Jump to content

Wildman Guitarist

Members
  • Posts

    15
  • Joined

  • Last visited

Posts posted by Wildman Guitarist

  1. Hello Again All,

    Well the body is finally together.  Did it all with a Jig.  The sides glued nicely from the side as suggested.   Had to make some minor cuts.

    So here are the next steps as I understand it- let me know if anything is wrong or out of place:
    In order:
    1.  Get Neck- place neck on body- measure for pickup, bridge and pots.

    2.  Rout out holes for pickup bridge/drill holes for pots.

    3.  Rout out back of body for wires, pots etc.

    4.  Thoroughly sand body and paint.

    5.  Install pickups, bridge and pots.

    6.  Bolt on neck.

  2. On 3/19/2020 at 4:22 AM, Bizman62 said:

    Good catch, @mistermikev! As the planks are wider than the actual body, a couple of screws, dowels or even bolts and nuts will definitely help lining the body pieces up. Contrary to my previous opinion gluing the top and bottom separately as large boards would help getting the crossing seams match at the ends but leveling such a large board without proper tools can be a nightmare. Drill the upper holes larger than the diameter of the screws and use screws with threads on the tip only - neck bolts are the right type. 

    image.png.416bfa693e1d3a7e8730ea32f8a54963.png

     

    Thank you- input is very much appreciated.

    just for clarification, you mentioned that the planks were wider than the actual body?  The planks together have an 11 inch width, with about 2 inch thickness.  I could be wrong, but I didn’t think I had much room with those dimensions...

  3. On 3/18/2020 at 4:59 PM, Wildman Guitarist said:

    Understood, thanks.

    that brings me to my next question.  When and how should I sand using poplar?  I read somewhere that prepping for paint is different than stain?

    Is it best to sand everything now at the beginning?  When do I know I’m done sanding?

    Regarding tools, I have a jigsaw, circular saw, electric sander (drill tip).  Though I’m not how good the sander is, may end up sanding by hand. (Friend that has tools isn’t available with this Covid 19 going on- ironically it’s the best time to do this project as my boys and I have time on our hands...

     

    thanks again for all your help!

    Just checking to see if anyone has any thoughts on the above sanding question.  It’s probably a basic question, but as a beginner, I’m not sure what rule of thumb to follow.

     

    thanks!

  4. Understood, thanks.

    that brings me to my next question.  When and how should I sand using poplar?  I read somewhere that prepping for paint is different than stain?

    Is it best to sand everything now at the beginning?  When do I know I’m done sanding?

    Regarding tools, I have a jigsaw, circular saw, electric sander (drill tip).  Though I’m not how good the sander is, may end up sanding by hand. (Friend that has tools isn’t available with this Covid 19 going on- ironically it’s the best time to do this project as my boys and I have time on our hands...

     

    thanks again for all your help!

  5. 4 hours ago, Bizman62 said:

    The planks are a tad on the short side which means it's plenty for a dual cutaway LP Junior, well enough for a single cutaway LP Junior or Tele but barely enough for a Strat. Accuracy in gluing is the key here.

    Another thing to consider is the look of the wood. A two piece top is a valid option even without being bookmatched, just choose and position the adjacent pieces so that the seam isn't too obvious. Laying sapwood to sapwood in the seam is ok, as is heartwood to heartwood. The one with the knots in the center looks like it's from somewhere in the middle of the log which makes it a poor match with any of the other three. If I see right the foremost and the third on the upper picture both have a pale stripe of sapwood so those two might match best regarding continuity for a nice looking top. Another thing is to look at the ends, symmetrical growth rings not only look good, they also add to stability or at least predictability of potential warping. For a four piece body I'd also lay the top and bottom opposite to each other. See sketch....

    As for glue, TiteBond Original is a good choice as it doesn't shrink or swell and is hard and solid when dry. The regular carpenter's or school glues work well with wood but can be "plasticky" and flexible when dry which will dampen the sound to a degree. Polyurethane glues like Gorilla create much foam when drying, requiring heavier clamping. The join can also break due to a shock like if you accidentally drop the glued piece - even after years!

    As for gluing order, I'd glue the flat faces first as planing the the narrow edges is much easier than leveling a wide board.

    image.png.9a56195d3cf224c8fa409df7c161dc01.png

    Wow!  Thank you so much, VERY helpful.

    A couple of clarifying questions....

    1.  Regarding the body side, I may go for the LP Jr.  Although, I was looking at the Bo Diddly rectangle option- as that fits the size as well.  Any issue with the rectangle option?

    2.  You mentioned to glue the flat pieces together first.  What do I need to do- if anything to prepare for gluing?  When does planing/sanding come into the picture?

     

    thanks again!

  6. Ok, so took the first step today and purchased some Poplar wood for the first build.  This was the only type available in my area.

    I have 4 pieces  (18 inches long x 11 inches wide all together).  An inch thick was the only option available.   The width is shorter than usual- but this is mostly a project for learning- is that width a problem?  Should I glue more?

    Any way I’m attempting to glue all four pieces together for the body.  Anything I need to do before gluing?  Just regular wood glue?! (I apologize again- as I am really venturing into an area I know little about.

     

    As usual, any suggestions will be greatly appreciated!

     

    thanks!

    5515611F-37A0-460C-AA8A-0A7FB16C0B63.jpeg

    07BCF697-E12F-4298-BAB4-A55AF6FAA935.jpeg

    • Like 1
  7. Thanks all- very helpful.

    Another question- I did check out guitar fetish site, and saw the premade bodies and the necks.  I’m not sure how to tell what neck will fit with what Body?  I know strat style and lo are different and I know it makes a difference with the Floyd rose bridge, what’s the best rule of thumb in matching a premade body with a premade neck sold separately?

  8. 2 hours ago, mistermikev said:

    so... have you assembled a partscaster before at all?  do you have any experience with a router?  these kinds of things can all give you a leg up on the common issues for a first build.  Some folks just jump right in and do fine... up to you to decide if you are that type.  Something you might consider: assemble a partscaster from guitar fetish to get your feet wet.  You can get bodies for $30 sometimes and necks for just as cheap.  Not great stuff... but great stuff to learn on.  If yer diving in to building from scratch: study some videos and even build threads around here like that mentioned above.  afa wood... one thing I'd suggest - as a beginner you might want to snag something big enough to get the whole guitar out of so you can minimise the learning curve (joining wood can be done, just a bit more involved).  guitarwoodexperts has some pre glued up bodies for $40ish.  you can find them on evilbay from time to time too.  look fwd to seeing your progression.

    Thank you!  These are the resources I was looking for.  I am a guitarist- a woodworker- very minimal experience.  But, I just have the desire to finally learn how to do this.  I will check out guitar fetish and go from there.

    thanks!

    • Like 1
  9. Thank You- helpful.

    Should have also mentioned, this was specifically for the body.  I was planning on using a premade neck.  
     

    However I am up for suggestions for this as well.  Is this the best approach for a beginner?  (believe me- I am a complete beginner...)

  10. Hello All,

    I’ve played for several years and finally would like to attempt my first guitar.

    Its a Les Paul style guitar.  However, I would like to start with some cheaper wood for my first attempt.  Anyone have any idea of what type of wood is a good choice for a first run?  Something that’s cheap but would last for a while?

×
×
  • Create New...