Vinny

Thats lookin nice, I assume the strat body in the pic is full size? Then that means your cut area is REALLY HUGE. A big plus for making more stuff is a big cutting area. Is it up and running yet ? -Vinny

Very, very cool John. You rock. -Vinny

When I read the posts in this section I often think to myself, that was covered in Bob Flexners Book. This book was mentioned here a good while back so I bought a copy and I'm very glad I did. I often refer back to it to get an answer I need. The book is based on wood finishing, but all the techniques apply to guitar making. A few topics covered: sanding using a scraper pore filling water based finishes lacquer based finishes french polish shellac finish conversion varnish oil based finishes which finish to choose spraying color tinting dyes, powder, alcohol and water based pigment dyes different types of stains and how they work AND much more. My opinion is EVERY guitar builder should have a copy of this book. Your local Library may have a copy. If you do get a copy, please post your thoughts here, good and bad for others to read. Thanks, Vinny The Book, Understanding Wood Finishing: How to Select and Apply the Right Finish By: Bob Flexner

Looks good John, I was glad to see you were able to save the top. Watching your build come together will motivate me to get back to my own. Darn CNC holding me up -Vinny

Go to the local Auto Repair Shop, ask for an empty Freon Tank, they'll give it to you. After all , Florida is the AC King. The Auto Parts Stores sell a pressure valve/regulator kit to convert freon tanks to air tanks ($20 maybe) Home Depot gun and cheap 15 ft hose. When tank is empty, throw it in that car, go to the gas station and fill it back up. I used this set-up when I did airbrush T-shirts years ago. Freon Tank -FREE Valve/Regulator $20 Spray Gun/Hose $45 Air Re-fill .25 cents All for maybe $65.25 ??? Spraying your first finish: PRICELESS!! I couldnt resist that tagline -Vinny

This book recommended here by Matia if I remember, is THE SOURCE of wood finishing, stain, prep, dyes, lacquers and what finish and be sprayed/brushed over what sealer etc. -I go back to it often, and have read it through twice, great text and clear pictures explain it all. -Vinny Bob Flexner is the Author. Understanding Wood Finishing. http://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Wood-F...8548&sr=1-1

Hi Nick, Those positions are slim at best, For myself to have another person in my garage/shop they would just be in the way. Not knowing what your skills are, and assuming you are starting with zero woodworking experience, heres my advice: You might fare better working with a friend who's a Carpenter, Home Builder etc. Or better yet, apprentice in a Cabinet Shop, just sweeping up and taking out the trash will place you in the environment. A lot of cabinetry relates to guitar building. And you may be able to ask questions, learn from pros and possibly take home scrap pieces to practice on. YOu'll accuire Tolls as you need them along the way. Guitar makers are picky, selective people. working varying hours, mostly from their home. I am one myself. You can and will learn a bunch hanging out here on this forum and others forums like it. Oh and Welcome, I hope I didnt put you off on the whole idea thing. Sometimes the best way to get somewhere isnt exactly a straight line. -Vinny

I can see it now, crossed signals in the air: "Control Tower to Flight 84, - you're clear to land on an 8 inch long sanding board with 12 inch radius, your coordinates are X=0 and Y=0, Over " Pilot: "Control Tower, PLEASE Repeat that " -Vinny

"Its not that I'm smarter, I just stay with problems longer" quote from Albert Einstein.

Looks nice Andy, it seems like the vacuum bag did its job well. The one and only time I tried a veneer top it was a disaster. Had to rip it all off and start over. I'll give it another go one of these days. -Vinny

Spoke, Still assembling the "Black Box' controller driver/board, as it starts to look like something I plan on starting a thread here. -Vinny

Cool Chris, is that a gift going back to them as a thank you? Maybe its the bosses' intitials? -Vinny

I also looked into an Epilog Laser. Price was toooooo much. Instead Im building a CNC table for routing/engraving/cutting wood, plastic, aluminum. It made more sense. Spoke is right on, go to cnczone.com -Vinny

A great reference for ALL types of wood finishing, including dyes is a book by Bob Flexner, Drak clued me in on it a while back. Every guitar builder should have a copy. Here's one of the threads: -Vinny http://projectguitar.ibforums.com/index.ph...&hl=FLEXNER

I do as Kenny, cut my 1/4'' thick blank square, slot on the table saw, cut radius then trim sides to proper taper, attach to neck. -Vinny

You probably meant 24 in. not 24ft right ?

Nice job Stewey! It looks like the 7th fret in perpendicular to the neck, is there a general rule for which middle fret you want to fall in the center of the fan ? I understand scale length and fingerboard layout, but Im still trying to wrap my head around a multi-scale set-up. Does it play in tune with a guitar tuned to standard 440? -Vinny

Sthell, Keep going and your next guitar will be 3 times better!! If you were only able to buy 1 power tool I would suggest a router, It would make your life soooo much easier. I use mine constantly. Cheers, -Vinny

Fellas, use the add reply button at the top or bottom of the page. When you hit reply inside the thread box you're dragging up the pictures again and again. Thanks, Vinny

Awesome Job Bill ! It really looks like Ace's guitar. -Vinny

Wow Juze ! , parrellel Universes

Look under Frey Press Caul. You'll see related items below for the inserts. I bought the 12'' radius and made a caul from hard maple -Vinny http://www.stewmac.com/shop/Fretting_suppl...ss_Inserts.html

Good to see you Drak. I too was curious to see what it would look like with eyes. -Vinny

Ace Frehley.............................Im not kidding -Vinny

Beautiful job John, I truly admire your work. -Vinny