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I have been working on it a few weeks. I made a template of a explorer but I downsized it. 22.5 inch scale. Traced onto a poplar plank 2 inch thick. Then onto the band saw. I picked up a piece of 1/4 inch Zebro Wood for the fret board. The fret board was the scairest part for me . I put it off then just jumped in and did it. It was probably the easest part so far. I had a Stew-Mac fret jig, saw and template. Went really smooth. The hardest part for me has been cutting the head stock angle. I used a small hand saw on both sides then then leveled it with a hand plane. There has been tons of sanding and there is still allot left. My spindle sander make it easy to do the sides. I have the fret board glued on. I ordered Gibson tuners since it's a Explorer from Sam Ash. I also ordered the jack plate, Bone for the nut, Bridge. I had a Kent Armstrong Jazz Humbucker that some one had me replace with something else. He gave me the pick up when I was done. I have some some car paint left over from a restoration project that I might use. The bone nut I ordered isn't wide enough. I am trying to come up with a idea of something else I can use as a nut blank. I thought about buying a pin turning blank and cutting it down. I'm a little tight on cash. The Break down is below of How much I spent so far. I might buy a maple dowel rod and slice off pieces for the and just do dots. Does anybody have any idea I can use for the fret board markers for some one on a budget? This is my first build so I am trying to be creative, but am a little lost. I'm thanking I can come in about $120.00. Maybe.

Bridge from China $6.95 ( Amazon )
Poplar about 3 bd ft $7.50 Local Store
Zebra Wood for Fret Board $3.00 Local store remnant
Gibson Tuner $59.00 ( Sam Ash )
Jack Plate $6.95 ( Sam Ash )
Pick up Free

Template pictures below.

Diggin' it so far!

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"Act your age, not your shoe size" - Prince

Cool.

Yessir, I do want to build a lap steel someday. Great addition to the challenge!

I inlayed the fret slots with maple today. I am happy with the results. I just need to figure out what to inlay for the position markers.

Might have to do one of these. Were expecting David Lindley's solo from Jackson Browns Redneck Friend on your video

Actualy I don't know how to play one. Lol. I will probably get one of my Dobro playing friends to play it for the video.

I was wanting to do one large inlay at the 12th fret. So I cut the ivory out today. It looks too big and off ballance being this big. What do you think? I and thinking about making a new one about half the size and maybe putting a ebony peg head overlay on and inlaying this one on the head stock. I layed the on to see what they look like.

I think it would look nice on the headstock. It's a little large for the fretboard for my tastes.

I think your right. I will use on the head stock. I am going to do something different on the fret board.

I have been on hold do to lack of funds. Friday I will order the tuner hole jig. So she be making progress this week end.

Progress up date.

More on my Lap Steel build. I carved out the pick up cavity today. Used a mallet and wood chisel. Getting closer. I need to buy a set of forstener bits to drill out the cavity for the volume pot. Playing catch up.

Bought a set of Forstner bits from harbor freight. So saturday I am planning on drilling out the rear of the body for the volume pot. Will post pictures after. Still having a hard time trying to decide on haw to make a nut.

Carved out the rear body cavity for the volume pot and installed it. Took apart a small flood light bulb and removed the lense. I am going to use it for the rear cavity cover. I will install a small LED in the cavity that will come on when the guitar is plugged in. I need to buy a 1/4 inch jack plug and drill it out then I can wire it. Really close to being ready to play. The last 2 pictures are of my helper. Pictures won't load. Will try again later.