Tru-oiling a showcase neck

[iamtak]

Howdy, First post here.

If I purchase a maple on maple neck from the showcase that includes fretting and choose to finish it myself, will I have to be certain that I keep the frets free from finish?

http://www.warmoth.com/Showcase/ShowcaseNeck.aspx?Bass=1&Body=1&Shape=39&Paint=0&Path=Neck,PBass,Unfinished&i=BN2146 something like this.

Maple has to be finished, so do you finish it before or after fretting?

I get the feeling that tru oil wouldn't build up any real coat over the fret's because the frets wouldn't absorb the oil and you'd wipe the oil off right after application, right? If anything you'd just get a really thin film, right?

Hopefully, soon I'll  pull the trigger on a Warmoth neck to go along with the walnut P+MM body I'm waiting for.

Thanks,
Tak

 

[line6man]

Maple requires a  hard finish in order for the warranty to apply. Tru-oil is not going to give you a valid warranty.

Finishing comes after fretting. I heard that Warmoth leaves a finish on the frets that you have to remove yourself, but i may be wrong.
I know that most luthiers charge you extra to do fretwork on maple fretboards, because of the extra work involved with the finish.

 

[Rick]

Actually, tru-oil will give you a warranty.  I got it in writing from a Warmoth staff member, years ago.  That said ... they may have changed their policy, so give them a call to double check.  It's still a toll free call isn't it?

I've finished two all maple necks, with tru-oil and they come out great!

I had warmoth put on the frets (stainless!) and the nut.  To finish it I just wiped on the tru-oil with my finger tip.  Once a coat was applied I wiped off the excess with a paper towel.  Left thin coats.  One coat a day. 10 days later I was done.  Let it cure for three weeks.  All I can say is go for it!  'Cause for maple, I've found it an excellent finish.

 

[ByteFrenzy]

I also understand that Tru-Oil is considered to meet the warranty requirement (if properly applied, but that's the case for any finish). The reason is that Tru-oil is not (just) an oil finish but actually (primarily) a varnish. Maybe one of the W guys could confirm this, Gregg, Wyliee, Tony?

 

[Wyliee]

Tru-oil is a valid finish for warranty purposes when properly applied.  (ie. more than one thin coat and covering all maple surfaces.)

 

[iamtak]

So, im not sure you guys understood me properly... I didnt have any questions regarding warranties or the composition of tru-oil.



Lets do this with a yes/no question:
Do I have to take any special precautions to prevent tru oil from gettting on my frets while finishing my maple fretboard?

and a True/False:
The presence of frets on my fretboard should have no impact upon the way I treat my neck with tru-oil.

Sorry if I come off as a jerk, just hard to get the information you're looking for on the internet sometimes.


Now whats this business about a finish on frets you have to remove? Is someone confused on fret leveling/dressing?

Tak

 

[Mor Paul]

The finish should come off the frets with playing, so I wouldn't worry too much.

 

[Rick]

Lets do this with a yes/no question:
Do I have to take any special precautions to prevent tru oil from gettting on my frets while finishing my maple fretboard?
No, you can let the tru-oil get on the frets.  It'll wear-off when you play.


and a True/False:
The presence of frets on my fretboard should have no impact upon the way I treat my neck with tru-oil.
True, to a point.  Just apply thin coats.

Sorry if I come off as a jerk, just hard to get the information you're looking for on the internet sometimes.
False, you are insecure about finishing, and are asking sensible questions.

Now whats this business about a finish on frets you have to remove?
There is no business.  Some oil will adhere to the metal, and it will wear off.

Is someone confused on fret leveling/dressing?
No, no one is confused.

 

[ByteFrenzy]

The Tru-Oil on the frets will change their appearance. The color will be a bit darker and the frets will be less shiny. Playing will remove the Tru-Oil from the top of the frets but not from the sides. It won't have any perceptible effect on the sound or playability of your guitar, but if you want your frets all shiny it won't do. If that is the case you just need some masking tape, some very fine (OOOO) steel wool,and a bit of patience. Instead of the masing tape you could also get the fretboard protectors from Stew Mac, you will gain a bit of time and loose a bit of money. I don't think I need to explain how the masking tape and the steel wool work together to make the frets shiny and leave the fretboard unmarked...

 

[iamtak]

Thanks guys.

You've confirmed my suspicions. That warmoth neck is looking more and more within reach everyday.

Tak