Construction Log for KMG J45-Style Dreadnought

[dave d]

Really nice Dave. Did you us the RO sander up to the 2000 grit?
If so, what did you do about the paper loading up? I have issues there...

Kevin

Thanks Kevin. I did all of the sanding by hand, using a rubber sanding block. I had a little bit of loading on this too, but washed the nibs away or scratched them off with a fingernail.

[Tim Benware]

That's a pretty decent finish. I would give it higher marks, but I can't read the writing on the light bulb!
What grit did you sand up to?

I'm sure I have a photo here somewhere where you can read the wattage on the bulb in the reflection :)

I went up to 2000 grit. Overkill perhaps, if using the rubbing compound?

One my last guitar I used micromesh. On this one I did not, as I wanted to see what was achievable with the grades of w/d and the polishing compound.

IMO, I don't think 2000 grit is overkill at all. I final finish with 800 grit dry and then micro-mesh (I don't use the first grit) pads to 12,000. I have W/D paper to 2000 and was going to try it on one of my builds. Which finish do you think came out better and do you think it was the sanding method or other?

[dave d]

IMO, I don't think 2000 grit is overkill at all. I final finish with 800 grit dry and then micro-mesh (I don't use the first grit) pads to 12,000. I have W/D paper to 2000 and was going to try it on one of my builds. Which finish do you think came out better and do you think it was the sanding method or other?

This finish definitely came out better (in terms of me being happier with the result), which I attribute to being more careful about doing a proper level-sanding, not sanding the edges, and making sure I used enough soapy water to act as a lubricant. Also changing the sandpaper frequently. So largely it was more about my method getting better than about the materials used. This is very subjective, but I think when I used micromesh the end result was glossier, but that just magnified my substandard leveling job or other imperfections. I'm trying not to be too self-critical though; I'm still impressed that once I strung it up it played nicely without coming apart, and no fret buzz.

[Beth Mayer]

Amazing looking instrument! Hope you post an audio or video so we can hear it. Please tell me this is not your first instrument!! :)

[dave d]

Amazing looking instrument! Hope you post an audio or video so we can hear it. Please tell me this is not your first instrument!! :)

Thanks Beth. Actually it's my third, and the previous two have also been kits comprised of excellent components provided by Ken. My photos of the first two are posted in the gallery too.

A Martin OM-style here: viewtopic.php?f=24&t=556
A Gibson J200-style here: viewtopic.php?f=24&t=867


cheers,
dave

[TonyinNYC]

It is a great finish for sure. I just had to get a jab in there!

Beth, nice to see you over here!

I go to 1500 grit when I sand because the compound I use takes out scratches from 1200 grit paper or higher. 2000 is not overkill though because you are just not asking the compound to work as hard. If you are rubbing it out by hand with the compound, going to 2000 makes that job a bunch easier!

[Beth Mayer]

Amazing looking instrument! Hope you post an audio or video so we can hear it. Please tell me this is not your first instrument!! :)

Thanks Beth. Actually it's my third, and the previous two have also been kits comprised of excellent components provided by Ken. My photos of the first two are posted in the gallery too.

A Martin OM-style here: viewtopic.php?f=24&t=556
A Gibson J200-style here: viewtopic.php?f=24&t=867


cheers,
dave

Wow! I am so impressed! The J200 is incredible. Congratulations!!!