductive adhesive, and go right over the factory stuff just because.

It's about 2 minutes more work and costs me about 30 cents worth of tape. Good insurance at that rate.

Also worth noting, when you shield the cavities, be sure and run a little bit up over the edge of the route (at least in a 2-3 places) so there's connectivity between the cavity shield and the p/g shield. (sorry if I telling what you already know )

[ozzbike]

I am off to work again tomorrow.....four days away this time and back after work on Sunday.

I have taped up the body and the neck....and decided today to get at the body with sanding.

I have worked my way through 80 grit 120grit 180 grit....then cedar/blackwood timber mate...then sanded off with 240 grit.

I Like the slight amber/tan colour the timber mate has left on the wood.....so no tint in my shellac.

I have put two coats of a new mix of shellac on the body and hung her up to dry.

I looked at the pick guard and yeah....I think Simon and McCreed have a good idea. I will take the switch and pots off and run the tape down over the area covered by the silver paper.

I am aware of making the route copper tape come up and over the edges and touch the pick guard copper tape....thanks for the keen eyes though you guys.

I don't have any piccies...sorry.

I will see her on Sunday.

[ozzbike]

Packing my gear...grabbed my phone.

The body looks some much more amber than the photos show.....so the last two are taken in a hallway away from light.

I like the grain...it tells many stories about the life of the tree that made this wood.

[ozzbike]

Home now.....washing on.....showered.....got the pickguard and the copper tape.....all done with copper tape now. Under the switch plate and the pots all nice and shiny copper.

[ozzbike]

Here she is all nice and taped....conductive adhesive on tape....nice.

[ozzbike]

I went pretty dark on the three colours this morning as the last build had the steel wool pulling lots of colour out of the stain.

Hopefully this time the Fine Buffing Oil in steel wool will leave me some colour.

Golden Teak in the middle....Jarrah around that and Japan Brown around the edge and along the sides.

[ozzbike]

One coat of Fine Buffing Oil....I see one place that the steel wool jumped through the stain....bugger.

[McCreed]

Looks good ozz!

Is there still some texture to the grain on that body, or is it glass smooth? It's hard to tell from the photos.

I've been seeing some ash bodies lately where the builder has intentionally left the grain unfilled. They've still clear coated it, but it has a real rustic look.

The idea is starting to grow on me and I might try it on my next ash tele or strat.

[ozzbike]

Looks good ozz!

Is there still some texture to the grain on that body, or is it glass smooth? It's hard to tell from the photos.

I've been seeing some ash bodies lately where the builder has intentionally left the grain unfilled. They've still clear coated it, but it has a real rustic look.

The idea is starting to grow on me and I might try it on my next ash tele or strat.

The timber mate has levelled the grain rather than filled it all. The bumps and groves that were apparent before are gone now. The timber mate was a cedar/blackwood tint and that has coloured the lower featured grain.

I have two guitars with the grain not filled and I have to say that I am not a fan. They don't show marks and bumps....but they also don't appear finished to me.

It will also make that figured grain rather thirsty to any colour and finish you use. Really going to have to try a sanding sealer or shellac if you do that.

I have done two coats on the body now. May have to give it a hit with sandpaper.....some missing colour in places....need to restain.

[McCreed]

Thanks for the tips. I get the "unfinished" look. That's what my thoughts were previously. I'm still not 100% sold on it, but never say never I guess.