Just ordered a Stewmac Tele kit - Any advice appreciated - Page 3

H165 · #31 07-01-2021, 02:06 PM

Quote:

What did you use for the other coats?

600 grit will get undercoats flat and prepped real fast, but 600 cuts deeper than higher grits, so there's a risk of quickly going all the way through the finish coat.

I've used 800, 1000, 1200, 1500.... all the way up to 2500. Part of the sandpaper decision is made by looking at the coat you've put on and seeing how far from flat you've put it on. Unthinned, heavy spray or brushing can dry pretty rough.

Bluside · #32 07-01-2021, 02:10 PM

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Originally Posted by Dru Edwards

It turned out fantastic! Wow. Lots of effort to get there but it looks amazing.

You mentioned 2000 grit sandpaper but I think that was only for the last couple of coats. What did you use for the other coats?

Thanks, Dru. Yes, the wet 2000 grit was only prior to the last 2 thinned out coats. I used 0000 steel wool usually after 3 or 4 coats of the oil. I let it dry overnight before I used the steel wool. One time I did a light sanding with 1500 paper instead of the steel wool.

I used compressed air to make sure I blew all the particles off before I wiped it down with a soft cloth.

I'm not saying any of this is the right way. It's just the way I did it. This is my first time.

Bluside · #33 07-03-2021, 09:42 AM

Copper tape...My kit does not include any nor do the instructions say anything about shielding the cavities. Should I?

Dru Edwards · #34 07-03-2021, 11:39 AM

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Originally Posted by Bluside

Copper tape...My kit does not include any nor do the instructions say anything about shielding the cavities. Should I?

Might as well shield it. Easy to do and inexpensive.

Bluside · #35 07-08-2021, 09:16 AM

I just wanted to follow up on this thread. I finished putting the whole thing together and wanted to share. I'm happy with it. Is it perfect? No. But it was a fun project and I learned a lot. I'll have to get used to playing it and see what kind of sounds I can get out of the guitar.

It goes nicely with my Champ amp with a 12" that I built a few months ago.

Dru Edwards · #36 07-08-2021, 04:21 PM

It looks amazing! What's on the headstock, "Becker"? Same as the amp? Nice touch.

rockabilly69 · #37 07-08-2021, 08:53 PM

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Originally Posted by Bluside

Nice job in the Tele, and great little combo!

Bluside · #38 07-09-2021, 04:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dru Edwards

It looks amazing! What's on the headstock, "Becker"? Same as the amp? Nice touch.

Thanks. Yes, I had the name plate and decal made to match.

Bluside · #39 07-09-2021, 04:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockabilly69

Nice job in the Tele, and great little combo!

Thank you. I didn't realize until after the strings were on it that the frets really need to be polished. They are a bit gritty.

Oh well, next string change.

Dru Edwards · #40 07-09-2021, 02:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluside

Thanks. Yes, I had the name plate and decal made to match.

Where did you get the amp's name plate made? That looks cool and professional. Same with the headstock decal.

Bluside · #41 07-09-2021, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dru Edwards

Where did you get the amp's name plate made? That looks cool and professional. Same with the headstock decal.

I ordered them both from dealers on Etsy.com

The amp plate was from Awards ETC. and the decals were from Georges Decals. Both companies were great to deal with.

Rmccamey · #42 07-09-2021, 03:20 PM

Excellent build, young man. You've motivated me to look into a kit build myself.

Bluside · #43 07-10-2021, 04:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rmccamey

Excellent build, young man. You've motivated me to look into a kit build myself.

Thank you and thanks for calling a 66 yr old guy a "young man."

TBH...for the same money I have invested in this guitar, I probably could have bought a real nice used MIM Tele. I just wanted the experience of putting one together.