DIY Guitar Upgrades with Alumilite

Posted by Alumilite on Oct 2nd 2024

DIY Guitar Upgrades with Alumilite

Why settle for a plain guitar when you can create a stunning, custom-designed masterpiece? In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the process of transforming ordinary guitar parts into something extraordinary using Alumilite's Amazing Mold Maker and Slow Clear Resin. From casting unique knobs to designing eye-catching pick guards, we’ve got you covered. Let's dive in!

-Woodshop Mike

Use his affiliate code: WSM10

🎸 Strum in Style: DIY Guitar Upgrades with Alumilite
A Step-by-Step Guide 📚

What you'll need:

✅ Alumilite’s Slow Clear Resin

✅ Color Creator Chameleon Gift Pack

✅ Pressure pot (optional but recommended)

✅ Amazing Mold Maker

✅ Hot glue gun

✅ Mixing cups

✅ Plywood, melamine, or MDF for molds

✅ Heat gun

✅ Proper PPE

🪄 Instructions:

 

Step 1: Making the Knobs

Creating the Molds

  1. Mix the Silicone: Combine equal parts of Part A and Part B of Amazing Mold Maker. Stir thoroughly until the silicone is completely mixed. You'll know it's ready when there are no white streaks.
  2. Pour the Silicone: Pour the mixed silicone into disposable cups, ensuring it flows smoothly around the knobs without trapping air bubbles.
  3. Remove the Knobs: Once the silicone has set, carefully cut open the mold to remove the original knobs.
  4. Reassemble the Mold: Use rubber bands to hold the mold closed when you're ready to pour your Clear Slow resin.

 

Step 2: Make the Pick Guards

Preparing the Custom Mold

  1. Measure and Cut: Measure the dimensions of your pick guard, adding extra space for the mold. Cut pieces of MDF (medium-density fiberboard) to create a box that will serve as the mold for your resin.
  2. Assemble the Mold: Use tape to cover the inside surfaces of the MDF pieces to prevent the epoxy from sticking. Use a hot glue gun to assemble the MDF pieces into a box, ensuring there are no gaps for the epoxy to leak.

 

Step 3: Mixing and pouring the epoxy

Mix and pour epoxy

  1. Mix the Epoxy: Mix Amazing Clear Cast thoroughly until there are no visible swirls.
  2. Add your Design: Add your chosen pigments to the epoxy. Use toothpicks to create swirl patterns or customize the design however you prefer.
  3. Pour Epoxy: Gently pour the epoxy into the mold, ensuring an even distribution. Because of how thin the pour is, let it cure for at least a few days to ensure it sets properly and reaches its maximum strength.

 

 

Step 4: Sanding and Polishing

Polish to a high shine

  1. Thin the epoxy pick guard: The easiest way to get your pick guard to the desired thickness is to run it through a planer. Simply tape your epoxy pieces to a piece of wood and run it through the planer, then detach it and do the same to the other side.
  2. Sand Epoxy: Sand the epoxy slab starting with coarse grit sandpaper and gradually work your way up to 2000 grit. Finish by using a buffer to polish the epoxy to a high shine.
  3.  Create Template: Use a template to cut the pick guard from the cured epoxy slab.

 

Step 5: Finish and assemble your pieces

Add your finished pieces

 

 Attach the Custom Knobs:

    • Once the custom knobs are cured and polished, carefully attach them to your guitar. Ensure they are securely fastened and properly aligned.

Attach the Custom Pick Guard:

    • After polishing and thinning, attach the custom pick guard to your guitar. Make sure it fits well and complements the overall look of the guitar. Check for any adjustments needed for a perfect fit.

 

By following these steps, you can transform your guitar into a custom work of art. Alumilite’s products make it easy to create professional-looking parts that will make your guitar stand out. Happy crafting! 🎨

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