Partscaster project: Updates / photos / advice

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robthemac
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Partscaster project: Updates / photos / advice

Post by robthemac »

I've got a couple of months off work. I'll need something to distract me from playing guitar (and parenting).

I've decided to build my first Partscaster. Basic idea: mahogony Tele-style body, spray nitro, maple neck (hopefully, see below), modern bridge, dual P-90s, maybe some funky wiring.

I'll document my progress along the way. Partly because some people might be interested, but mostly so the more experienced folk can give me advice and point out the inevitable fuck-ups not too long after they happen.

This is the neck I'm hoping to use. Can't remember who I bought it off, but it cost six-tenths of fuck all. Not sure what guitar it was previously on, but someone should have tried a set square before drilling. The four holes are obviously in weird positions. Additionally, one of them is too close to a corner and there's a decent crack from the screw hole to the corner of the wood.
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First questions:
Is this neck salvageable?
If so, should I try and glue the crack and clamp everything in place?
Should I fill the current screw holes and go for a standard four-screw layout? Or should I avoid the whole area and go for some funky but probably more structurally stable screw layout?
Or should I just buy a new neck? If so, is anyone selling a neck?


Thanks!
Jops wrote: Sun Sep 18, 2022 7:46 am Spring is the comic sans of reverbs anyway.

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Re: Partscaster project: Updates / photos / advice

Post by willow13 »

Yes neck is very salvageable .... open up the crack as far as you can (which isn't much looking where the crank stops on the side .... don't break it off trying to open it to much) and put glue in there. Then glue dowel into the old holes, when dry sand flat
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Re: Partscaster project: Updates / photos / advice

Post by robthemac »

This is why I'm here. Thanks!

What type of glue would you recommend? I have PVA and superglue in the house, but happy to buy what will do the best job.
Jops wrote: Sun Sep 18, 2022 7:46 am Spring is the comic sans of reverbs anyway.

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Re: Partscaster project: Updates / photos / advice

Post by Candeevr4 »

This stuff is supposed to be really good:

https://www.carbatec.co.nz/product/1243 ... ml-red-top

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Re: Partscaster project: Updates / photos / advice

Post by willow13 »

robthemac wrote: Sat Nov 14, 2020 8:42 pm This is why I'm here. Thanks!

What type of glue would you recommend? I have PVA and superglue in the house, but happy to buy what will do the best job.
I just use Weld Bond now which is basically industrial PVA I think. I used to use 2 pack epoxy but got sick of mixing the shit so went to a one stop thing.
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Re: Partscaster project: Updates / photos / advice

Post by Bg »

yeah, just drill them out to dowel size - 4 or 6 mm. Sounds stupid but make sure you don't hit the other side - put some tape on the drill bit to stop going all the way through. It happens to everyone, once.
So, is that low alcohol or no alcohol at all? mmmm, no alcohol, do you want to try it? Noooooooooo.

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Re: Partscaster project: Updates / photos / advice

Post by Kev77 »

Looks cool, what’s the body you’re planning to use?
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Re: Partscaster project: Updates / photos / advice

Post by robthemac »

Kev77 wrote: Sat Nov 14, 2020 9:48 pm Looks cool, what’s the body you’re planning to use?
An apparently ex-Ash Tele body that's routed for P-90s. Mahogany, and maybe a thin bit of maple on top. Was for sale on the forum a few weeks back. Don't have it in my hands just yet.
Jops wrote: Sun Sep 18, 2022 7:46 am Spring is the comic sans of reverbs anyway.

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Re: Partscaster project: Updates / photos / advice

Post by Kev77 »

Cool. Danny’s at work
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Re: Partscaster project: Updates / photos / advice

Post by willow13 »

Bg wrote: Sat Nov 14, 2020 9:09 pm yeah, just drill them out to dowel size - 4 or 6 mm. Sounds stupid but make sure you don't hit the other side - put some tape on the drill bit to stop going all the way through. It happens to everyone, once.
yes I always forget to add this bit when talking about filling the holes :rofl: .. I do it most times but have cheated and just used toothpicks as well, but then I always put a little bit of glues on the heal so it holds by itself but is still removable with a "solid" pull :rofl:
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Re: Partscaster project: Updates / photos / advice

Post by robthemac »

So just the dowel if I can get a nice tight fit? Or whack some wood glue around the holes first?
Jops wrote: Sun Sep 18, 2022 7:46 am Spring is the comic sans of reverbs anyway.

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Re: Partscaster project: Updates / photos / advice

Post by Jay »

If you use pine dowels they will be softer than maple. Always use proper, fluted dowels so there is an escape part for the glue when you press or hammer them into place. Always use glue...
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Re: Partscaster project: Updates / photos / advice

Post by robthemac »

Jay wrote: Sun Nov 15, 2020 7:20 pm If you use pine dowels they will be softer than maple. Always use proper, fluted dowels so there is an escape part for the glue when you press or hammer them into place. Always use glue...
Thanks. This is why I ask these things!
Jops wrote: Sun Sep 18, 2022 7:46 am Spring is the comic sans of reverbs anyway.

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Re: Partscaster project: Updates / photos / advice

Post by Voxshall »

Good luck Rob, I look forward to seeing the results. I started a woodworking group with my mates sharing tools and knowledge it definitely helps make it fun, pity you live so far away. But great hobby to do at home with the new arrival.

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Re: Partscaster project: Updates / photos / advice

Post by Slowy »

Just saw this thread. You're in good hands Rob; nothing I can add to the advice already given.

Check in again before drilling the new holes.

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