Any tips on sanding and putting together a partscaster?

[Kapo_Polenton]

I've got an old strat style body sitting around from my second guitar I got when I was 15. It is a Vantage guitar with some good weight to it so I think the body might be alder or mahogany. Looks like it could be a purple stain as I can see some grain underneath. Has all the switches for coil taps which I am not sure whether or not I will keep but for now I want to sand it down to road worn or almost completely bare and maybe torch part of it to get a cool burnt look. The neck is pretty nice and comes off another guitar, it is a Mighty Mite but plays great and is maple. My take on a frankenstrat without all the stripes and VH trademarks.

Anything I should know about this process? I am thinking orbital sander with course paper and then once satisfied going back over with less abrasive stuff to smooth it out. Finish wise, Either bare or clear coat. Any tips or lessons learned you would care to share? I figure this thing is just sitting around and I think I have a spare bridge and about 6 different humbuckers I could throw into it. Might be a fun project.

 

[Kidkramer71]

I would not go down to bare wood.
Just scuff it enough for primer to stick , unless you are staining it ?
Orbital will work fine , just don't stay in one place too long and go even as you can.
I would start with 120, then 180, 220.
Since you want a war torn look I don't think you need to go any finer.
Best of luck

 

[Kidkramer71]

Some guitars have fillers and when you go all the way down they are not level.
That is why I would not go all the way down.

 

[Kapo_Polenton]

Good tips thanks.. I think I will start slow and see where I go with even pressure. I hadn't thought of repainting it really. Just taking it down to bare wood and leaving some old stain/paint in spots for a road worn look.. Really, just for fun, I could give a shit about the guitar if I bugger it up too badly. If anything i might clear coat the final look.

 

[Geo]

Stew mac did a guitar finishing video tutorial. It's pretty eye opening and informative. I suggest you check it out for ideas.