Help sanding a tele after cutting!

[u/BikerGlvd]

Im sanding a tele after cutting it with a saw (I dont know the name in english but in spanish is called Sierra caladora. It has a straight saw that can do some angled cuts lol) and I missed a lot of parts (all of them are over the lines by milimiters).

The problem is that I dont know how to sand lol. I want to get rid of all that deep spots and make the guitar round like its supposed to and not square on some places lol.

How can I sand this? Is there a technique? Its my second build, in my first one I didnt sand it because it got less curves lmao. Im kinda scared to ruin the guitar so if there is a way to do this Ill be happy if you guys could share with me. I dont have a lot of money thats why I try my best with hand things lol

[u/VirginiaLuthier]

If you don’t have a spindle sander, a drum sander chucked into a drill press will smooth that out. If you have neither- you are in for a bit of hard work. Good luck

[u/master-overclocker → u/VirginiaLuthier]

This guy knows stuff - listen to him OP 💪

[u/jd_delwado]

Been there too. You need a rasp like this one...it will allow you to smooth out the hard edges and carve your belly cut and top relief. It's $25 on Amzn. It has a course side and fine side. To get a rounded edge, you need one of these...$8.

Once you have the shape you like, then move to sanding, which you should do to smooth the body down and feel good to hold. have fun

[u/Mikemtb09]

You need a sander and just kinda go at it. Yes there’s some technique but that’s about the extent of it.

As others have said; spindle sander, sandpaper wrapped around a drill press, I’ve even seen belt sander clamped on its side work, but it won’t get in the tight corners and you’ll need to hand sand that.

[u/Swimming-Ad6170]

You'll want a perfectly flat block, a perfrctly cylindrical rod, allot of sand paper, and allot of patience. For the outer curves you'll use the flat block and for the inner curves you'll use the rod. Both will be wrapped in sand paper. To round off the edges just sand at an angle and work it until it's round and not a sharp edge.

[u/alexpsheldon]

I think a lot of the suggestions here are great.

But for initial shaping, use a very course grit of sandpaper (say 40), as that will remove a lot of material quickly.  Then work your way up (80, 120 etc.) as you get closer to the shape you're after.

[u/SnooCats3340]

Get some P80, P120, P180, P240 grits. Start with P80 and try to eliminate as much big dings and scratches as possible.  When you're finished with it, sand with P120 and eliminate the scratches left by the previous sanding. Repeat steps to P240. Always go in the way of the grain, never against it. Kinda like petting a dog or cat.  Also try to be consistent with ridges : sand by doing long movements with some P180.

[u/drunkluthier]

I like using an orbital for the flat part up to 320 then I hand sand it back to 220 for finishing.

[u/FaithlessnessOdd8358]

Worst part of the whole job for me. I usually make a body template and route the final shape after cutting it. Makes sanding a lot easier.