A productive day in the workshop resulted in the final sanding and the first coat of French Polish on #125, the Sycamore, that I am building for myself. #124 for Kent, will reach this stage tomorrow.
It began with gluing on the peg head plate and making the bone nut. Next I glued in the inlaid G.
Drilled the holes for the gold Gotah tuners and sanded the inlaid G flush. Here it is in progress.
Then for hours I sat in the warm sun and sanded. Amazing how much better your vision is in sunlight. The blemishes and rough spots stand out well. The other advantage is, the sawdust is outside the shop, not in it.
After sanding thru 180, 220, and 320 grit, it was time to put the first protective coat of French Polish (shellac diluted in alcohol) on all parts but the fretboard. I did not want to get oil or dirt on this light colored wood.
This is going to be a beauty. I just love the look of Sycamore.
Here is the peg head, it will be adorned with gold Gotah UPT tuners. note the zero fret. The wood is spalted maple. Following are a few more photos of the instrument.