First build - TL1 Ian Rodness

[FrankenWashie]

Hi Ian, if you can locate the chip, just glue it back into place. CA glue or Titebond, either way you will need to get it into place and then put some clamping pressure on it and leave it for a couple of hours, a day if using Titebond.

Didi that happen while you were sanding the face of the headstock?

[Simon Barden]

That's a shame. Enough wood left so it won't affect the nut's support, but you really need to try and fix it to get the look right. Did you keep the bit that broke off? If not, you could try and fashion a replacement from a small piece of maple (and maybe use a chisel to square off the broken edge so that it is easier to fit). If you've shaped the headstock then you may still have the offcuts lying around. If you haven't shaped the headstock, then now would be the time to do it and use a piece to fill the gap. It's not going to be an invisible fix, but it shouldn't be that obvious.

[ianrodness]

That's a shame. Enough wood left so it won't affect the nut's support, but you really need to try and fix it to get the look right. Did you keep the bit that broke off? If not, you could try and fashion a replacement from a small piece of maple (and maybe use a chisel to square off the broken edge so that it is easier to fit). If you've shaped the headstock then you may still have the offcuts lying around. If you haven't shaped the headstock, then now would be the time to do it and use a piece to fill the gap. It's not going to be an invisible fix, but it shouldn't be that obvious.

Hi Simon. I do have the pieces...yes pieces....that small chip broke into 2 on the way out. It'll likely be impossible to get those back into place properly. Using a piece from the headstock is a great idea....didn't think of that, so thanks.

[ianrodness]

So it took me a while to decide on the finish, but after ordering a variety of dye powders, I decided on this.
I'm going to fine tune this, and add some shine. Then on to the neck (I think?)

[Fretworn]

I like it Ian, it will look great under a glassy clear top coat.

[ianrodness]

Hi guys. Finished with the finish on the body, leveling the frets, and finishing the neck, and now. I still need to attach the neck, and wondering what the best method is to secure the neck in position as I'm drilling pilot holes. Any suggestions are very welcome.
In the meantime, I'm on to the shielding and wiring. I have some copper tape in my kit, and and wondering if I just go ahead and cut the tape first to line the cavities, or is it advised to line the cavities, and then cut out the excess?
Feeling pretty good about my first build so far.......
thanks everyone......

[ILRGuitars]

G'day mate.

Copper Tape: I usually cut the tape first, then line from the top of the cavity downwards. Much easier to push into place and keeps those nasty sharp knives away from your nice finished top.

Attaching the neck: I assume you have already measured the scale length and have the bridge mounting holes in the correct position. Fix the bridge and tuning pegs, attach the top and bottom 'E' strings to centre the neck, clamp ( I use the neck plate as a guide if the neck holes on the body aren't pre-drilled) and drill. Easy peasey!

[ILRGuitars]

This video might help too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-azQ5FMzeXA

[ianrodness]

thanks! the simplest methods are often the best. This didn't cross my mind at all. Thanks for the input ILRguitars!

[ianrodness]

almost done, and pretty happy with the results, but wondering if anyone knows why my high E and G strings are considerably more quiet when hooked up to the amp. This is true of all 3 settings, so I'm reasonably more sure this is a wiring issue, so I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with something like this?