Where to get 3-4mm cheap wood for a top?

axisus

I have this poor 7 string body that I want to use. It's had various routs filled, but they have cracked up. I thought I'd try and get some cheap wood and 'cap' the top and bottom - but only if I can do it cheaply. Any idea where could one get some cheap wood that would suffice?

Roland

Is it a flat surface, or does it have rounded edges and/or a forearm chamfer?

ICBM

Try somewhere that does fitted kitchen supplies and things like that, and get some 'facing' ply - it usually available in various good-quality woods. Then bind the edges so the plies don't show.

axisus

Roland said:

Is it a flat surface, or does it have rounded edges and/or a forearm chamfer?

I was thinking I'd sort the roundover etc once it's glued on

ICBM said:

Try somewhere that does fitted kitchen supplies and things like that, and get some 'facing' ply - it usually available in various good-quality woods. Then bind the edges so the plies don't show.

Interesting thought, I'll see if I can find anywhere, although I've never done binding and have no tools for it

Roland

Preferring wood grain to paint I’d think about routing out any existing cracked filler, filling the resultant cavity with solid wood, and veneering over the top. You’ll need to bind the body to hide the edge of the veneer.

axisus said:  I've never done binding and have no tools for it

All you need is the right router bit. This has a collar which is slightly smaller radius than the cutter, so that it cuts a shallow channel. A hair dryer helps to soften the binding so that it bends more easily. You can stick the plastic binding on with plastic cement, and hold it in place with masking tape.