Andyjr1515

[quote name='6v6' timestamp='1453153353' post='2956974'] Looks very nice indeed! Care to share any more details on your finishing process? I've sprayed guitars with both poly and nitro in the past (with a proper compressor/spray gun) and the finish you've achieved is easily as good if not better - no mean feat given the time of year! I've got a bass to refinish and there's no chance I'll even attempt it before about June when it warms up because I also have to work outside or in a cold shed! [/quote] Wipe-on [url="http://basschat.co.uk/topic/277188-wipe-on-varnishing/"]finish thread is here[/url]

Hi I've had a number of queries about my slightly unconventional approach to gloss finishes. Rather than posting links to threads on other forums, I thought it might be of interest to some of you to cut and paste one of my other threads on the topic here: I use a wipe-on technique for varnishing, using standard old-fashioned household polyurethane varnish. I don't have anywhere satisfactory indoors to spray either cans or spray-guns and needed to find a method that I could in in a spare room rather than having to wait for a dry, still, insect and pollen-free day everytime I wanted to finish a bass or guitar There are a few plus's and minus's:[list=1] [*]It will never look [i]quite[/i] the same as a well applied and properly buffed spray finish [*]It isn't as tough as a commercial poly finish - but it is tough! [*]You can put a couple of coats on per day (One 1st thing in the morning and one in the early evening) [*]For a wood or veneer finish it produces a very acceptable result [*]For a plain colour (just done one in the finisher's nightmare - gloss black), it takes a number of tips and tricks to get it OK (but refer back to point 1!) [*]There are some important differences - the main being that you DO NOT buff to a final finish....in fact you CAN NOT buff to a final finish. The technique is different because the chemistry is different. More on this later.. [/list] The kit I use is simple: Ronseal Hardglaze or Rustins Clear Polyurethane varnish; White Spirits to thin it; hence the jam jar; rubber glove; cheap, disposable microfibre cloths. I am still using the original 'high volatiles' varnishes - simply because I haven't experimented enough with some of the more modern low volatiles ones. That's a summer project for me... I'm sure you have, but if you haven't yet discovered micro-fibre cloths, it's worth doing so. They are:[list] [*]Generally dirt cheap (except the specialist ones, see below) I think these were less than a fiver for 4 in Homebase. [*]COMPLETELY dust free and lint free - but never cut them otherwise there's bits everywhere [*]Soft and fluffy, very absorbent for the varnish [/list] I use one more type of micro-fibre cloth, a particular type, as the best 'tack rag' I've ever used. It's a window-cleaning cloth and I think it cost about £6. My dust bugs issues have vanished since going from decorators sticky tack rags to this: The technique is simple:[list] [*]thin varnish with about 30% white spirits [*]don rubber glove [*]wipe over surface with micro-fibre 'tack rag' [*]take corner of cheapo micro-fibre cloth [*]dip in thinned varnish, squeeze out excess [*]wipe on [/list] This is a heavily figured veneered top after about 5 coats (over 2 days)...note that I'm doing it over a CARPET!! Actually, I forgot to put the newspaper down but got away with it. It only drips if you major-ly overcharge the cloth: Although I said above that it's not the best way for a plain sprayed colour, it still isn't terrible...PaulS of this parish persuaded me (under duress and suitable cautionary words to manage expectations ) to do him a gloss black body...the most challenging of any colours: There are some important tips and tricks, like with everything. I'm sure there are others, but these come to mind:[list] [*]Wipe with a good quality 'tack rag' (see above for my recommendation) to ensure the surface is dust free. Try to keep dust to a minimum! Remember spray finishes dry within seconds...this takes an hour or so and plenty of time for the dust buggies to land and sink in [*]Apply multiple thin coats. Maximum 2 per day (one in morning and one in evening) [*]Flatten with 1000 grit, used wet, every 6 or so coats [*]After 5-6 days, there should be sufficient thickness. Let it cure for at least 3 -5 days [*]Flatten with 1000 grit used wet (if necessary) and finish with 2000 grit used wet [*]Ensure varnish is properly thinned...maybe go up to 40% thinners at this stage. Dip the microfibre in the varnish and squeeze it almost all out then apply a VERY light coat. Let it dry. Apply a second VERY light coat and, if necessary a third. [*]Don't buff - nitro coats 'melt' into previously applied coats. Poly applied like this doesn't do this so buffing will simply wear away the shiny top coat and expose the sanded under coat [*]Leave at least 1 week (2 is better) then polish with good quality, low abrasion auto polish (Macguiers Ultra is a good one) [/list] Hope this helps - if you try the approach let's see how you get on and don't hesitate to contact me Oh - and by the way, it was this present camphor and alder build in Build Diaries that sparked off the interest. Not bad for a pot of household varnish and a cheap rag :

[quote name='6v6' timestamp='1453153353' post='2956974'] Looks very nice indeed! Care to share any more details on your finishing process? I've sprayed guitars with both poly and nitro in the past (with a proper compressor/spray gun) and the finish you've achieved is easily as good if not better - no mean feat given the time of year! I've got a bass to refinish and there's no chance I'll even attempt it before about June when it warms up because I also have to work outside or in a cold shed! [/quote] Hi, 6V6 I started doing the wipe-on approach for the same reasons - no workshop, no garage, just the spare bedroom in the house and the outside patio! I've referred to the approach in a number of my threads, but probably worth putting a specific thread into the Repairs and Technical section. I'll cut and paste some stuff I did on another forum and post the link shortly

[quote name='Jabba_the_gut' timestamp='1452964078' post='2955169'] Cut the scratchplate today from the plastic that was in the back of a notebook - really pleased with it!! I've also done a little bit of rough shaping of the corners. Quite looking forward to seeing how this turns out!! [/quote] I use the same notebook back plastic for all sorts: cutting pads, templates, shims. It's great stuff Never thought of it for a scratch plate, though. Brilliant!

Top drawer stuff Great result...and nice pics Andy

[quote name='Jabba_the_gut' timestamp='1453155395' post='2957009'] Did some rough sanding to see if this would work and it won't! Shouldn't be too hard to fix - I'll use the router to remove the binding and trim the board a little. Then I'll redo the binding with a little bit more room for error....... [/quote] It's a beggar when you have to redo something like this, but it is always better than a quick fix that, if you're like me, always niggles even if no one else notices...

[quote name='rk7' timestamp='1453112733' post='2956359'] Lovely work! RK [/quote] Thanks, RK ! By the way, folks. Sorry if some of the photos aren't coming through.... Imgur seems to be having some issues this morning!

[quote name='FuNkShUi' timestamp='1453064316' post='2956127'] Not long now......�� [/quote] Not long at all, Kert It's been a good weekend all round for progress. While the varnish has been drying, I managed to get a bit more done on the dreadnought acoustic 6 string. Did the rosette and soundhole: ...and curved the top braces to the 25' radius: ...and in the last 20 minutes have got the X braces into the go-bar to press the braces and top into the 25' radius dish while the glue dries: So now I'm off downstairs now to have a whisky and continue the warm glow feeling of a successful weekend

Thanks, folks

I fitted the tuners last night. The Hipshot drop D works a treat and the ultra-lites are noticeably lighter: Here's the drop D in 'E' position: ...and in 'D' position: With the frets polished, I couldn't resist a quick mock-up: Always more stuff to do than you think there is, but it really is rapidly coming together now Andy

[quote name='wwcringe' timestamp='1452987723' post='2955406'] The headstock is a crowning glory haha Jokes aside, fab looking bass & I'm keen to hear how it sounds Andy I had one of your instruments out last night (the infamous Afro bodied fretless) and I have to say, soundcheck was one of the best "bass tone" moments of easily the last year! Really excellent, and entirely DI'd so a true testament to the instrument and in particular the 3pce neck you put together for it. Keep up the splendid work! [/quote] Thanks, Tom! I have high hopes of this one too. The SD EQ unit I'm putting in is the same one as my Bubinga fretless. In that one it gives a superb range of tones with a nevertheless straightforward set of controls. Finished the fret dressing last night and fitted the tuners. Not too long now Andy

[quote name='sblueplanet' timestamp='1452957533' post='2955069'] Nevermind the whole bass, that headstock is quite beautiful. [/quote] Thanks!

Blimey, Paul - that's quick work. Looking good . I look forward to seeing it fully reassembled!

I like that, Paul! I particularly like the reverse neck and block inlay combination

I know you're all getting a bit bored with this and just want to see the finished article, but I'm so excited at getting to the closing stages of the varnishing : Goodness - hope it's going to sound OK to match how it's beginning to look! Just applied this morning what MIGHT be the final coat on the back and the neck (you can never be quite sure until it's dried), then leave it a week to harden and then finish the final bits. While the varnish has been drying, I've been progressing the 6-string acoustic build a little bit. It's as surprise 'special' birthday present for our old-gits-band's vocalist. I've got until July to build it, cock it up, rebuild it, wreck it and build it again...should be plenty of time

Lovely job, Ian. I particularly like the slim look of the lower bout.

[quote name='paulnb57' timestamp='1452798780' post='2953654'] Just when you think that looks good, you post those few absolutley stunning photos! I would give you a wow on the other forum, but, well, have a Wow! here! Top drawer stuff there! Paul [/quote] Thanks, Paul Andy

[quote name='Bastav' timestamp='1452793769' post='2953594'] Looking good! How much did that camphor top set you back if you dont mind my asking? It really is pretty. [/quote] It was quite expensive - around £150 if I remember correctly

With my slightly odd way of gloss finishing (wipe-on using standard household clear polyurethane varnish), the trick is knowing when to stop. Often you think, "OK, just one more coat" and then it goes horribly wrong . On this basis, for the top, I think it's time to stop: As it happens, the back does genuinely need "just one more coat", which I should be able to do tomorrow. The top will now wait a couple of weeks to harden properly before a final rub over with micromesh and Macguiers. Within a few days, however, it will be hard enough to be handled and so the process of fitting tuners, shielding of cavities, fitting bridge, fret levelling and crowning, fitting p/ups and setting the final thicknesses of the pickup covers should all be able to be completed during next week

Very interesting design. I suspect it will be very comfortable to play...

[quote name='TheGreek' timestamp='1452631415' post='2951913'] Very happy with your work...many thanks... If/when my Ritter sells I may be looking for a headless custom build.....spent the money before I've even got it... [/quote] That would be great...another opportunity for me to make it up as I go along

Hope you sort a solution because, my oh my, that's a neat looking neck job!

[quote name='TheGreek' timestamp='1452621876' post='2951787'] Would it be rude to ask how much this is?? [/quote] Not at all rude for you to ask, Mick... ...but as it is a commissioned build, it would be VERY rude for me to answer Hope the reshaped headstock is still doing the the biz Andy

Final finishing process has started: ...and Luminlays are fitted:

[quote name='paulnb57' timestamp='1452607117' post='2951539'] Me too! Something to aspire to Andy? Just kidding! [/quote] Many a true word, Paul I always look at other people's builds and think "DAMN! I wish I'd thought of that" The last time I thought that big-style, as it happens, was when I saw Jabba's builds at last year's Midlands Basschat bash and thought how much better his builds looked than ANY of mine, particularly with his use of demarcation veneer. Look familiar with yours truly's latest build? : I was stunned at the quality of Jabba's builds that he brought to the bash. Truly inspirational and aspirational! Mind you, Jabba....I'd like to see you beat that camphor