Let's get this Diary Started TL-TH1A

[djefster]

After masking off the binding, I got into the back of the guitar. Masking is a very tedious task but I thought I'd give it a go after watching a vid on youtube. A really sharp razor blade is required to remove surplus tape easily. I tried not to shave the binding too many time!! I used the blue 3M painters' tape.



Next came sanding the back. I thought I had it nice and smooth but didn't get all the edges down smooth enough, which I regretted later. Then on with the 1st coat of Feast Watson Cedar stain.

2nd coat

I thought this had taken it too dark.

Next day it looked like this


After a few coats of Danish oil. Night lighting makes it look very dark


Next morning I gave it a quick sand and another coat



I was a bit peeved about those 2 light patches on the back. Possibly glue or oil from the factory. I now call them "birth marks"! A few more coats of Danish oil.

Wacko!!


I let this cure for a day.

[ILRGuitars]

Very nice shiny finish! Always best to use some metho on a rag to check for spots. Even after the first stain is on, you can remove glue spots with Goof Off, then restain. Next time....because there will be a next time.

[djefster]

While that was "resting", I started on the new neck for my factory built TLG-1 Gold. Very nice guitar but had a slight flaw with the fretboard. Adam kindly send me a new neck, a blank which I requested coz I need the practice.

The morning of the work, I decided to do a trial cut with my $14 Ozito jigsaw (you've gotta love a Bunnings' sale)! I've never used a jigsaw before, so naturally, I watched a youtube vid...

Well, that sorta worked, so let's get on the real thing. I marked out my paddle with a template.




So it's off to my mate's tonight to hit it with the bench sander, then some sweat from me with the sanding block.

[djefster]

After reading some of the build diaries on this site, then watching a few appropriate videos, I've decided to attempt some wet sanding and a cut & polish, I'm staining up a pine board over the next few days then I'll try the process.

[djefster]

Very nice shiny finish! Always best to use some metho on a rag to check for spots. Even after the first stain is on, you can remove glue spots with Goof Off, then restain. Next time....because there will be a next time.

Thanks for that, I'll use that next time. And yes, there'll be a few next times!!

[Sonic Mountain]

I think the head stock will come up well with some time on the bench sander. Be gentle and move the wood in nice clean arcs as you touch it against the sander. This will give you smoother lines and transitions through the curves.

You can get smaller blades for the jigsaws that let you cut nice curves. They also have finer teeth so don't tear the wood up as much.

Stain looks great. Annoying about the glue spots, but this whole thing is a big learning curve and as ILR says there will be a next time. My second build was helped heaps by the experience gained on the first.

[wokkaboy]

nice progress Jeff, the colour of the back/sides is cool and a sweet shine

[Andy40]

Mate thats a great stain on the back.

[Andyxlh]

Looking good! Nice colour on the back.

[djefster]

Thanks for the handy hints Sonic. I'm taking all this advice onboard as I have my next kit, unboxed, waiting in the cupboard.