Sanding the end grain

Hey guys,
I have an LP-1m kit and when received it had tiny cracks on the side of the guitar. Now, over the last 2 months, it these cracks have gotten a lot bigger, especially in the past week but have only noticed it today.
Does anyone have any advice on how to fix this, I am using nitro as a finish and sealer before hand so would the sealer fix them?

I don't know how to upload photos so if anyone has advice, could you let me know?

Thanks

[Scott J.]

Hi LPBuild1 ... whereabouts are you located? if it's in an area where you get big humidity changes (e.g. the tropics or near them) you'll find that unsealed timber will reflect the humidity changes ... small cracks and checks will open and close as the humidity drops and raises ... this is particularly more a problem for faster, kiln dried timbers rather than ones that have been sitting seasoning naturally for several years.

If this is the cause then you might be able to "close them up" by re-humidifying the timber before stabilising (i.e. sealing it with a finish) - might work and well worth trying

... otherwise its filler and sanding smooth - which is the easier and quicker option and to be honest shouldn't be problem if you're going to be using nitro as the filler wont show through the solid-colour of nitro like it would through the transparency of Wudtone.

... however, considering his experience with these particular bodies, DB should have some sagacious advice on dealing with Basswood and its characteristics.

[Scott J.]

Oh ... P.S. to post photos, don't use the "submit quick reply" button on the bottom left, but use the Reply link on the bottom right (in the blue box with Subscribe and RSS feed) ... it'll take you to new page with all the "smiley options" and three address boxes to upload photos from.

Cheers.

ok coo thanks, im just to let you know its a mahogany body so that would make sense. I live in sydney but humidity has bren up and down a lot in the past week.
i will add some photos this arvo
where eould i buy cheap grain filler for mahogany? Thanks a loy for saving me

here they are

[dingobass]

Hey LP, those are classic humidity cracks...
As you plan on finishing the body wit Nitro, I would get some thin super glue and flood the cracks.
This will bond the timber and should stabilise the cracks.
Then use Timbermate filler, sand smooth and apply your finish.

Ok cool thanks for the help DB, much appreciated