Harley Benton T-Style Telecaster Acoustasonic Mod Project Build - Ep 01

Welcome to the Next Project!

T-Style mod project - Episode 1.
I'm already having fun, and that's a good way to start a new project.

00:00 - lights, camera, action
0:04 - project intro
0:54 - the plan
1:31 - template #1 - body double
2:26 - template #2 - top plate "kerf" ledge
3:34 - template #3 - top plate rough
4:33 - template #4 - top plate w/binding
5:36 - backup document
6:14 - cutting the fat
7:25 - something clever - not really
8:42 - cleanup routing
9:51 - routing the "kerf" ledge
10:32 - easing the edge
11:18 - image recap

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- Here is my project story -
There is plenty of template making going on in this video, and a little I'm not bothering you with either.
Let's just say, I've outgrown my compulsion to just "wing it" and start routing... Okay, I haven't really outgrown that compulsion, but I'm trying.

Templates include a "Body Double" master template, that I can use to build this project again from scratch, if I so choose.
I also use the master as a tracing pattern to develop the other templates that follow.

Next is a "Kerf Ledge" template that is used to create the "ledge" that the new top will sit on and glue too.
The inside, waste portion of this template is salvaged and used to create the,
"Top Plate" template(s), which I start by making a zero-clearance rough master template.
From that top plate template, I also made a couple optional templates, one of which has a reduced size to accommodate double-ply binding. I think it will look nice, now I just have to figure out the best way to install the binding as I install the top... I'm realizing it may not be as easy as it would appear.
Lastly, I made a "gutting" template, that will be used to cleanup the deep recess which will be hogged out of the body.

Then, the wood removal phase of this episode begins.
I start by using Forstner bits, removing large wood chips rather quickly. ( I remembered to work smart, not hard, this time.)
The rough hogging was followed by various router bits to smooth the haggard surface.

Oh, I forgot to mention that I gave the body a "belly contour", which is a gentle swoosh eased edge. Not to be mistaken for a Strat style contour. This needed something a bit softer and more fitting... I think.
Lastly, a forearm contour is roughed into place.

It's looking pretty good, I'm ready to keep this one moving!

Please be sure to Ring the Bell and Subscribe so you are notified when the Build Video drops, and leave a comment.
I greatly appreciate feedback.

#diykitchallenge22 #diykitchallenge #harleybenton #telecaster #acoustasonic