Finish first or build first

[JK]

I'm getting ready to build a cheap kit strat before I go with a nice Warmoth body and neck. I'm getting two schools of thought on putting it together: finsih the body first then drill -  drill first, fill, then finish. How do y'all do it?

 

[spauldingrules]

finish then drill

 

[jackthehack]

You pretty much have to finish first, then build....

 

[JK]

Would you mind expanding on that.

 

[jackthehack]

There are a number of areas you may not be able to get to to apply the finish if the guitar's assembled, and you want to apply the finish to the entire body/neck to protect the wood. If the question is really "Can I drill any requisite holes for pickguard, jackplate, strap locks, etc. prior to finishing?" the answer would be yes.

 

[JK]

Thanks. I guess I was a too brief in my question. The idea of building it first (drilling etc) also meant disassemby before finishing. I think the main idea behind it is to make sure everything fits and is in alignment before finishing so you don't mess up the finish later. It also means a lot of extra work, which may be worth it. I guess that is the real question.

 

[jackthehack]

The only thing you really need to check first would be neck pocket fit.

 

[JK]

That makes sense to me. Thanks for your help.