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Progress on my first build

Hi there,

Thought I might post something up just to show that I am trying.
I joined about 2 or 3 months ago and have been reading and snooping in here learning what I can.

I started building my first CBG about a month ago and progress is, well, progressing.
I chose a small Cohiba box because it is what I had. I am nothing if not logical.
So far so good I think. It is going to be a 4 stringer and electrified. It is a bolt on neck because I thought "why not make this more complicated than it needs to be?" So I did.

I have made about 347 mistakes so far and been able to correct and work around about
345 of them. I'll just paint over the remaining ones.

I have built decks, room additions, roofs, even a go kart but nothing like this that requires
skills with smaller tools, of which I have none. Skills either for that matter. So far I have gotten by with some files, a table saw, band saw, 157 sheets of sandpaper and a new appreciation for profanity.
I tried very hard to make everything square and true and then I figured out a cigar box
has many qualities, none of which is being square and true. Oh well.
The hardest part for me, putting on the finish, is coming up after a bit more sanding.
All I have handy is a spray can of Varathane and a can of liquid semi-gloss Minwax.
I think maybe I need to read a bit more.

Here are a couple of pictures of my efforts so far. It looks much better in person but only if you stand very far away.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by the anonymous pick on June 6, 2014 at 3:17pm

looks sweet . great job !! ;-)

Permalink Reply by MadGomer on June 6, 2014 at 3:58pm

LW - you're too modest - for a first build that's looking pretty darn nice. And hey, that profanity thing is a plus too, as sometimes you just can't find the right word for a song without dipping into that bag. Good luck on the finish!

Permalink Reply by Rich Brandt on June 7, 2014 at 1:52am

Ah..... it looks way better than the first one I built! :D Keep up the good work

Permalink Reply by John Rivers on June 7, 2014 at 3:00am

LOL good post to start my day with....I think you did a pretty darn good job.....The second one will be easier.....maybe

Permalink Reply by L. W. Carlson on June 7, 2014 at 2:13pm

Thanks for the responses folks.

I actually do think I am doing ok with this thing. It's a lot of fun and it keeps me out of my wife's hair. I didn't expect to run in to so many little problems (and one big one) but I am chugging along ok and I expect #2 will go much easier. That might have to wait until I get out of therapy though. I will keep you up to date on that.

Permalink Reply by gary sheldon on June 7, 2014 at 11:32pm

It looks a lot better than my first try. Consider yourself very fortunate to have a table saw and a band saw. I have neither, but can occasionally get some time on one. I made a jig for sawing rips and crosscuts with my Skilsaw. It works pretty well, but has some limitations.

Also, the Cohiba boxes are probably the best and best sounding. Keep on keeping on.

Permalink Reply by Robert Dawkins on June 8, 2014 at 2:56am