Finishing and polishing

SSJ and Nylon model are finished final coating. I also completed the bridge making for the nylon model. I changed the bridge shape to much smaller buss side size to minimize buss sound. I also increased the treble side size. Previously using Kasha designed bridge created too much sound compensation between buss and treble.
I have been working on the final polishing for the nylon model, and it will be finished by Friday. I will take the final assembly for the nylon model this weekend. I am very excited to test the lattice braced nylon strings guitar.

Top Saining

I applied yellow stain on the top for both SSJ and Nylon models. I have been using yellow stain for my latest builds for a year. Yellow stain fades a way over time; therefore, it requires slightly strong staining on the yellow top. After I applied the stain, I also applied very thin Epoxy cote using Alcohol thinning technique. Epoxy apply is for making an even color for overly sanded portions during filling sessions. Now, both SSJ and Nylon models are ready for final coat spray session. I will apply eight coats of EM6000 Water based Acrylic finish next week.

Epoxy filler work

I start finishing work for SSJ and Nylon models. I applied System-3 Epoxy with Silica form on top. I have been using Epoxy filler even on the top. For sides and back, I will use the same formula with dark brown dye for making darker color. So, the top per-coating is able to protect the dye contamination to the top. I will apply couple of Epoxy cotes during this week, and then take sanding sessions next week-end.

Side ports making

I have been working on final sanding for Nylon and SSJ models. While I am working on the sanding sessions, I thought that the SSJ model has quite large armrest bevel. It seems perfect for adding side ports on the beveled armed rest. So, I decide to add four side ports on the beveled armrest. SSJ model still needs a little bit more sanding work perpendicularly on the top. Nylon model is completed the sanding work and it is ready for filling work. I will start filling work next week.

Fretwire install

SSJ and Nylon guitar makings are pretty much done. Both guitars have fret wire installed. I will take final sanding for both guitars, and then start finishing work.

Neck details work

I finished the finger board radiusing and polishing. Fret-wires were cut for edge binding. Fret wires are needed for detailed filing work for fret tung removing at the edges.

I also finished machine head hole drilling for the slotted head. I also finished slotted channel tapering for the nut access. Drilling work for the slotted head is a tricky process. I have been using a home made drilling fixture for individual machine head design. Completed head has a unique tapered string channel.

Neck shaping

SSJ neck shaping is done. Shaping for the neck volute is also done. This neck is the V-joint design between peg head and the neck. Therefore the volute portion is the glue line between the neck and the peg head. I also glued a 0.6mm thickness back plate on the peg-head. Back plate veneer material is Walnut.

SSJ guitar construction is pretty much done. I will have sanding sessions for the entire body, and then I will start  finishing work.