Stratocaster Guitar Build - Part 9 - Wet Sanding & Buffing The Body

Template sets to follow along with the build - fletcherhandcra...
This video covers installing the spring claw and wet sanding/buffing the guitar body.
I used Micro Mesh sandpaper, google it for suppliers. I soaked the Micro Mesh in water overnight before using.
Micro Mesh Grits used - 1500 / 1800 / 2400
Followed by Menzerna Buffing Compounds Course / Medium / Fine (NOTE: for buffing wheels only though !!)

[@guitarandgraves]

Wow, that workshop is pristine, and you attention to detail is unbeleivable.

[@vonpeedler]

Your guitars look better than any custom shop brands I've ever seen. Phenomenal work!

[@Chirbeef]

Video series' like this are lifesavers to aspiring luthiers; I've been trying to scrap some materials/money together to start building from scratch (I've been a relic refinisher, primarily EVH guitars and some customs, for 2 years) and stuff like this is very helpful and inspiring. It's also very entertaining. I get all giddy when I see that new video is out.Thanks for the wonderful videos!

[@bluehornet6752]

That finish is ridiculous! Unbelievable reflections in that guitar body. Wow!

[@terryjohinke8065]

I really like the sense of your sanding methods. I learned a lot.Thanks! Terry from S.A.

[@thomasharder9582]

Fletcher, you really could use a Foredom (I own the Tx series because it's heavier duty). As I said in an earlier video...your work is just fantastic! All of those places where you don't want the big buffer to work, like around all of your routed holes, you could use a 3", or even a 5", domet buffing wheel along with Menzerna P175 (or their GW16 first) polishing compound and achieve, at least, as good a finish as the big wheels or better. Looks like you already use Menzerna polishing compounds anyway.

[@JymeBale]

You could so easily have your own guitar building business but you know that of course. If I had a camera I would be videoing my builds and explaining all as thoroughly as you do, I have several degrees, have taught and lectured on cold fusion. Building guitars and amps is just plain fun.

[@harrypalmer3481]

Lovely work - soooo shiny & perfect, beautiful. Now all you need to do is relic it.

[@JymeBale]

Sorry David, I missed you stating it was for sale, yes, I would much rather build any guitar I own and do, I also build my own amps, from kits at the moment, just finished a Marshall JTM 45, used to build Heath Kit Fender copies for friends 40 years ago, I was a drummer and love to tinker. Posted the build on face book and several people wanted one built. I am finishing the amp and speaker cab up, telexing etc. I'll post again when all done.

[@Appelcaster]

Wow! Terrific work. Looks like painted on glass. Fantastic!

[@FletcherHandcraftedGuitars]

Thankyou

[@1066wastrel]

handy hint (I hope) instead of holding the callipers to what you hope is the centre of the holes, simply measure from one edge to the other, if both holes are the same size, and as long as it`s the same edge on both (L or R) you`ll get the centre size dead on!

[@WoodesosGuitarMods]

OMG that looks spectacular! Can't wait to see this one done!

[@elams1894]

Hi Fletch! Nice vids, great tips and top notch product as always. Good looking strat, love the colours.. Great stuff! ... G

[@FletcherHandcraftedGuitars]

Hi, 2 piece mahogany body. Weight was pretty reasonable, didn't weight it but wasn't a heavy body at all

[@Peef_Spogdar]

I can't stop watching!!

[@Satchmoeddie1]

See how the guy at Red Rocks Comm College has his buffer set up. He uses a small belt, but it still is too large so when he gets in the heel area or cutaway horns crotches the belt slips and the wheel slows down. The 1.25" shaft is cheaper to buy Domets for too. My buffer cost about 1/2 what the Stewmac does, but it shares a 3 HP motor with a belt sander. This is the same as the RedRocks set up. Have you had a guitar thrown to the ground yet? Mighty pricey firewood! Acoustics are the worst!

[@adammoran7849]

Holy God.. that finish is AMAZING!

[@FletcherHandcraftedGuitars]

Stewmac have some smaller foam pads (look under finishing supplies ) that you can attach to a hand drill, I don't think they do as good a job as the big wheels but its definitely an alternative for a home workshop.

[@FletcherHandcraftedGuitars]

You don't normally sand the color coats - If the orange peel is not bad, I would build up some clear on top, level sand (wetsand) with 1500 micromesh then spray your final clear coats. Wetsand then buff out with automotive compound. If your worried the orange peel you have no will be an issue, carefully wetsand it back with 1500 grit and remove as much orange peel as you can without sanding thru your color coats then proceed as above.

[@morrelljw]

Just a beautiful build!! Again, great series. I've been power watching your channel now. Lol

[@hdxer8825]

The Man with the golden hands ... a beautiful masterpiece they created there! Guitars this league will always remain a dream for me. Wonderful as the paint reflected :)

[@FletcherHandcraftedGuitars]

Hdxer Cheers mate !

[@elams1894]

I've been bogged down at work a bit but getting some building going slowly, mostly amp stuff. I've been re-doing jigs and things but will be able to get stuck into some guitar builds in the new year. Great quality workmanship, are you able to do guitars full-time? I'm really enjoying your videos!

[@zigzagbigbag]

Old luthier trick. When putting trem claw in make sure the low e side of claw screwed in a bit further than the high e side. That will help with intonation and keeping in in tune.

[@Fons1958]

zigzagbigbag Not true; turn screws equal in.

[@FletcherHandcraftedGuitars]

Thanks, hopefully I will be able to edit and upload the assembly video this weekend.

[@likeakite]

Thank you so much for your wonderful build videos. I'm about to embark on my first 100% build so will refer to your videos. Thanks again

[@FletcherHandcraftedGuitars]

Hi Nicholas, I mentioned putting the hand glaze on the body to finish it off

[@joejamesmonroe1854]

I watched your build straight thru. Excellent techniques & GEORGOUS final product. The ONLY thing about it that seems a little off are the body contours. They look like they could be deeper to me. Are they built to Fender specs? But seriously That is an incredible strat & YOU are a MASTER!!! Thank You. Joe

[@Duomatic84]

Original contours were pretty deep and also handmade so it could differ alot between two specimens depending on who shaped it and from guitar to guitar. Also the shapes have differed between years and factories. www.guitariste.com/share/users/forums/2017/09/guitare-contours-strat-3-35289.jpg Personally I prefer the most early 50s thin, rounded bodies with deep bellycut and armcut. To me this feels a little blocky and thick, but there's no question that the work is meticulous. Much higher attention to detail than anything massproduced!

[@FletcherHandcraftedGuitars]

Thanks Fenner ! Yes, Ive heard good things about Rustins Plastic Coating.

[@FletcherHandcraftedGuitars]

Part 9 of my 10 part Stratocaster Build

[@waynenagy]

Very well made guitars

[@alext9067]

i always need to wet sand. But i found that there is a way to reduce it by some amount. Orange peel is caused by the coating drying before it can flow into a smooth coat. It can never really get totally mirror smooth, but the faster it dries, the worse the orange peel. Try to let the coating stay liquid long enough for it to level out and you might have a better result.

[@JP-lr6tm]

Thank you for taking the time to share your deep knowledge of guitar making. Fantastic tutorials, really!

[@FletcherHandcraftedGuitars]

Hi, I will update the comments section above and answer your question

[@snehal50samarpit]

While watching your video i look at my Stratocaster again n again.

[@FletcherHandcraftedGuitars]

Love to see some new vids when you get time. How the hell are you going to top that last build ?!! Amazing stuff. Nah, there's no way I could support myself full time building, there's just not enough money in it. I build probably 6 guitars a year now and that's all I can handle. I don't want it to become a "job" and stop enjoying it, you know what I mean ?

[@mahmoud.adam.moamen]

I really enjoyed your unique work, thanks indeed mate.

[@GabrielAlvico]

Very good! I am Brazilian and I am impressed with your love of work, congratulations. As cost him this job, beyond time course?

[@FletcherHandcraftedGuitars]

G'day Shad, Ive tried filming the actual spraying process before - I nearly ruining my nice video camera in the process. Hopefully I've explained the process pretty well in the video's apart from filming it

[@NotACreativeName32]

Any idea what your next project will be? It would be neat to see you make an acoustic guitar

[@74dartman13]

It's beautiful! I wanna do a hardtail with the tobacco burst...my dream guitar...gold hardware....someday!👍😎🎸🎶

[@xyz8655]

That's gorgeous

[@mahmoud.adam.moamen]

Just brilliant ! Man you did everything look perfect. I would like to ask you some questions: Is that a 2-piece alder body or mahogany body? How the total weight of the body without the pickguard and tremolo? Thanks in advance.

[@ShadHall]

well, i think i understand the application and in-between coats process and i may be just second guessing my ability. ;) thanks for this great video series, by the way! cheers

[@Fons1958]

I always spray a little extra lacquer at the sharp edges to prevent burn through.

[@FletcherHandcraftedGuitars]

New video going up tonight, stay tuned... Set neck build for sure in the future

[@FletcherHandcraftedGuitars]

Hi, I run it at 700-rpm and the buffing wheels are 14" diameter

[@ShadHall]

have you considered making a tutorial or documenting the actual process of spraying a guitar? especially addressing the issue of cutaways, full-bodies and overspray. there a lot of sloppy youtube videos on the topic, but i'm convinced that there is a preferred method of approach & technique, just like ironing a dress shirt. :)

[@FletcherHandcraftedGuitars]

Yes exactly. Sucks about dropping the guitar, we've all been there

[@unclestepa]

Very cool, what kind of sandpaper do you use? If you can detailed plz, what company and what grid for what works? ps: Thx for your videos!

[@MaxKorp88]

Ack, I've run out of your videos to watch! This is bad... Great work so far, and great job with the videos too! Any chance you're looking to build a les paul or some other set neck in the near future?

[@crtgregoric1063]

amazing job!! not really a strat fan, but this guitar is awesome. can't wait until part 10:)

[@shellydrew100]

Now i know why hand built guitars come at a price...this is gorgeous :)

[@tyson1ize]

that's beautiful mate great job!!

[@FletcherHandcraftedGuitars]

Jyme, I mentioned in the video it was for sale . Its not for me, I have a room full already. Plus there's no fun to be had buying one when you can make one right ? :-)

[@patriceattenaya]

Hi, Your videos are just awesome. For most of us, what's the alternative to these 14" buffing wheels (which we don't have a home or in our garage shops)? Any other tools that exists to replace them even if takes longer? Cheers.

[@FletcherHandcraftedGuitars]

Hi, Check out video 5 of the neck build. I go thru all of the polishes in detail

[@gnpd07]

Nice work. finish looks great. What brand of lacquer is that? Does it dry quickly and does it get a hard final coat?

[@abrbonnl]

Hi David, I am refinishing my old Squire strat body and have now sprayed a couple of coats of vintage white laquer (i think about 5 or 6 layers, can't remember exactly) but i can see some light "orange peel" and i was wondering whats the best thing to do. Sanding it with micro mesh (to which grade?) and then spray some coats of clear laquer and sand it again with micro mesh and buff it with some car compound. Or directly spraying it with some clear coats of laquer and then sand it and buff it?

[@HilkoGuitars]

Excellent videos! Respect!

[@FletcherHandcraftedGuitars]

Hi Ryan, Yes it's Nitro

[@mijaelsaenz2501]

hello friend. an excellent video! a question ... when guitar polish leaves no marks or scratches on the polished varnish?

[@MrSwanny66]

Great videos, that guitar is a beauty

[@FletcherHandcraftedGuitars]

Unfortunately, I cant help you as all lacquers are different. I can only give you advise on the lacquer I use (& mine is pre-cat so its dries much quicker than regular lacquer)

[@SVmediasv]

Thank you for your work! Very useful video !! +++++ I watched the video and started making guitar. I do not understand one thing. How do you cover the guitar before painting? This is probably the putty? And what kind of putty? In general, very cool! I regularly review how the movie.

[@johnmcclinton9124]

How much are you selling it for? Nice guitar, nice build. You do meticulous work. Very good.

[@jor3122]

absolutely phenomenal craftsmanship. I love your attention to detail and your perfectionism. If I asked you to, would you be able to perhaps build me a guitar?

[@FletcherHandcraftedGuitars]

See the updated comments section, thanks

[@abrbonnl]

Hi David, unfortunately the d@mn thing just fell out of my hands today :-( So now i will first have to repair the small dent and probably put some new coats of paint on it. But from what i understand you say i can just spray some clear coats directly on top of the color coat and then level (wet)sand it and spray the final clear coat and then wetsand and buff out with automotive compound?

[@klijnsmitguitars2979]

You did an amazing job! Is that a stew mac buffer? I am doubting between the angle grinder buffing machine method and a wheel....

[@FletcherHandcraftedGuitars]

+Dutch Luthier The S/M wheel is good but I quite often hand buff as well

[@70rodrigofs]

very very nice stratocaster .. and final assembly?

[@FletcherHandcraftedGuitars]

Its attached with double sided tape

[@klauswhitedreamer]

beautiful ...

[@FletcherHandcraftedGuitars]

Thanks buddy ! What have you got going on these days ?

[@michaelsingJiuJitsu]

Thank you!

[@nordronsh]

Hi! How much money this guitar? High quality production! It is custom shop - fender or other?

[@MrTototube]

Exquisito trabajo!!!!!! For example, how much is it for this guitar?

[@westieBrucedavidson]

Is that jewellers rouge soap you use for the buffing Nice job mate

[@FletcherHandcraftedGuitars]

HI, Its Menzerna buffing compound, Stewmac used to sell it.

[@Marwatt]

great video indeed! very clear... one question ... what brand is the green masking tape? thank you in advance

[@FletcherHandcraftedGuitars]

***** Hi Davide, I think it was 3M brand

[@Tom24328]

Awesome !!!!

[@deathleechofficial]

When can i polish and wax my guitar? Clearcoated it yesterday

[@abrbonnl]

Hi David, I'm having an issue with a body that I finished. The body has been finished a week ago and let it dry until yesterday. I wet sanded it yesterday till 3600 micro-mesh and applied a (medium?) rubbing compound. That seemed to work fine so i laid the body on a towel and this morning i looked at the body and discovered small imprints from the towel in the finish :-( Do you have any idea whats wrong and can give me any ideas what i could do to fix it?

[@peterpancho7915]

super nice. how many coats of clear?

[@FletcherHandcraftedGuitars]

Oh gee, lots ! Cant remember to be honest and I don't keep count. I spray as much as I need each time and that varies.

[@lordvad3r]

Hi Dave, What lacquer do you use? Nitro?

[@mrgood56]

How to attach the template to the guitar body

[@FletcherHandcraftedGuitars]

Thank-you very much :-)

[@justanotherdummy3448]

we always buffed cars after 1000 grit using lacq in the old days.

[@capacitando-se8414]

which the name of the polishing machine ?

[@kbschulze]

Marcus Costa that is a polishing machine sold by StewMac, they also sell the polishing bonnets and the compounds. I purchase my bonnets and compounds from them also but I built my own machine based on their design.

[@capacitando-se8414]

what kind of polishing bonnet is this?

[@mrgood56]

How much do you take for a guitar?

[@fredrik.larsen]

Hi, ***** I know you lacquered this with a spray gun, but would it be possible to get a similar finish using spray cans? Or some kind of whipe-on product e.g. polyurethane? If so do you have any suggestions as to what products to use? Thank you very much. Regards Fredrik

[@FletcherHandcraftedGuitars]

Hi Fredrik Yes, it would take a lot of cans though. The lacquer in the cans is mixed thinner meaning you have less solids content so you do not get the same build as you do when you spray through a gun. It could definitely be done though.

[@fredrik.larsen]

***** Thanks for answering. I think I'll check out the possibility of lacquering with a spray gun. I know very little about the process, but do you usually buy lacquer and dilute it with some liquid hydrocarbons? What kind of lacquer do you use? Nitrocellulose, acrylic. Hope all the questions are ok. I really appreciate you taking the time! Thanks - Fredrik

[@mikepenny991]

+soundiscomforting Hi Fredrik - I know this was posted a while back, but I followed David's excellent videos to make my first strat a while back. I used acrylic spray cans, and as David said it can definitely be done, but I agree it is very thin, so I found the clear coat process very slow going, with a lot of wastage - Spray cans aren't cheap either and you'll get through a lot. I've now invested in a compressor & HVLP gun. The acrylic took an absolute age to harden properly too. There are pictures of the finish I achieved in my build album: plus.google.com/photos/100341470978908894780/albums/5958723853295625505?authkey=CIKzmdnzpIjnpgE - Mike

[@fredrik.larsen]

+Mike Penny Hi, Mike! Thanks for replying. Your guitar looks beautiful :) I've invested in a HVLP gun myself, but I haven't had any time to use it properly yet. But before the holidays I have some time off.

[@thepctech]

soundiscomforting

[@rogeriosartori555]

No room for the vibrato action on the bridge, that's for sure. Maybe for a small block but not for that big one

[@devanaiqbal8592]

hy flecther bagaimana cara coating bodi lapisan pertama ?apakah menggunakan dempul(filler/sanding sealer?

[@FletcherHandcraftedGuitars]

no sanding sealer, just grain filling then lacquer

[@devanaiqbal8592]

fletcher how to prs single cut body buil proces please.. thanks

[@justanotherdummy3448]

yes sir burning an edge is the worst thing that could happen.

[@JymeBale]

Your work is beautiful but if you own a Strat why build one? Why not just buy one? I am very aware that you can build one for a bit over $300 in the U. S. as I am but I would buy one in a minute if I could afford one. Same for a Les Paul, I'm building one, I'd rather buy one but can't afford the new price. I am an 11 year acoustic guitar builder.

[@allghilliedup21]

Have you ever relic'ed a guitar at the request of a customer?

[@DIS2RBER]

And just when you think it can't be shainyer.... Pardon my Franch :)

[@punpun7845]

สุดยอด

[@kurtaraya7709]

You sir should start your own guitar company... kinda like hi-end line guitars.. just sayin'

[@NathanChisholm041]

Kurt Araya he does you're watching it fletchers guitars!

[@frankvella8632]

Big wait of time" Mate..Jesus