Everyday Electronics Delta Mark II

SteveRobinson

This is inspired by a recent @HarrySeven acquisition (thread here) of a guitar based on plans in the October 1974 edition of Everyday Electronics magazine.

I built one myself at the time using whatever tools were available in my school's woodwork room and whatever materials I could find.

It wasn't bad for a first attempt but I was no Brian May:




@WezV suggested that we should have a forum build off from those instructions so I've taken some measurements, made some drawings and a (rough) mockup:





...and had some templates made.



The main constructional difference is that Mark II will have a truss rod. Everything else will be due to better hardware availability, power tools and skills.

And now I have some timber (there's also a rosewood fretboard not shown:

SteveRobinson

I have one design issue I need advice with. 

The truss rod nut is between 5-10mm deep under the fretboard. This means that if I have a headstock end adjustment it lies within the headstock thickness. 

I think what I'll have to do is rout a cavity for the Allen key. 

I don't know however how to drill the hole for access to the truss rod.nut. I suppose I could rout the channel all the way and add a fillet above but I'd rather not. I can't see any other way though?

HarrySeven

This is brill, @SteveRobinson - love it!

SteveRobinson

I got the body routed. It just needs the roundover adding, neck fixing holes and sanding before it's ready for paint.



If anyone would like the templates I'd be very happy to pass them on.

WezV

I'm almost tempted 

PeteC

Love it Steve !    EE was my favourite publication when I was a spotty kid wanting to take apart every electronic appliance in my Mum and Dads house.   Brings back some great memories.

SteveRobinson

Roundover done, just ¼" radius in line with the angular nature of the guitar. I've also deepened the control cavity to accommodate a short Switchcraft toggle.

I've just noticed how untidy the base of the bridge pickup rout is.I'll tidy it before I paint.

Chris.B

What a great idea to resurrect a design from your youth.  I'm looking forward to seeing your progress with this project. 

SteveRobinson

It didn't rain today so I got some woodwork done.

Cut the neck blank:



and routed the truss rod channel.



I couldn't use the template for this as (i) I decided to make the adjustment at the heel end so the template wasn't right and (ii) I destroyed my small 3/16" bit that I was going to use. I think I over-revved it.

The sled is made from an old picture frame screwed to a sheet of 19mm ply.

Here's the truss rod in place:



Next job is to radius the fretboard and glue it on...

SteveRobinson

Got a little bit more done today, I thinned the headstock down.

First I milled the transition to headstock from the nut using a ½" bullnose bit. The shank of the bit has a ball bearing which ran along the perspex:



then I used a StewMac Safe-T planer to thin. Despite its name, this is a scary tool. Luckily the little bit of tearout in the picture was inside the waste.



Finally I block-sanded smooth as the planer leaves quite a lot of circular marks.

Chris.B

This is coming along very well Steve, it's fascinating to follow your progress.

 The folks at Everyday ELECTRONICS would be amazed. 

WezV

its looking a lot of fun

impmann

I'm liking this a *lot*.

SteveRobinson

Fretboard radiused and fitted:







And frets in:



Just the back to carve now.

I left that til last as it's easier to fret the square wood using my pillar dril to press the frets in.

SteveRobinson

Getting on with the neck carve. It's roughed out ready for sanding.

I made a cut at each end using a tenon saw



Carved the shaft to approximate profile using a rasp



Then blended the transition at headstock and heel using the half-round side of the rasp



I'll use some 80 grit paper next to smooth it out closer to the final shape... there we go

phil_b

nice so far. cant wait to see it all together

SteveRobinson

Not long now I hope. I have to get on with the painting at some point.

Before that though I have to decide which type of bridge to go with. That'll determine how deep I set the neck in its pocket.

SteveRobinson

I've decided on a bridge and deepened the neck pocket to suit so I've started to finish the body, 

Using a scraper to ensure the surface is dead flat and take out any sanding scratches



Packing the grain filler using a card:



and after wiping off using coarse hessian. I hope you can see in the reflection how shiny and flat it leaves the surface. It should just need a light sand before sealer coat tomorrow.



Nut is fitted, I'll tidy up as part of the setup



First coat of sanding sealer on the body. I think this deserves a clear finish:

paulnb57

Dunno how I missed this! Fab build!

PeteC

Absolutely loving this build Steve.  Thanks for sharing the detailed updates - its great.  

SteveRobinson

I sprayed the sides first:



Then worked across the flat surface, holding the can close to ensure the lacquer went on wet, working in overlapping logitudinal bands:



Until I had an even coat right across:




⅔ of a can of Clear Red later, it looks like this:



Should look smart with a white 'guard I think.

I've tried a few logo ideas, not very inventive sorry and I know that there are guitars sold under the Delta name but this is obvioulsly not one of theirs!