Official Luthiers Forum!

Guitars No 3 and 4 are currently undergoing french polishing. Method is largely based on Robbie OBriens DVD with some input from the Milburn brothers. Both guitars were pore filled using Zpoxy.....one full strength coat sanded back to bare wood and then a 50/50 z-poxy/alcohol coat wiped on and then again sanded back to bare wood.

Lookin' good! I get to start on another in a week or so. Thanks for the inspiration.

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Jim Kirby
kirby@udel.edu

Hesh, the view reflected on the classical is the big old claret ash tree overhanging the south end of my workshop. The tree is very late in losing its leaves as we head into an unusually warm winter here in South Australia.

Martin,

Those look really great.  What stage of the FP process are they in?

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Waddy

Photobucket Build Album Library

Sound Clips of most of my guitars

FP is most definitely a learning curve project. I just finished my first attempt at it also. One piece of advice I can offer is to let the guitar sit for at least 2 weeks without touching it after you think that the finish is complete. You will be amazed at how the finish changes over this period. Don't attempt to fix anything during this time as it will only make things worse. Wait the entire 2 weeks (or longer) before you pick it back up and try to do anything else to it. Also, be SURE to wait several days between sessions. This is important!

I also was VERY discouraged  when I saw that the walnut back had some "splotchy" areas in it and thought that it would stay this way. After sitting for 2 weeks, those areas dissappeared and it looks fine now. The finish will continue to harden for quite some time and even though it looks hard after a couple of days, DONT put it in a case !! I did that and found that the finish took on some nasty rough spots

I would suggest hanging the guitar up for the 2 week period while it gasses off.

Looks like you have a GREAT start on your FP finish though! Keep up the good work!

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Reguards,

Ken H

Martin,

Beautiful job. What alcohol are you using? I want to use FP on my next guitar, but I'm in California, and Everpure isn't available. I've got to wait until I go up to visit my son in Oregon to buy some.

Ken,

Thanks for the tip on letting the finish sit. I haven't seen that anywhere else...

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Gene

Politicians and diapers must be changed often, and for the same reason- Mark Twain

Looks Beautiful!

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Dave Bland

remember...

"If it doesn't play in tune...it's just pretty wood"

Man that is really beautiful.i`m going to try this on my current build.You don`t have a list of specific materials do you
                      James

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James W Bolan
Nashville Tennessee

The materials? Im using technical grade meths and blonde shellac flakes, both available from a local furniture restoration shop here in Adelaide, South Australia.

Waddy,

Both guitars are at bodycoat stage.

[QUOTE=jtkirby] Lookin' good! I get to start on another in a week or so.
Thanks for the inspiration. [/QUOTE]
Me too...
Martin, what are you doing for the necks?

Very Nice!

Mike

Beautiful job!

I'd agree with Ken about waiting between applications especially after several builds. I would give at least 24 hrs between the beginning sessions than increase to 48 after the fourth. And like Ken, I waited 4 weeks before seriously playing it. I found the surface to be quite fragile once completed and needed the time to harden.

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Michael Lloyd

“I was born to ignorance, yes, and lesser poverties ...
I was born to privilege that I did not see ... I didn’t know it, but my way was paved” – John Gorka

very, very nice!!!!!

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Thanks,
Blain

http://www.ullrichguitar.com

"89.67% of all statistics are made up on the spot."

Looks great Martin. How's the elbow holding up?

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Bob Connor
Geelong, Australia