Recent content by timezon3

I've only got one Warmoth, but I haven't done anything to the frets (yet).  I'm sure a good leveling / crowning / polish would indeed improve it, but it's also just fine the way it is.  I also cut my own nut on this one.

I've done the "drill-dowel-glue" routine a couple of times and darned if it doesn't just keep stripping out (every few years).  There's a lot of weight on them there screws.  Last time, I installed machine thread inserts.  We'll see if that lasts longer. TZ

I didn't use any sealant that I remember, but I was using a different wood species, and obviously you need something.  I would probably just try a thin coat of whatever your top coat is going to be - i.e. if you're going to brush on some polyurethane after doing the inlay, do a coat before doing...

Regarding the epoxy inlay option, I have done this using clear epoxy, and mixed in tint (aniline powders, the same stuff you might use to dye a guitar body), and it worked.  I mean, I'm a sucky woodworker, and the inlay part itself wasn't cut very well (picture trying to do it by hand with a...

I don't have anything helpful to add regarding the filler / sealer stuff (I've only ever finished alder, which doesn't require grain filler), but I'd like to say I like the look you've got now, even if it's not what you were aiming at.  It looks almost like marbelized wood!  :icon_thumright: TZ

I don't have a roasted maple neck, but I do have a purpleheart neck that I had intended to leave unfinished.  However, after watching it suck in a drop of sweat from my hand, I decided to give it a couple coats of danish oil.  It provides a little bit of protection, and darkens the wood a little...

I've done a couple spray can finishes.  It can be done and come out reasonably well.  It is, as Cagey says, highly dependent on labor that is not necessarily part of applying the finish, but IMO that's true for pretty much any finish.  (I guess maybe not the 2k stuff he described as being...

Quite the transformation, there.  Looks great! TZ

Welcome to the supernova club!  :D  I dig it, think they look real nice in gold pearloid and the whole color scheme of the guitar works beautifully. TZ

Ditto on the ebony.  That's a great-looking burst.  I think maybe a goncalo alves / ebony would go nice... TZ

Milhouse makes guitars? TZ

One day, I hope to feel comfortable enough financially that I can spur-of-the-moment pull the trigger on something like this:

IMO the reason for doing the finish yourself is because you like doing finishes, or you want something that isn't offered by W.  For a straight black, I would definitely go w/ Warmoth's paint department.  Unless you want a lower quality finish that will age (i.e. get banged up) quickly... TZ

I think an ebony fretboard would look great with that.  Black Korina for neck back would be cool too.  Other than that, I think maybe wenge would work? TZ

I don't usually care for mint green pickguards, but it goes well with that finish.  Nice job! TZ