WestSacGreenDesGP First Build: LP-1

[WestSacGreenDesignGP]

I filled the cracks using a "mahogany" colored timber filler from StewMac - ended up a bit darker than ideal, but it works 'cos the 'burst means that area is deeper (and richer) colors anyway - it's holding well. I've been gently sanding the binding down each time, after watching DB say "don't bother masking the binding" so I didn't… I'm almost tempted to shoot for an aged, slightly yellow tone for the binding anyway to pick out the golden tones in the middle of the 'burst… I was actually planning to leave the headstock in its current shape versus going for a pseudo-Gibson look - I kinda like the shape of the raw blank.

Thanks all for feedback - really appreciate it - the bike handlebars was the best I could come up with, but it's been working pretty well overall.

Tomorrow I'll do another (I think final) color coat, then after that it'll be time for the top coat.

[WestSacGreenDesignGP]

I couldn't get the timber filler recommended by all the good folks here, so I went with on I could get from StewMac. I got the "mahogany" toned one, which ended up little darker than I'd thought, but it has all worked out well in the end.

I'm leaving the headstock in the PBG blanked shape, 'cos honestly I like it and am not going for a faux-Gibson build completely - this one's for me to keep and play, and I like the unschooled headstock for some reason, so it stays as is!

Thanks for all the great feedback - appreciated a to, speshly on my first build… I think I've decided not to black-rim the edge of the 'burst, as I really like how it's feeling now - I added another coat, and I think I'm at the final color now, and just need to wait for it to be nicely dry before tackling cleanup and topcoat.

[Gavin1393]

Stewmac sells Timbermate as a filler which is made right here in Australia...so you probably paid two lots of shipping costs in your price?

[WestSacGreenDesignGP]

I didn't see a double charge anywhere - but I also couldn't find Timbermate on the SM store either… ah well - what I used worked fine.

Here's today's update: first layer of topcoat down:

[gavinturner]

Great work! she's looking really nice now. This is going to be one beautiful LP. The flame figure has popped out very nicely indeed and the binding provides a nice contrast. Awesome.

cheers,
Gavin.

[WestSacGreenDesignGP]

Thanks Gavin - I ended up using a polishing head on a dremel tool to clean the lunge off the binding… worked well, and was easy to control.

[WestSacGreenDesignGP]

Here's the (I think) final topcoat on the front and the neck (tomorrow the back gets this coat and the sides get an additional coat… and if Wokkaboy liked my handlebar hanger approach, you may also like the technical tool used to handle the still wet neck… ; ]

[wokkaboy]

looking sensational WestsacGreen, you must be proud of this build and being a first build you nailed the look. Love the wet neck holder, you are giving the forum some cool and simple ideas there ! Can't wait to see this axe assembled, looks like a bolt on neck with holes drilled in the neck pocket ?

[WestSacGreenDesignGP]

Wokka, yessir, bolt on she will be… thanks all for the feedback & support on this - as a n00b, it's amazing to broth have the community support AND the resources and advice of this group.

Can't wait to finish her up and get her dialed in for playing.

[WestSacGreenDesignGP]

Final coat of topcoat - once she dries all the way I'll buff her down a bit, then start proper assembly.