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got some questions about shellac mixing.

1 pound cut or 2 pound cut, is the difference just in the color of the shellac? or is there a reason to do one or the other at anytime during the process? for instance would you do a 1 pound cut for the spit coat and then move to a 2 pound cut?

i've been reading articles and watching tutorials and maybe i've missed it.

thanks!

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1 pound cut. The final result is the same, however you will have less issues in the process.

I start with a super-saturated solution of shellac (that means a residue of softened but undissolved material at the bottom of the container). And allow it to settle and decant material off the top.
This way I don't have to calculate and know I've got the maximum cut to start with.
For the spit coat this is thinned considerably and less so for the first few rounds.
I thin it down progressively and progress up through the grits (320, 400, 600) to level as I get closer to the end. By that time I'm working with a very "dry" pad and thinned shellac.
Just as an aside, i use no oil and a pattern of straight pulls.

For the first sessions were I want to build the body I use a 1.5 pound cut and a fairly wet but fast application with no oil. Then level with sandpaper and progress towards a thinner cut and much drier application plus a bit of olive oil now and then. At the end the cut in the jar is probably 0.5 pound. I don't bother mixing shellac with alcohol on the pad, just put a bit of alcohol in the jar from time to time.

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Build log

I use a 2lb cut for FP but it really does not matter as you are adjusting the cut by adding liquor to the pad when you refill with shellac. So if you are using a 1lb cut you will just not be adding as much liquor to the pad as you would with a 2 lb cut. I find the heavier cut gives me more latitude in how thick I put down the body sessions. The color should wind up the same either way as it is determined by the amount of shellac left on the surface after it has dried and has nothing to do with how much alcohol was in the solution. I use a 1lb cut for general sealing and as an undercoat or bond coat when warranted. In this instance I do not want more film build than I need to do the job at hand.

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Brian

You never know what you are capable of until you actually try.

https://www.howardguitarsdelaware.com/

For FP, I use a 2 pound cut for the reasons that Brian mentions. I've even used a heavier cut yet with good results, but it's trickier to lay down evenly, so I've stuck with 2 pound. For sealing, I also use a 1 pound cut.

Dave

so for a first attempt would i be better off going with a 1 pound cut? sounds like it might be easier to apply. i've got some pieces to practice on before i go for the real thing so maybe i should experiment with both a 1 pound and a 2 pound.

each step of this guitar making process has unique challenges and puzzles to figure out. this one seems to be the most intimidating.

thanks!

_________________
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https://www.instagram.com/wide_sky_guitars/

I think the answer to your first question is implied in these responses. But, just to clarify, the difference between 1-lb. and 2-lb. is a matter dilution. The 1-lb. is a thinner mixture. More alcohol than 2-lb. Color will be the same. I often like to spray a protective coat of shellac. For this, I use about a 1-lb. mixture.
For brushed application, I use a thicker mixture.