Fixing Sand Through

While level sanding the water-based lacquer on one of my guitar builds, I accidentally sanded through to the wood on one of the sharp edges. Here is how I fixed it:

Even with a light touch and 800 grit sand paper, I still managed to sand through to the wood on this sharp edge.

No problem. I just wiped on some of the paint I had left over from spraying the back. It took about three coats to cover the damage.

Next, I used a q-tip to apply some clear water-based lacquer. Four thick coats were applied about thirty minutes apart.

After the last coat of lacquer had dried, I lightly sanded the area with 800 grit to blend. Now I can proceed with wet sanding the whole body. Hopefully, I won't have to deal with any additional sand through before I buff. If I do, I'll repeat the process.

Buff Time

This is how I check the quality of my buffing. If I can see the reflection of a lightbulb directly over the guitar and it looks sharp, it's done.

Finishing 3 Guitar Necks

I used Dark Brown Rit Dye to stain the Maple. Then, I sanded off the excess to reveal the hidden figure. For contest, I sanded the fretboards more aggressively. 

To seal in the dye and protect the wood, I rubbed in a generous amount of tung oil.

Dig that figure.

Next, I'll have to workout what my logo will look like.

Dealing With Uh Ohs

They happen even to best luthiers. You know, those pesky little accidents that most of the big time guitar manufactures won't even deal with. They just throw the piece away and start over. I don't have that luxury nor am I able to justify the practice morally.

Yesterday while final shaping a neck, I had an uh oh. The following photos show how I fixed it:

There is no way I can throw out a neck because of something so small.

After cleaning out the chip with a hobby knife, I cut a piece of Maple and glued it into place with extra thick, slow set CA glue.

Twenty minutes later, I cut the piece and sanded it to match. After the finish is applied, I doubt anyone will be able to see the repair.

Necking in the Shop

I wanted to finish 3 necks today, but it's Saturday and I ended up goofing around and only finishing one. This one is for a single cutaway Envirocaster:

Four New Necks

While the water-based lacquer is curing on my other guitar projects, I took the time to start on four new necks. Here are some photos of my progress so far:

That's one long flamed Maple neck blank!

Marking the necks with a template.

Cutting out a neck.

One of four rough necks.

Four rough necks.

3/8" tuner holes.

Routing a truss rod slot.

Finished truss rod slot.

Carving and blending the neck's contour.

A new design in the works