Milburn FP tutorial

[seeaxe]

Hi all, from chilly Auckland

Would anyone know where I can get my hands on a copy of this often quoted reference? I have been googling but the site is gone. I need to learn how to FP to finish a guitar for a mate who passed away before he completed it - the back is done but the sides and top are not.

Cheers

[seeaxe]

Stop looking everyone
Google fail on my part, found what I needed 5 mins after posting...
have a nice day!

[kiwigeo]

Here ya go.....

https://www.guitarsint.com/article/Intr ... al_Guitars

[kiwigeo]

Ok ya found it....didnt read your second post.

The Milburn tutorial is good but keep in mind FP is one of those processes where everybody develops their own technique.....Mine started with the Milburn technique but its morphed along the way with input from many other people.

[seeaxe]

Thanks Martin

Apparently there is a part missing from the weblink, on levelling, which I found through the OLF
I have always thought that rattle cans were easier and they might be but this is a bit different as I need to finish what is started. Plus my last few efforts with cans have been a disaster, not sure why as the first few were fine. Anyway, always good to extend your skills though so I am sort of looking forward to it.

I like the way the Milburn tute starts....

"No doubt, as you gain experience, you will make discoveries and incorporate those ideas into your own methods. Remember, many skills and disciplines are accomplished in many different ways".

I suspect "make discoveries" is code for f*** ups!!

From what I have seen/read previously, am I right in thinking that I should start with fresh packet of shellac and some kind of upper class alchohol (I have lots of pinot noir, dont suppose that counts???), not just meths? Where do kiwi FPers buy their hooch?

And do most people use blonde shellac?

Cheers

[Dave M]

I'd go for the Malbec. The extra body should build quicker.

[Nick]

Hi all, from chilly Auckland

sitting here with an external temp of -3 at the mo Richard.

-20 in Omarama (further south) Tuesday morning with a high of -5 that day.

[lauburu]

Yep. That top photo is definitely Auckland. Look at the footpaths. Rates due to go up another 10% this year.
Miguel

[seeaxe]

Haha, but you mainlanders don't seem to realise ....those ladies' coffee will be going cold And I notice the school boys have longs AND shoes on. Must be really cold.

I'll try the Malbec on myself first before the guitar, purely in the interests of science of course.

[seeaxe]

I can get denatured ethanol fairly easily. I have read that is the same as denatured alcohol. Any thoughts? Am I overthinking this and should be just using meths?
Cheers

[Kev3]

I can get denatured ethanol fairly easily. I have read that is the same as denatured alcohol. Any thoughts? Am I overthinking this and should be just using meths?
Cheers

To keep it brief.
Shellac is dissolved in ethanol. "Alcohol" encompasses a huge range of other chemistries. Denatured means it's been cleaned up removing most other stuff including most of the water but that only gets it to about 95/96%. Too much water and you'll get a fogged look on the finish.
Meths is ethanol but with other stuff added to make it taste awful to get round high taxes etc with alcohol and to stop idiots from trying to drink something that'll kill them
Purists would say you need 100% ethanol.
Industrial meths is often higher grade, but others here have used bog standard meths and don't appear to have issues.
Side note. Unless you keep a molecular sieve in with your 100%, it'll happily suck up moisture from the atmosphere and won't stay 100% for long

[dshaker]

If you have the Gore books, read Trevor's method for French polish. I followed his method and it worked fine and didn't take all that long.

[seeaxe]

Thanks kev and Doug

I'm assuming I need to get meths that doesn't have the purple dye in it.. I've seen it somewhere.

I haven't yet invested in "the books".....one day. I have the milburn tute once..need to read it again and make a bit more effort to understand.

Have picked up some shellac and a little d/n ethanol so have a start point.

Thanks all, I'll keep you posted!!

Cheers

[kiwigeo]

Thanks kev and Doug

I'm assuming I need to get meths that doesn't have the purple dye in it.. I've seen it somewhere.

I haven't yet invested in "the books".....one day. I have the milburn tute once..need to read it again and make a bit more effort to understand.

Have picked up some shellac and a little d/n ethanol so have a start point.

Thanks all, I'll keep you posted!!

Cheers

Richard,

Correct the meths should not have the purple dye in it. Also make sure youre not using those horrible orange shellac flakes from Bunnings....

[seeaxe]

Thanks for everyone's input re the FP.

I delivered the finished guitar to my mates family, they were really happy to see it finished.

The french polish experience for me was great, turned out pretty well or at least I was really pleased with it, and the whole process. Have since purchased a bunch more shellac and necessary bits and pieces for the next challenge!

Cheers

Richard