Cleared for takeoff

[rogerV]

I ordered a JMA-1 kit and I am all geeked up about getting it.
It is cleared for takeoff, but not yet on the plane from Australia.
Wish us luck.

[m0j0]

Best of luck, Roger. Out of curiosity, where is it heading?

[rogerV]

Maryland, USA.
It got here yesterday. I am pretty pleased, except that it came with a pre-shaped headstock. I was looking forward to designing my own. The image I ordered off of shows an uncut block headstock.

I am eager to get sanding. Wondering what the best grain filler should be before I try "General Finishes Water Based Dye, 1 Pint, Blue."
That is what I am leaning towards curranty. Though I am still learning the possibilities....

[Trevor Davies]

Maryland, USA.
It got here yesterday. I am pretty pleased, except that it came with a pre-shaped headstock. I was looking forward to designing my own. The image I ordered off of shows an uncut block headstock.

I am eager to get sanding. Wondering what the best grain filler should be before I try "General Finishes Water Based Dye, 1 Pint, Blue."
That is what I am leaning towards curranty. Though I am still learning the possibilities....

Hi rogerV, I would have expected an uncut headstock also! Does it look well finished?

[fender3x]

I think with GF Dye stains you probably should not fill first. You may want to read here...

https://generalfinishes.com/wood-fin...ased-dye-stain

I think it should work well on Ash. Follow the directions for open grain woods on ash. Closed grain on Maple. I would test it first someplace that doesn't show to make sure it's not blotchy.

I'd raise the grain first. I have used it on paulownia which GF does not really recommend. I added 10% High Performance clear coat to guard against blotchiness and it worked pretty well. On ash you should not need to add anything, but I'd still test it.

FWIW, I filled with Aquacoat clear, which is great, but a little pricy. I also put a couple of coats of 1lb cut shellac (platina) between the dye stain and the Aquacoat, which worked pretty well, but I was using red and you're using blue so I'd test first ;-)

[rogerV]

By "well finished" do you mean cut well. Yes, it is. It is pretty much like a Fenders Strat shape. I will need some sanding, but it is fine and will work nicely. It has a pretty rosewood fretboard (at least it is supposed to be rosewood).

It doesn't look like they sell the paddle head neck, if I wanted to get one.

[nitroburner1000]

Dont forget to post a few piccy so we can follow along

[rogerV]

If I have questions or if I am asking for advice, is it better to continue to post in this thread?
Or is it better to create a new post with the specific question?

Thanks.

I may need a lot of help.

[McCreed]

If I have questions or if I am asking for advice, is it better to continue to post in this thread?
Or is it better to create a new post with the specific question?

Thanks.

I may need a lot of help.

If you haven't already, start a Build Diary, that would be the best place to post all your build-specific questions.
One benefit to doing this is for your own future reference, as well as being all in one place rather than scattered about in the forum.

Start here: "My Build Diary"