I drilled a hole for the volume knob and another on the edge for the input jack, and then this dog was ready to for finish.
![](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3jo09C7sYSY/TdL217NEkpI/AAAAAAAADFw/OzGM6Z5FpU4/s400/100_2653.jpg)
This is my new favorite finish. Minwax Wipe-On Poly (clear satin). With sprays I have trouble with runs and drips. This stuff goes on with a rag, so it's easier, and it adds a yellowish antique tint to the wood, and the more coats you use the better it looks. I used 600 grit sandpaper between each coat and it took about 6 coats. It dries fairly quickly for polyurethane - about 2 hours. The spray urethane I used in the past took more than 24 hours to dry. Maybe I didn't shake it enough or something like that. Who knows. This stuff is great though.
![](http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-tRZujeDqNT8/TdL2wo5aZkI/AAAAAAAADFo/tPnv__Allj0/s400/100_2649.jpg)
After the finish cured over night I screwed all the hardware onto the body. Since I cut the tuner strip in half it required one extra hole and an extra screw. I couldn't find the exact screw to match the rest, so I didn't even try. This one is brass.
![](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1kmEflkjnCk/TdL2wZ9J_mI/AAAAAAAADFg/4MjqMrrldwM/s400/100_2651.jpg)
I snapped in the sound hole grommets. Those were easy. The brass corner protectors took some time, just because there were so many of them. Eight. Eh, I guess that's not so many. Never mind.
![](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z_YHWaoolZE/TdL2wKQ2REI/AAAAAAAADFY/85LjWcFlOsk/s400/100_2654.jpg)
Here's the back view. I'm happy with the color of the box. The neck is poplar so it has a temporary greenish tint. As it ages it will become golden brown.
![](http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-m7gyNwLNsSU/TdL2vz0csKI/AAAAAAAADFQ/j_vO8G2G8MM/s400/100_2659.jpg)
Here's the top face. Oh yeah, I also put in some new fret markers. They are made from dowels. I put some of the Wipe-On Poly finish onto the fret markers too so they wouldn't eventually turn dirty and gray from finger sweat. That's another nice thing about this finish. I can control where I want to apply it. I only wanted the markers to have finish, not the fretboard, and it was pretty easy to do by dabbing the specific spots.
![](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hNadGOPG_7A/TdL2vh1D60I/AAAAAAAADFI/dSTiStZSvU0/s400/100_2660.jpg)
More to come...
Now THAT is cool! Love to hear or see video of you popping her cherry.
ReplyDeleteActually~ I don't think you're supposed to shake polyurethenes at all. At least several brands, including Min-Wax, say not to in the Instructions. (Despite my own personal motto: "Instructions ! We don't need no stink'n Instructions !", I accidentally found this out while reading a can in my bathroom; this stuff smothers out stinky odors & numbs yer tongue).
ReplyDeleteCan't wait to see what Part 10 is about !
Thanks guys,
ReplyDeleteYou aren't supposed to shake the can? Well maybe THAT'S what I did wrong.
It's always better to have a numb tongue while in the bathroom. That's what I always say.
Seriously beautiful!!
ReplyDeleteThis puppies smokin'. Can't wait to hear you shred.
ReplyDeleteSo cool. One question - how to you make the cigar box stiff and strong enough to support the neck? It seems the wood of a cigar box would not be thick or tough enough to support the strain of a guitar neck (I am absolutely certain you have an answer for this).
ReplyDeleteWilly, Thanks!
ReplyDeleteJeeves, you'll hear it. I don't know if I'd call it shredding.
Thanks Mykal! The cigar box is fingerjointed and the walls are actually thicker than the walls of a full size acoustic guitar. It's got a thick mounting block inside the body too.
Also since the strings are shorter, it doesn't require as much tension to get them tight. I think it'll survive longer than me.
I knew you had it covered. I want to hear this baby so bad I can taste it. You must post that!
ReplyDeleteI will! I promise
ReplyDeleteI'm giggling like a 12 year old at "Wipe On Poly." I bet she hates when people do that.
ReplyDelete