The Deluxester Prototype - Sonic's foray into repeatable scratch builds

[FrankenWashie]

That's the shizzle FrankenWashie!

That could be my *next* drill press upgrade (who knows that'll be though).
I can't imagine there's any job you couldn't do with that.

Yours looks suspiciously like my Trademaster as far as basic colour and component design. Wouldn't be surprised if they came out of the same factory (like so many import guitars!)

How stable is it the pedestal base? Those always look so top-heavy to me. One reason I went for a benchtop one.

base is quite stable, seeing as it’s dynabolted to the floor!
in fairness, the length if the post gives it a fair amount of flex, so going hard into something can deflect things a bit.
wide overhanging items cam create som stability issues but the extended table, and a roller stand have really helped that.

[FrankenWashie]

What's the diameter of the post FW, the clamp on my pedestal drill broke it is a different brand that I got from Mitre 10 something over 30 years ago but looks very similar

I may need to have a talk to those dudes and see if they have spare parts if the post is the same diameter.

There was one exactly the same as mine for $50.00 on Gumtree it sold immediately it went up but I missed it by a couple of hours

I think it’s about 3” Dave, I’ll confirm tonight.

[Sonic Mountain]

Back to this one. I have actually been working away at it in the background, periodically sanding it back and respraying the poly. I really picked a difficult bit of timber for the first one. That said, it's pretty gorgeous under the clear, cracks, borer holes and all.

I'm getting very close to finally having filled everything.





I'm having a lot of trouble with dust settling on it as its sooo dry here at the moment. I think I have a budget spray booth solution that I'll share soon.

So back onto the neck. I have decided to back burner my table saw jig. I've bought a fret saw and I'll make my own mitre box instead.

I've ordered a bunch of bits like truss rod, bridge etc.

Next thing is to source some timber for the neck. I'm tossing up between going to the guy I got the body wood off and looking for some really well seasoned recycled timber. I think I'll go the latter as that was one of the things I really wanted to do with these builds originally.

Anyways, will keep you all posted.

[Sonic Mountain]

First batch of goodies rocked up today. Probably not enough fret wire... but its cheap and arrives quickly. I only ordered this stuff on Monday. But double action truss rod looks good (I reckon I'll make my own next time based on this), hard tail string through bridge and ferrules.

I also bought a little drill press the other day. I've been concerned about not having enough distance from the post, but it's fine on this body. My next batch of templates is slightly wider, but I think it should still work fine for these builds.

Had a productive meeting with a speciality timber place yesterday.. just waiting on a quote for Qld Maple neck blanks, fingers crossed.

[Woltz]

Good stuff Sonic. Great to see you back at it. Can't wait to see the end result.

Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk

[Sonic Mountain]

Good stuff Sonic. Great to see you back at it. Can't wait to see the end result.

Sent from my SM-G960F using Tapatalk

Cheers - me too! Hoping I can still make my goal of completing before years end. If real life would leave me alone for a bit I might get something done!

[FrankenWashie]

Making your own truss rods is simple as long as you have a welder, LH/RH M6 taps and Dies and some patience.

[Sonic Mountain]

Yeah, it looks pretty straight forward, I'd just need some RH taps/dies. I have a mate who does a bunch of metal work, I might see if he's keen to knock a batch up. May not be cost effective, they aren't very dear really.

Some more bits arrived today, pick guard blank and screws & neck screws and ferrules.

No word from the timber place.... maybe I was too annoying

[Sonic Mountain]

Heard back from the wood place...prices are a bit on the high side. I've just sent off a request to a guy in Malaney who stocks blanks, they are a bit too narrow for my head stock... so if he can't custom dress for me, I might be reworking that design.

Fun.

[JohnH]

Just catching up on this build. It looks really great Sonic; I'm glad you persevered.