I am beside myself with excitement for my first Warmoth neck arriving tomorrow. I know the necks have been sanded pretty smooth at the factory. Can I start applying a finish immediately or should I sand further? It’s maple with rosewood fretboard. (I won’t apply Tru Oil to the fretboard).
Does raw neck require additional sanding before Tru Oil?
- Thread starter OneTanMan
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stratamania
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You can apply it directly.
Hodgo
Senior Member
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Definitely best practice, especially roasted maple. I jam that pancake smell right up my nose.
OP - if you’re only doing 2-3 coats, you might want to take it a little smoother - 400gr max.
Just called my local hardware store and they don’t have naphtha but recommended rubbing alcohol. Would that work?
Hodgo
Senior Member
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Yes and no
Naptha is probably available from your local HW store being sold as Zippo / Ronsonol lighter fluid. Same same. The clerks might not know that.
Rubbing alcohol contains water, water raises the grain, so then you have to sand again. Less of a risk at higher concentration (90% isopropyl alcohol) but still not as foolproof as naptha. The same problem exists with denatured alcohol - also contains water and can raise the grain.
Mineral spirits would be the better alternative IMHO, just slower to evaporate than naptha.
Thanks! Purchased.
Strat Avenger
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They are plenty smooth. The only reason I lightly sand the back first with 320 is if I can feel the edges of the "skunk stripe". Doesn't take much to level it smooth.
Rick
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If a particular hardware store doesn't have naphtha try another one. Are you in the US? Home depot has oodles of the stuff. It's light and doesn't leave a residue, though rubbing alcohol would work too, just make sure you wipe it after your done with a chamois cloth. Might have to sand lightly with 400+ grit afterwards. Not a big issue.
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