2nd Build SHB-4

[blinddrew]

I think that's very similar to what I've used. Leaving it to harden for now then a final sand back and polish.
My fingerboard is definitely engineered rosewood, but having learned from my previous experience I waxed this one before taping it and the lift was minimal.

[ozzbike]

I think that's very similar to what I've used. Leaving it to harden for now then a final sand back and polish.
My fingerboard is definitely engineered rosewood, but having learned from my previous experience I waxed this one before taping it and the lift was minimal.

I will have to see what turns up....but the wax is a great idea.

[Simon Barden]

That it was time to mow the lawn?

[blinddrew]

Interesting philosophical discussion aside, 3000 wet sand and polishing later and I'm calling this done:


Looks ok on general inspection but if you look a little closer it's still a bit orange peely




But I'm not convinced by the thickness of the poly so I'm calling that done.
Frankly it's a lot better than I've been expecting with this guitar on a few occasions...

[Simon Barden]

Well it certainly passes the 3-feet-away test, so well done. If you had a buffing wheel (my dream acquisition but I don't have the space), you could probably get it a bit better, but not a lot.

Take the rest of the day off and celebrate.

[blinddrew]

Actually a couple more polishes has pretty much done it. Aaaaand then i've gone and marked it all when I've drilled the holes. More polishing tomorrow, with a tiny bit of sanding, and then we're onto assembly and soldering.

[McCreed]

Looks good. I think you've done very well there. I've certainly done worse .

Aaaaand then i've gone and marked it all when I've drilled the holes.

This is one reason why I'm a big advocate for drilling holes pre-finish.
I know, I know... people go on about the wet sanding/water in the holes etc, but my reply is always "bee's wax"!
Drill the holes; apply the finish; plug the holes w/ bee's wax; wet sand/polish; done.

The wax is extracted when you turn a screw in, and what's left behind acts as a lubricant for smooth turning screws.
I have a strat body on the bench now that I plugged yesterday for wet sanding today.

[blinddrew]

Yeah, next time...

[ThatCluelessGerman]

Great idea, actually! But how is staining with the holes filled with wax? If you get a tiny bit of wax on the surface, it surely won't take any more stain?
Or do you do it even pre sanding?

[McCreed]

Great idea, actually! But how is staining with the holes filled with wax? If you get a tiny bit of wax on the surface, it surely won't take any more stain?
Or do you do it even pre sanding?

You don't fill the holes until you're ready to wet sand. So the finish has already been applied and cured.

EDIT TO ADD:

Here's a screenshot of a post I made recently re: hole drilling and my process -