My 'crate' tele is underway - build thread. EDIT: FINISHED!

WezV

That looks great! Really well thought out

PVO_Dave

Loving this build!  

Rocker

Great skills. Enjoying the build pictures and stories.

axisus

It seemed to be going too well, but I've now had two complete schoolboy errors. I am really kicking my arse over lack of concentration.

1) Drilled the string holes front to back. I forgot to sit the body on another bit of wood so I have tearout in the first three. Doh! The won't show massively as I am still drilling out larger holes for the ferrules.

2) I was a complete tit and neither marked the fret markers with enough care nor double checked them. Subsequently three are out of alignment. A casual glance doesn't see it right now, but once the strings are on there will be long straight lines highlighting the discrepancies. Not sure yet whether to attempt a fix. It would involve a LOT of hassle - find spare ebony, turn on lathe to diameter, remove dots, glue in ebony, level off, re radius, re mark re drill, make new dots, glue dots in, flatten re radius. It would also be MUCH easier to do it before installing frets. I think I may let it go ....

WezV

Or you could drill them out and widen the hole slightly.  Put the dot in its new location and fill the slight gap with wood dust/super glue.  It will only be a slight cresent shaped fill and will look better than having them wonky.  

axisus

WezV said:

Or you could drill them out and widen the hole slightly.  Put the dot in its new location and fill the slight gap with wood dust/super glue.  It will only be a slight cresent shaped fill and will look better than having them wonky.  

My experience is that it is very difficult, nigh on impossible to drill a hole placed slightly differently over an existing hole, hence considering the longer route.

The offending articles (don't look 'too' bad without strings on):

WezV

Fair enough, I had to do it a few days ago.  

axisus

OK, so I fixed the dots. More progress:

Drilling the ferrule holes on the back of the body using a template I made up.



Machinehead holes countersunk



Initial neck shaping. This job is both a tad worrying and also very satisfying. Bugger up now and it is a LOT of hours wasted!

axisus

neck rounded off and headstock transition sorted. The neck is a lot thicker than my last one. I was going to take it down, but I'de decided that I rather like it now, and why make all my guitars the same anyway.



installing frets with a fret press tool in my drill. I love this thing! a million times better than hammering them in last couple of times.



All frets installed. I don't have decent snips so I cut them down with my dremel.

Gagaryn

Can't wait to see this finished - it's a brilliant idea. My only gripe is the hardware has maybe been taken too far with the ageing but I think it might look ok when it is all put together.   :-)

axisus

Fret ends cut down and rounded off. Looks nice!

axisus

Gagaryn said:

Can't wait to see this finished - it's a brilliant idea. My only gripe is the hardware has maybe been taken too far with the ageing but I think it might look ok when it is all put together.   :-)

Yeah, any kind of ageing is very subjective. I wanted pretty graunchy for this particular guitar but I know it's nor for everyone. 

axisus

Stained the back with a concoction of vinegar, wire wool and tea. later gave it a couple of coats of satin varnish.



Front sprayed with satin varnish, edges slightly darkened first. You can't really tell from this pic, but the satin finish on the wood looks lovely. It's really brought out the 'woodyness' and the branded type. 



Installing side dots. Hate this job, easy to cock up (I did, twice)



Side dots sanded flat. I have also stained the neck since this shot

axisus

axisus said:

Gagaryn said:

Can't wait to see this finished - it's a brilliant idea. My only gripe is the hardware has maybe been taken too far with the ageing but I think it might look ok when it is all put together.   :-)

Yeah, any kind of ageing is very subjective. I wanted pretty graunchy for this particular guitar but I know it's nor for everyone. 

In the end I agreed, so I have polished it back up a bit. A good decision, looks great against the wood now.

Rabs

Nice...  I think the aged thing depends on the build and for the rustic look of the front (which looks awesome) I reckon is quite appropriate..  It would ruin the look to have shiny hardware on it I think.

aord43

Looks fantastic.  One day I am going to do this but I don't think I will be able to make a neck so I will have to buy one.

notanon

This has got to be a contender for thread of the century!

Sesh

Looking good!

AustrianJohn

Super cool guitar body - great job!

Gagaryn

axisus said:

axisus said:

Gagaryn said:

Can't wait to see this finished - it's a brilliant idea. My only gripe is the hardware has maybe been taken too far with the ageing but I think it might look ok when it is all put together.   :-)

Yeah, any kind of ageing is very subjective. I wanted pretty graunchy for this particular guitar but I know it's nor for everyone. 

In the end I agreed, so I have polished it back up a bit. A good decision, looks great against the wood now.

Good! :-) I did the same on my Fender relic!