First project coming in

[jcny]

Hi guys, have my first project parts on their way (can't argue with the SALE).  Unfinished carved top ash tele body with a maple/maple neck. :blob7:

Any suggestions on what / what not to do on handling the parts before I get started on the finishing?
I assume that I should handle them as little as possible until I get them sealed but, does that mean just making sure the hands are clean or are we talking gloves, etc??

I'm planning on tinting the neck vintage maple then Tru-oil.  I want to try going for a trans black burst on the body.

How much surface prep work is required on the body / neck before I get started on the finishing?
Any suggestions as to how to sand the carve top between finish coats? 
From what I've read, the body finish should be on the order of:
Dark tinted grain filler, sand smooth, sealer, sand, dye coats (get heavier towards the edge for burst effect), sand, clear coats??

Any suggestions are GREATLY appreciated :icon_thumright:

And THANKS

 

[tfarny]

I think it's a good general rule not to touch the wood before finishing. Or, more accurately, before finishing, hang up the body on some kind of homemade device (bolt a fence post in the neck pocket or use coat hanger wire etc.), wipe it down well with naphtha or grain alcohol to remove any grease from hands, and let that dry well before finishing.
Dirty hands would be hugely a NO.
I cannot wait to see these carved top projects! None has posted pics of one yet, as far as I know.

As far as surface prep, some people literally just give it a good wipe down a la the above instructions, others go to 600 grit and then the wipe down.  Frankly you are taking on a tough finishing job if it really is your first time out. Most people don't get much beyond the tung oil on their first projects. Others here will be glad to give you a lot better advice than I can on this one, other than to say good luck, post lots of good pics, and don't be afraid to ask Qs. If you haven't done it yet, I would spend a few hours just browsing the DIY finishing threads by Tonar, CB, Jack, Willyk, and some others, you'll learn a lot that way.  :icon_thumright: