I just joined the forum and wanted to show my No.1 build and No.2 build Lap steel guitars. The No.1 was made from two maple bed slats 3/4" thick glued together, overall length 31 1/2" based on a 22 1/2" scale length. It has a single coil pickup and volume control. I used a sharpie for the frets and a 1/2" stainless steel tube for the bridge and nut, pop rivets for the string guides. I stained it with a natural stain. Simple easy project.
The No.2 build was a bit more difficult. I found some Lider knot pine (very hard and resinous wood) 1/2" thick and laminated two pieces together. Overall length 36" based on a 22.5" scale length. I used a 1/8" thick oak board for the control cover and fret board and I am going to get a water slide fret decal from E-bay. This guy in the UK sells them for $13.00 http://www.ebay.com/itm/220896933382?ssPageName=STRK:MESINDXX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1436.l2649
I use a 1/2" stainless steel tubing for the nut and I made my bridge out of 1/2" round stock. It has a single coil pickup and a saddle from E-Bay. I am waiting for the volume and tone pots. I had to modify the head stock by putting the tuners on the outside so they would work better. When I put a golden pecan stain on it I was amazed at the beautiful grain pattern. I think it turned out very nice.
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Nice builds, ma man :)