"The Shadow" Tele - my second build

[SonicWizard]

I could not really tell from the pic what damage was caused to the finish from the overheating during the string ferrule install. 
I am getting ready to do the same to my firebird.  Does the finish get all bubbly when it gets too hot?  What should I look for when the damage starts?

Yeah, it was hard to tell from the photo. No, it doesn't look bubbly, it just has this 'melted' look around the ferrule. It does not look clean. It looks kinda like stretch marks and watery. During the process, it was hard to see. But if the ferrule has heat smoke coming off it...? that's too HOT! :redflag:

If you're going to use the iron, you should literally only heat the ferrule for 2-3 seconds and you're done. Do not hold it on there longer than that. My misguided understanding was that the ferrule would slide right in when the finish was warm enough. That did not happen. The ferrules are too big/thick for that. :doh:

If I were to do this again, I would use the thin, round pencil-like files from StewMac.com. They are perfect for sanding ferrule holes. Do that until the hole is big enough, but still snug with the ferrule. Then tap them in. I think that's a much better approach. It'll look a lot cleaner when done.  :icon_thumright:

 

[bbl4ck]

Thanks Mr. Wizard  :headbang:

 

[The Dealer]

That is absolutly Stunning.

 

[SonicWizard]

Ok, here's the latest...

http://gallery.me.com/dmnelsen/100039

I'm just about to start putting the pickups in.

 

[dNA]

looks really nice so far. I am considering scrapping my previous ideas and doing one almost just like this (satin finish, cream binding, birdseye neck). I think the neck needs a bit of a tint to make it more in the brightness range of what the pickguard is.

 

[Cagey]

Looking good! You guys are gonna tease me into building a Tele yet!

I had the same problem with the knobs you did, only I was foolish enough to buy some more after I changed my mind about the color I bought in the first place. Of the three in the second set, two lost their inserts almost immediately just goofing around. Something about that brass/plastic combination doesn't want to be glued. I suspect it's a combination of being very hard materials that don't mate perfectly. I think it needs epoxy to work. They're living in The Drawer of Misfit Parts now, and a third set without inserts are doing their job.

 

[Wana_make_a_guitar]

That's sick man.  :blob7: