Hello! I'm New Here

[MrKeef]

Hi y'all. :wave:

I've begun to start working on my own guitars. Because I've spent so much time modding anyway, I thought it'd be neat to start building solid body electrics out of readily available parts. It'll be a long time before I'm ready to do bodies and necks from scratch. I lack the space, equipment, and know-how for that kind of work. But I've lurked here some, and there are obviously some expert craftsmen (or craftswomen) here, so I'll start with a couple of questions:

Where can I get colored stains (like transparent blue, green, red, etc)? Also, nitrocellulose lacquer (or something like that that y'all might recommend.)

Where can I get a 'holder' thing so that I can use a hand-held drill like a drill press? (I want to be able to drill mounting holes for bridge pivots and the like and have the holes be really straight).

What kind of soldering iron would y'all recommend? My cheapie from radio shack hella sux.

Thanks.

[Geo]

If you're just getting started and you don't have or want to buy spray equipment, Tru-oil is a great finish for guitars. It's easy to apply by hand and easy to level.

http://sport.birchwoodcasey.com/Finishing/...42-5b1b8a3f180e

[ihocky2]

Check out Reranch for nitro lacquer spray cans. The forum over there is also very good for finishing, especially with the Reranch products. The store is not always open, so you have to jump on it when it is, but it is supposed to be a very good prodcut line.

[DC Ross]

For dyes and nitro, if you're in the states (fill out your location in your profile) check out Rockler or Woodcraft. Radio Shack soldering irons usually work fine, it may just need a new tip.