After my initial frustration, I *think* the finish is now coming along nicely. But of course, still many points where it can go wrong.
I have added a few fairly thick coats of tru oil in specific areas and maybe this was a good thing, let's see.
In the meantime, I have decided for a new pickguard shape and cut a template with my vinyl cutter (great to cut thicker paper, too!). In theory, the copper sheet should have arrived today, but it looks like the parcel dude just didn't feel like it. So it will either come tomorrow or I'll have to pick it up from who knows where again. Meh.
Funny thing is that I now realized that the old pickguard didn't fit perfectly, anyway. I mean, it did fit, but not as neatly centered as I would have liked it. So I don't feel bad about making the new one, anyway.
I have also experimented with liver of sulphur for aging/staining it. Interesting stuff. It smells like a pretty huge pug fart. When my husband comes home in the evening, I can blame the dogs.