Tru Oil Success Story/Technique

[Watchie]

I have just finished a maple neck, using a Tru Oil finish.  At first I had problems. As as directed I would apply a thin coat with my fingers, rub it in, and let it dry.  That led to a lot of grit and streaking.  Then I read a posting here that suggested simply using my fingers to put it on, then IMMEDIATELY wiping back off using either a paper towel or lint free cotton cloth.  I tried both (ended up favoring the cotton cloth) and my neck is now both mirror shiny AND smooth as a baby's behind.

The thin coats dry fairly quickly, although I allow at least four hours between applications.  I stopped at about 10, but probably did not have to go even that far.

If anyone has any comments about this technique or other experience with it I would like to see them.

 

[m4rk0]

What does the use of fingers add? What's wrong with a lint free ragg? :icon_scratch:

 

[Super Turbo Deluxe Custom]

I'd be concerned the Tru Oil would carry in oils if using fingers.

 

[Kublai]

I have heard of people applying tru oil with gloved fingers. I don't know that it is better than using a rag though.

 

[jackthehack]

I can't fathom HOW you could possibly apply the thin coats you need to do a good Tru-oil finish with your fingers? It's a lot easier to control applying with cotton T-Shirts; always have piles of swag ones from work or the bar...

 

[Watchie]

Well, in answer to why I used my fingers, here is the link to the Tru Oil "manual" regarding how it should be applied, as directed by the manufacturer, which specifically suggests using your fingers:

http://birchwoodcasey.scaleslive.com/files/Literature/bcref2003.pdf

Note, however, that I wash my hands very well before each application to avoid any issues.  What I did differently than they suggest is to wipe off the application immediately after applying it.  They suggest leaving it on, which in my experience led to some streaking that the wipedown avoided.

 

[swarfrat]

I've been using old socks for Master-Gel. I cut them to stretch it out a bit, but I'd advise leaving them intact. Cutting them exposes fresh not-laundered 427,328 times fabric. (And the inside of socks pills bad - T-shirts are better).

BTW - on the subject of fingerprints - anyone ever stick a fingerprint intentionally inside someplace that doesn't show? Control cavity, neck plate, top jack... I've been using the control & trem cavities to handle it when wet, and the idea hit me. Ya know, what better irrefutable evidence that its mine than my thumb print in urethane inside.

 

[Alfang]

swarf . that really is a great idea

 

[Cagey]

No kidding. That is a good idea. And it's not something somebody would see and deface, like they might with a serial number.

 

[Super Turbo Deluxe Custom]

Just so we're clear, a fingerprint or any markation is not proof of ownership.  It defines loose affiliation that, at the very least, shows you were the one finishing it.

 

[Cagey]

Just so we're clear, a fingerprint or any markation is not proof of ownership.  It defines loose affiliation that, at the very least, shows you were the one finishing it.

That's true, were somebody to dispute it in court. But, I have a buddy in Florida who got back a Mark IV Booger last year that got stolen about 8 years ago. Happened in New York, and he had the serial number, which he gave the police after the thing got stolen. Apparently, it turned up in a pawn shop that got investigated, and they matched it up to that old report.

As an aside, the thing was beat to death when he got it back. So, he called Mesa and asked what it would take to restore it. They said "just send it to us. We'll do what we can." So, he did. They gave him a new oak cabinet, replaced the tubes and the speaker, updated all the electronics to current revision, and only nominally charged him for the tubes and speaker (an EVM-12L). All told, with shipping I think he gave them about $350. It's essentially a new Mark IV. Them boogers are expensive, but the company stands behind them.

 

[Watchie]

With regard to the fingerprint, seems to me (given that actually "taking" and matching the fingerprint would be a bit challenging), that simply using a Sharpie to write your name and perhaps the last four digits of your SSN (or something like that) would be a lot simpler.  For that matter, even writing a "note" or a series of random numbers/letters that you could provide to the police would do the same thing in terms of providing some proof that you have or had a connection at one time to the item would also work.

 

[swarfrat]

Oh fine, rain on the fun. It's still geeky cool and my prints are already on file from work.

 

[Watchie]

Then go for it!  But remember, the cops may not necessarily want to take the time to either pull the print from the instrument or match them to those on file with your employer, assuming you are even still working there and your employer will share them.

Just saying...

 

[swarfrat]

Once the gov gets hold of a print they NEVER let it go. But yeah, a name, number, address whatever is better, but I still like being able to say it has my fingerprint

 

[Watchie]

Indeed, that is true, the feds hold fingerprints in their data base forever. That said, the trick is getting to that data base...