MikeP

Wow, there is a blast from my past! To be honest, I don't use that router jig all that much anymore. I've become somewhat more adept at using an angle grinder for roughing, but I absolutely do not recommend a grinder until you build up some practice hours. A grinder is quick way to turn a quilt top into a pile of sawdust . I also wouldn't recommend either method for the type of carve you're shooting for on the horns. I would tackle that with hand tools. Good luck with your build!

Mike

So what method do you use now?

Off the top of my head...

-route the outer edge to a uniform final depth

-if the pickup plane is to remain flat, mark off that area

-doodle some topographic lines as required

-hog off the bulk with a grinder

-switch to chisels, planes, scrapers... you name it

-fine tune with sandpaper

I haven't done a tutorial in a while, but Jason Schroeder shows you exactly what I'm talking about in these photos...

http://www.flickr.com/photos/23662702@N03/sets/72157623862258333/with/4576081469/

Wow, there is a blast from my past! To be honest, I don't use that router jig all that much anymore. I've become somewhat more adept at using an angle grinder for roughing, but I absolutely do not recommend a grinder until you build up some practice hours. A grinder is quick way to turn a quilt top into a pile of sawdust . I also wouldn't recommend either method for the type of carve you're shooting for on the horns. I would tackle that with hand tools. Good luck with your build!

Mike

Hey Cliff,

In your YouTube video I think you mentioned you were considering putting the Lost in Space images on the front. I think that's a good idea. They're more visually appealing to me.

Another of my favourite SciFi flicks is The Day the Earth Stood Still (the original!). I'm not sure that works as a theme for the fretboard. I know you're shooting for a movie theme, but there were also some incredible 50s science fiction comics (I'm thinking about the EC stuff) that would fit in perfectly. The rocket blasting off theme from Weird Science would make a great fretboard!

Crafty! So all you do is build a new sled if you want a different radius?

Outstanding work, DougK! Definitely one for the GOTM contest!

Thank you!! I don't know... I don't know if its GOTM worthy though, the GOTM's are usually incredible!

Looks GOTM worthy to me

-Make a plug cutter and drill out the screw, then plug the hole with a dowel. Use a bit of hobby shop brass tube, slightly larger than the threads of the screw, and cut teeth into the end with a file.

+1

I had this happen with not one but 2 screws in the same maple top

Luckilly they were located in what would soon become pickup cavities.

I tried that one a long time ago and had the same problem. Make one of these

Fret bender

Yes, but they get VERY hot. I tested it to the extreme once... it split a two piece body.

Thanks Perry. I see them locally in 500W and 1000W flavours...

So halogen lamps are always really hot ? I found one of those ones people have in their house (floor lamp that throws light onto the ceiling) See them out for the trash quite often (I have 2 now). Bought a halogen bulb at Harbor Fright for 85 cents. Put it in that lamp. The lamp has a dimmer switch. Turned all the way up, it started smoking. Half way, it was "ok" but still damn hot.

One winter the furnace was down for repairs. That halogen lamp worked like a space heater to make my shop warm enough to work in (with freezing temps outside)

Those halogen pole lamps that point up were once the cause of many fires in student dorms. They were super cheap to buy, unfortunately they had a habit of igniting stray posters and other stuff dangling from the ceiling!

I've used Deft in spray cans with no issues,

Mike

Mike, the issues with DEFT are apparent when you travel with the guitar or place it on a stand with a foam at the bottom. The foam will eat the finish and the nitro will mar with the fabric from the case. All my guitars that were painted with DEFT are in line to be refinished once I get some more lacquer or decide to do it on 2K.

Ah, I see. I've never travelled with a guitar so I can't comment on that. I do have one hanging from a foam covered wall hanger that hasn't had any problems. I think with Deft it comes down to the climate where you live. Some people swear by it, and others despise it. I suspect the answer might be the temp / humidy levels where you live.

Perry, are those just standard lamps (halogen)? Thanks,

Mike

You can find ML Campbell and Mohawk distributors in Canada. I'm told both their stringed instrument lacquers are excellent, although I've never used them.

http://www.mlcampbell.com/pages/locate.asp

http://www.mohawk-finishing.com/

I've used Deft in spray cans with no issues, and I'm experimenting with KTM-9 now.

Hope this helps,

Mike

I know this is an old thread, but I have the exact same question (is Methyl Hydrate the equivalent of denatured alcohol?).

I am testing on scrap, but was concerned that it may appear to work but adhesion problems might show up over time.

Thanks,

Mike

I'm trying KTM9 for the first time and I was wondering if anyone has successfully sprayed over a waterslide headstock decal. I know that if you thin with alcohol it will probably eat the decal, but what if you spray it un-thinned?

I've read through the KTM9 forum, but there is not much help there. Thanks,

Mike

I remember hearing good things about Fraser Valley Fine Woods, but I don't have any direct experience with them.

Good luck!

I've dealt with FVFW many times and have nothing but good things to say. Ed's a stand-up guy. I don't know if he has a store front so you can see before you buy though.

Mike

how would a person go about getting the side countours on a gibson sg?

I just eyeball them with a spokeshave

Mike

I know its too late (nothing more frustrating than a router slip) but here is a simple router jig I use to thickness headstocks that I think would have worked for your need too, although with a longer sled perhaps.

Mike