A couple of former students stopped by the shop recently to get some help with their finishing projects. We leveled and buffed both to a high gloss and had fun while doing it. The owner of the guitar used Royal Lac for his finish applied with a rag and the mandolin was finished with French polished shellac. I think they did a great job! Of course, coffee, snacks, jokes and big fish stories were part of the fun!
 
 
 
Finishing is generally the step that gives the most problems to us woodworkers/luthiers. What a bummer to ruin a project just because your didn't take the time to do your finishing homework. That is why I have put together a number of finishing online courses and made them available at the Lutherie Academy. Jeff Jewitt, an expert finisher, has done courses on Spray Finishing, Urethane Finishing, Sanding, Leveling and Buffing Finishes, as well as How to do a Sunburst Finish, North Carolina luthier, Jay Lichty has a course on Water Based Finishes, and I have courses on Spray Finishing and French polish. 
If you are the type that prefers in person learning then Jeff Jewitt and I will be teaching a high gloss spray finishing class together at the Marc Adam's School in Indiana July 21-26. This is a very popular class that Jeff and I have taught on two previous occasions. The class fills quickly but there are still a couple of spots left for this year's class. 
 
Happy Finishing!
If you are interested in learning to build guitars or just want
to see how I build my guitars then schedule a class with me.
If you are in need of a concert quality classical or steel string
guitar then let me know as I would love to build a guitar for you.

Thank you,
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