Workbench Stories: My journey tackling a StewMac T-Style Guitar Kit Neck

In this episode of Ted Talks Guitars and Life, we’re back on the workbench to address a major challenge: a StewMac T-Style guitar kit neck that arrived with some of the sharpest fret edges I’ve ever seen. This isn't just about specs and tools; it’s about the process of taking a dry, rough piece of wood and turning it into something that feels right in your hands. We’re reshaping the headstock, dealing with fret sprout, and finding the right stain to give this kit some character. In This Video: • The Rescue Plan: Assessing 22 frets and a very dry fingerboard. • Headstock Reshaping: Switching from the router to a coping saw for a more controlled T-style cut. • Fret Work: Using a beveling level to smooth out those "finger-cutter" edges. Fret leveling, crowning & polishing • Custom Aesthetics: A unique stain blend (Wine Rit Dye, Dark Brown, and Canadian Maple) topped with shellac and Howard Feed-N-Wax. • The "Bonehead" Moments: Staying transparent about shellac leaks and how to fix them. Project Progress: 1. Reshape and sand the headstock. 2. Bevel sharp fret ends and level the frets. 3. Custom stain and finish (Shellac & Wax). 4. Condition the board with Dunlap 65 Lemon Oil. Join the Conversation What are you working on at your workbench today? Have you ever had a kit neck give you a run for your money? Drop a comment below—I love hearing your stories. Support the Journey: • Subscribe to follow the build. • Like the video if you enjoyed the stories. Rock on with your best selves! We’ll catch you down the road. Shoutouts: @BCG5150GUITARS (Chris) @GuitarBob420 (Bob) ____ StewMac T-style Guitar Build https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLMhTW3lOIKQ1iL_jqhsHqalApbtOgHsRE Checkout our playlist page for more series and journeys https://www.youtube.com/@TedTalksGuitars/playlists Special Thanks to our channel members "The Jacks" Want to support the channel? Feel free to explore Channel membership options: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBr6kaWeOvldTHvntB3tnMg/join Ted Talks Guitars & Life Merch Store: https://tedtalksguitars-shop.fourthwall.com/ Amazon Affiliate Link: https://amzn.to/3W3PZox *If you click on this link to shop at Amazon the channel will receive a modest financial commission from your purchases. Guyker Referral Link: https://www.guyker.com/?ref=tedtalksguitars If you use the link you will save 15% at Guyker Use the coupon code: TEDSMITH #GuitarBuild #StewMac #GuitarMaintenance #DIYGuitar #TedTalksGuitars #TelecasterKit #FretWork #WorkbenchStories #guitar