Fun with Bondo!! ...Rhoads project

[zeegler]

Re: Fun with Bondo!! ...Rhoads project

[ QUOTE ]
25.5", 22 frets.
This will be a 25.5" 24-fretter when it's done. =)

[/ QUOTE ]

Okay, that explains it. In the original post he says it will get a 22 fret 25.5" scale neck, and of course I'm thinking "isn't that what it had originally. I should have counted the frets on the dinky neck. [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[mm2002]

Re: Fun with Bondo!! ...Rhoads project

That was because my brain farted Zeeg.....sorry to confuse ya.

[Twisteramps]

Re: Fun with Bondo!! ...Rhoads project

This is great info... I hope we can get a sticky. Now show us how to get a great finish with rattle cans. [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

Pete

[Racerx2k]

Re: Fun with Bondo!! ...Rhoads project

Just out of curiosity: What were the neck placement differences between the original 24, and the, now, 22 fret neck? In other words, how far forward did you have to take it, at least judging by the relocation of the neck bolts? Information like this MAY come in handy, for some of us, in future endeavors. Aw, man! Gotta go! "Van Halen - Light Up The Sky" just started cranking on my headphones! Gotta grabs my sixer, and rip along! lol!

[mm2002]

Re: Fun with Bondo!! ...Rhoads project

Since I wasn't re-routing a neck pocket, I just layed the neck in the body (after cutting it out into the pup cavity)and adjusted the length until it measured 25" from the nut to the bridge posts, then marked and drilled it. I didn't pay attention to the exact difference. It was around an inch though. I would measure the holes but it's in the shop and I'm in the house! I'll check it later and post an exact measurement. I actually got this one about 1/16" off (oops!) but that will easily be compensated for with intonation adjustment of the bridge saddles, so all is well.

[mm2002]

Re: Fun with Bondo!! ...Rhoads project

[ QUOTE ]
This is great info... I hope we can get a sticky. Now show us how to get a great finish with rattle cans. [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

Pete

[/ QUOTE ]


I will give you a little tip about using rattle cans, let the can soak in hot water for 10 minutes or so before using it. The paint will lay on much nicer! (and no that wasn't a joke)

[Sunbane]

Re: Fun with Bondo!! ...Rhoads project

[ QUOTE ]
I will give you a little tip about using rattle cans, let the can soak in hot water for 10 minutes or so before using it. The paint will lay on much nicer! (and no that wasn't a joke)

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Interesting! Is this because the temperature increases the pressure of the gas propellant? And...how hot is "hot"? [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[Racerx2k]

Re: Fun with Bondo!! ...Rhoads project

I know exactly what you are talking about. I've done the same thing, and really helps. If paint is too cold, it sputters, and runs. If it is too warm, it dries before it gets to the surface, and gives you orange peel. A bucket of hot tap water, for me, seems to do the trick.

[mm2002]

Re: Fun with Bondo!! ...Rhoads project

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
I will give you a little tip about using rattle cans, let the can soak in hot water for 10 minutes or so before using it. The paint will lay on much nicer! (and no that wasn't a joke)

[/ QUOTE ]
Interesting! Is this because the temperature increases the pressure of the gas propellant? And...how hot is "hot"? [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[/ QUOTE ]

You're right in one way, it raises the pressure in the can (which automatically means better atomization), and it also thins the paint to a more "sprayable" viscousity.....which also means better atomization. As far as the temp goes, I'm not saying to simmer it on med. for 30 minutes! Just "tap hot" water in the sink or a bucket. Usually around 120 degrees.

[mm2002]

Re: Fun with Bondo!! ...Rhoads project

I did get in a couple of hours work on the Rhoads today, so here's more pics.

The primer has cured for two days, and that's plenty. I sprayed on another "guide" coat of cheap spraycan lacquer, and block sanded the whole thing out with 320 grit.



Here's a pic during the sanding to show how the guide coat helps you see any imperfections. Also note I'm using a hard sanding block that spans about 1/2 the body surface. If you'll let the block do the work and not try to "force" it anywhere it isn't cutting, you'll end up with a nice end result. This is the beauty of the guide coat....if you still see black speckles, sand some more. If you cut through the primer anywhere (high spot) then re-prime, wait, and block again.



And, here's what the surface should look like when you're done. If during this process I were to sand through to bare wood in any spot, that portion of the guitar would receive another coat of primer, and be re-blocked. The key to a nice finish is a good flat uniform surface. In this pic I've blocked out the top paying careful attention to the bevels, and keeping their lines straight. After the front and back of the body have been blocked, I'll do the bevels carefully with a sponge block.



All of the sanding is complete and the black base has been sprayed. I use Dupont Chroma Base, but there are different brands that work well. At any rate this is just the color in a base/clear system. It will dry almost flat with very little sheen to it, and will be top coated with polyurethane clear. (of course I still have bevels to do on this one) more on that later.



For all the experienced painters, sorry if any of the explanations insult your intelligence, I'm just trying to be basic for anyone who hasn't done this before. [img]/images/graemlins/toast.gif[/img]

[Racerx2k]

Re: Fun with Bondo!! ...Rhoads project

Wow, this thread just keeps gettin gbetter, with each set of pics. Yeah, those black speckles sure look familiar to me. Seen them, before. I am a rather impatient person, which ALWAYS makes me bad for body work, but I'm trying to get a little more zen-like, as I ferment with age! [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] I've made more than enough mistakes on body prep work work finally learn my lesson. I guess, at this point, I really need to learn how to mix paint, and use a jam gun. I have a compressor, and a couple guns, but have never used them, yet. Makes me feel a tad intimidated, especially having to clean out the gun, afterward (I KNOW I'll screw it up, and lose parts), but I should really bite the bullet, and try on some scrap, cause tinkering with paint bombs are nice, but nothing beats a nice, super-glossy base/clear urethane job, to me. Tough as hell, afterwards, too. Do THAT with a can! LOL. Closest I ever came was some paint & body work, with a Pre-Val!

[Budman68]

Re: Fun with Bondo!! ...Rhoads project

<font color="aqua">well once again you proove your talent of "feel"! There is no way I could use a sponge block for sanding the bevels because of my "hamfisted" hands. I use a long-narrow block so I can feel if I'm tilting the block at all. Again, thanks for the pics, you're making me want to set up a spray booth, more and more.....wish I had the room...... [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img] </font>

[heartfielder]

Re: Fun with Bondo!! ...Rhoads project

I've got respect spillin' all over my kitchen right now !!! Great work Mark !!

[img]/images/graemlins/notworthy.gif[/img]

[Madness]

Re: Fun with Bondo!! ...Rhoads project

This thread rocks. I have a DKMG project in the works right now. It is sitting in primer waiting for the paint. Archtops are fun to sand... [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[SILENTSCREAM]

Re: Fun with Bondo!! ...Rhoads project

wow......this is going to be amazing [img]/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]