Sanding a hollow body

[LexLuthier]

Hey everyone,

I am just about to start sanding my kit (a hollow body trini lopez (an ES-335 with a diamond cut instead of an F hole). Is it risky to use an orbital sander on the body of a hollow body guitar? I don't want to crack it or too aggressively sand it. My plan was to sand the flatter face and back surfaces with 120/220/320 grit paper with an orbital sander and do detail sanding on the sides and prominent curves by hand.

I have a kid due this week so I have been slacking on this build, but really excited to get going!

[Trevor Davies]

Hey everyone,

I am just about to start sanding my kit (a hollow body trini lopez (an ES-335 with a diamond cut instead of an F hole). Is it risky to use an orbital sander on the body of a hollow body guitar? I don't want to crack it or too aggressively sand it. My plan was to sand the flatter face and back surfaces with 120/220/320 grit paper with an orbital sander and do detail sanding on the sides and prominent curves by hand.

I have a kid due this week so I have been slacking on this build, but really excited to get going!

I do not think the problem would be about cracking it.

Is it a ply-wood top? I would be more worried about going through the layers of ply. I did the TL-1TB kit but the top and back did not need much sanding.

[LexLuthier]

Thanks for the reply. My presumption is that it's a ply-wood top. Here's a link to the body: https://i.imgur.com/QA0u3dh.jpg (my build diary link also has more pics) https://www.buildyourownguitar.com.a...ad.php?t=12214.

My cursory inspection of the body is that it has a few small scratches and dings that need to be sanded out. Thanks for the help!

[Trevor Davies]

I would add some filler (like timbermate if you are in OZ) for the dings. Then sand back to the level of the wood. At least then you will not end up with shallower sections on the body. You do not want to sand through that flame maple top. I would not use a ROS as the veneer top is very thin.

The best method may depend on how you intend to finish the body.

[LexLuthier]

Thanks! I intend to use grain filler. hand-sand only it is! Gonna finish it in pale metallic gold nitro (headstock and diamond cut will be black.

I really appreciate your help!