My first scratch build

[SIMpleONe89]

Simpleone89. I cut out the 3 layers from the template before I glued them together that way the thickest I have to cut with the jigsaw is only 17mm. I leave a few mm outside the template line and route to that off the template. If you glue and join them properly, they just need a light sand and they look like a 45mm slab.

Oh! Then would you use a bandsaw with the 45mm gum wood? I've seen some people cut out a guitar just with a thick jigsaw blade! Don't know how it will work out...

[DrNomis_44]

Nice looking grain on the wood, can't wait to check out the finished guitar.

[Nickosaurus]

Great scores mate. Shows you just have to ask like fretty said

[wokkaboy]

wow Greg this looks very nice, if this is a first scatch build you have the knack !

[gavinturner]

Looking great Greg! You definitely know what you are doing. She's gonna be a sweet scratchie!

cheers,
Gav.

[andrewdosborne]

Good work Greg scratchie coming along nicely and great score with the timber!

[Gregted]

Thanks all for the positive comments on my build. I hope the slab looks great as well. Some really nice grain there.

Unfortunately, ( fortunately? ) I will have to make 2 or 3 out of ply or pine to get my technique right in my head before I attack that nice grain and do it justice. Things you gotta do.....

Oh! Then would you use a bandsaw with the 45mm gum wood? I've seen some people cut out a guitar just with a thick jigsaw blade! Don't know how it will work out...

I haven't looked into the max length of jigsaw blade available yet but I do have access to the local mans shed organization where you can use their gear for $3 per month so might do that. I think a bandsaw will give a neater cut and eliminate the chips my current jigsaw caused. I don't mind bog in my first test build because it will be painted but will need the spotted gum to be a perfect finish without fill.

I have seen a build where the builder rough cut the slab with a circular saw and routed what he couldn't reach. I also saw one where the only tool used was the router and he routered around the template while still attached to the slab but that would be hard on the router.

I have watched this build and like what he has done so you never know....https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NbOlG7THecM

[Gregted]

Update time.

Doesn't look like I have achieved much this week but filling, sanding, checking, sanding, priming, Not happy with the finish, more sanding, painting again, checking again, another bump, more sanding, painting, checking, rubbed through with the wet and dry, paint again, try and use lighter touch and go up to 1200 wet and dry, rubbed through on one spot, more paint, and finally happy. ( Not really but you gota stop somewhere. )

I figure any irregularities will be covered by the art and top gloss. ( I hope ). The body is within a mill flat across all faces.

Have ordered hardware from Putbull and will trial fit all before I hand it over to the artist for the African landscape on all surfaces. Should look amazing going by his paintings on his wall.

While he is doing his thing I will be cutting the frets, attaching the fret wire, radiusing and levelling and shaping the neck.

If that goes to plan, I will get started on my next build. Another strat and a pine Tele.

I will be making my own truss rod. I am heading towards a 5mm threaded rod, flat nut on the head, lock-tighted and peaned over so it won't move and on the heel, washer and a treaded joiner with an allen head bolt lock-tighted into that.

It will be placed int a concave ( from the fretboard ) route and fillet filled from the back with a skunk stripe of contrasting lighter coloured wood yet to be scrounged.

That's it for now. Really enjoying the ride so far..

[keloooe]

Tall order for your first build Greg but if it all goes to plan you will have one sweet scratchie! Just take your time as needed, no need to rush any steps!

[Gregted]

Hey Luthiers,

I am at the stage where I am ready to route and fit my first truss rod and have some quick questions.

I will be going with a homemade rod comprising of 1/4 in threaded rod, flat nut for the anchor at the head lock-tighted and peaned, and at the heel, a flat washer and a hex coupler with an allen head bolt locktighted into that.

The one thing I am not sure of is do I prebend the threaded rod to match the route or do I place it in the routed curve naturale so it is under slight tension immediately?

The later seems to make more sense to me but as I am a first timer, I am happy to go with experienced users advice.