[IMG]http://i.imgur.com/Fba2IBD.jpg[/IMG]

Another problem was the holes in the shell where the old Ludwig rail mount used to attach to. Two extra holes are now unnecessary because I will be using the modern reissue of the classic Ludwig tom inserts. That means it's time to fill these unwanted holes in. I used a wooden dowel from the hardware store and filed it to appropriate size.

[IMG]http://i.imgur.com/LDThQJ4.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i.imgur.com/Y8vNtVx.jpg[/IMG]

Then I inserted them into the holes. A snug fit without excess strain.

[IMG]http://i.imgur.com/Rajdlb2.jpg[/IMG]

[IMG]http://i.imgur.com/pmiiKTx.jpg[/IMG]

Once I was happy with the length and fit, I used wood filler to secure these in place. If they aren't secure next time I work on the drums, I'm going to reinforce it with wood glue.

[IMG]http://i.imgur.com/49ZCvfj.jpg[/IMG]

I did this for the holes in the snare drum as well. Sorry I didn't snap anymore pictures, but they are now hanging and the wood filler worked great! I checked them on Sunday and will proceed with sanding and priming if everything is ready to go next weekend!

Lookin good Boom!

Mitch

Boomstick great to have you back, keep em coming looking good thus far !!!

Keep the pics coming, great project!

Nice project keep the updates coming.

Hey guys! Thanks for the ongoing support. It means a lot and it keeps me motivated to keep this project going!

Today I sanded the shells from 220, to 330, to 600 grit after last week's fillings.

Here's what the shells looked like after they were sanded and cleaned up:

[IMG]http://i.imgur.com/QdVyaYB.jpg[/IMG]

The next step was to apply primer. My step dad came up with a simple jig screwed into the makeshift work bench which allowed me to keep the shells off the ground yet accessible enough so I could easily spray them.

[img]http://i.imgur.com/A7SL5zb.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i.imgur.com/3Faed4o.jpg[/img]

[img]http://i.imgur.com/NfD1uz2.jpg[/img]

Success!

I might need another can of primer, but so far so good.

Now I've decided that it will definitely be 'super white' 40 grit 'super shard' German glass glitter.

I have also decided to continue the process with lacquer, and I will be brushing it on, as the weather is too cold for spray work. So anticipate a lot of small updates in the next couple of weeks where I will be doing a lot of sanding!

Thanks again for the support guys. Any tips on what type of lacquer would work best? I know after priming I will need maybe 1 or 2 layers of white lacquer for a base coat, then I will apply clear lacquer with the first 2 or 3 coats infused with glitter. After that, I'm going to keep applying layer after layer with fine sanding in between until I get my desired thickness (any idea how many layers I would need?).

Other than that, I also have to buff and polish the nickel hardware for the toms, and I got all the bass drum hardware with the exception of tension rods and a new badge.

I wish I could work on these guys all day! These are at my mother's place and I live about 25 minutes away, so it's hard but I have no choice. Anyway, I guess it's going to be another week until the next update.

I like the white glass glitter choice. Very classy.

Usually to get that really glassy look you'd need roughly 20 coats of clear coat ( give or take ). Though depending on the clear, some don't need a sand in between coats. At the end though I'd go with a wet sand. Start at 200 grit increase until you're using really fine sand paper. Should look like polished glass when done. Dare I say put on your sunglasses when all is said and done. They are gonna shine!

Thanks for the tip. What type of lacquer works best?