Official Luthiers Forum!

How do you guys measure your finish thickness, and what tool do you use? I know some measure around the soundhole, which makes sense, but I'm curious how you do it.

TIA

Charlie

Charlie, I measure at the sound hole using a micrometer. I take an intial reading and make sure I'm measuring in the same spot each time. It turns out that I lay down an average thickness of about .00075 inches per coat, this is after curing.

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Jim Watts
http://jameswattsguitars.com

Thanks Jim! Can you recommend a good micrometer for this purpose?

Charlie: I use the cut out top of a margarine container to block the sound hole.After spraying the cut out can be removed, then flexed and the nitro peeled off. You can measure with a micrometer or dial caliper. As long as the instruments zero out I would not worry much about brand. You are not making a real precise measurement here.
Tom

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A person who has never made a mistake has never made anything!!!

Charlie, I use a Starrett just because I have one. I think any micrometer will work as long as it has a smooth feel to it. If it's stiff and you're to agressive with it you could push the tip into the finish.

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Jim Watts
http://jameswattsguitars.com

I use a standard pair of dial calipers and measure at the soundhole, before, during and after finishing. I also check at the bridge location, and where it's masked for the neck, and fingerboard when it's done. The first step is to spray(or brush) some scrap and check the finish on it. Joe White recommends spraying some glass panels to see how much build you're getting per coat. Consistency is necessary when applying the finish. It's also necessary to pay attention when sanding to make sure you're sanding evenly.

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I didn't mean to say it, but I meant what I said.
http://www.brackettinstruments.com/

Thanks to everyone for your replies!

Mill thickness (paint) gauge is the tool.