
jetguitars.I'm a big fan of Radial Engineering's products, and Tape Op has published reviews of a number of Radial's products: JDV Mk3 Class-A DI in Tape Op #36 JD7 Injector multi-output guitar re-amping and distribution system in #38 X-Amp active re-amping device in #45 and JPC stereo PC/AV DI also in #45. handbuilds JET Guitars in North Carolina, USA. In part two we’ll look at sanding blocks and air sanders. Don’t throw them away yet! When they’re so beat up you think they can’t be good for anything else, keep a stack around for roughing clearcoats between spray coats.


Used 180 and 220 grit quarter sheets get a second chance when it’s time to hand sand corners and roundover areas. Instead, use a belt sander, and then hand sand with the grain using a block. Also, don’t use this tool on softer, plain-grained woods such as korina or alder as it leaves swirl marks that appear after staining. Fingerboards and headstock faces – especially with inlays – often require at least some precision hand sanding and a palm sander can distort their shape. This last item will drive you crazy the first time the sander unintentionally turns off as you change your grip.Īlways remember that the pad on this sander is not very firm.

You might want to wrap the drums with friction tape – used on baseball bats – to eliminate the annoying drop-off from the platen.

A Teflon platen is a good feature to reduce friction, and when it starts cupping, you can true it flat again or replace it. I use 60 and 100 grit aluminum oxide belts – I’m not too picky about the brand – with 150 and 180 grit for medium sanding. The belt sander is used for thickness sanding and rough shaping work. The basic tools used with them are a 48” x 6” belt sander, a 1/4 sheet electric random-orbit palm sander, a variety of sanding blocks and a 5” PSA air sander. As you will see, all of the abrasive products are cycled through two or more “life stages” to get the most out of them before throwing them away. This two-part column will give you a rundown on the abrasives used in the JET Guitars shop, and valuable advice about using them. Abrasive products and machines are essential to every facet of luthiery, from wood sanding to finish rubout.
