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[QUOTE=robertandsons]
Also, it should be mentioned that “Tru-Oil” makes a
filler product that can be used before the first coat of finish oil is applied.[/QUOTE]
I've read that it works okay as a sealer, but it doesn't really fill in the way we need. Tru-Oil's formulas are proprietary, but most "sealer" products are just thinned versions of the finish in question. I'd be concerned about an oil sealer penetrating into the wood. One of the "guitar-approved" sealing methods, shellac for instance, would probably give better results.

Hey JJ,

Actually, you would be correct to question my expertise. Yes, I do have what might be
considered, a fair amount of experience, with oil finishing. However, I have ZIP experience
with guitar finishing of any kind.

Also, I’m with you on using tested products. I did hours of research on the web, going from site to site,
till I had finally come across the info. at LMI. It enticed me for two main reasons.
1. The ease of application.
2. Knowing what I know of oils.
There is actually a third reason. I prefer a semi-gloss finish.

As far as, Spar Urethane goes, I do have quite a bit of experience with it. However, I truly hope
that I have not given the impression that anyone should try it on one of their guitars.
My statement about “Helmsman Spar Urethane” was more or less meant as an inquiry.
I am curious, as to whether or not, anyone has, or knows of its use on guitars.

If I were to try it myself, (Which I probably will at some point) I would choose the higher grade
“Helmsman Marine Spar Urethane.” Its hold up in salty air, sun, cold, heat, etc...
Whether it will work on a guitar on not, I just don’t know.
But, Perhaps I can follow in Mario Proulxs’ footsteps, and do some testing of my own.
I have an old guitar that I’ve been planing on doing some repair work on.
That just could be the perfect way to find out if it’s a good finish or not!

Carlton,
Thank you for your input on the “Tru-Oil” issue. I must admit though, that I’m not real
clear on, when you say - “but, it doesn’t really fill in the way we need”
Could elaborate a little more on this?

Robert



“Learning is a treasure which follows its owner everywhere”

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Everything has beauty, But, not everyone see's it!

I believe that John How uses a varnish on his ladder-braced guitars...perhaps he'll chime in here. I'm always interested in alternative finishes since I stopped spraying in the house. FP is my latest endeavor, and while I love it's appearance and the thin coating it provides it is somewhat delicate and not as protective as Nitro and the waterbornes I've used in the past.

There's nothing wrong with a satin finish and I'm sure your fine guitar will look beautiful under True Oil. Are you planning to fill pores before applying the oil or going for the full natural look??

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JJ
Napa, CA
http://www.DonohueGuitars.com

Robert, your homebuilding skills have paid off on this nice dred. Congratulations on this great effort. Feels good doesn't it?

Wait until you string it up, oh boy, you are in for a real treat. Bruce

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http://www.dickeyguitars.com

[QUOTE=robertandsons] “but, it doesn’t really fill in the way we need”
Could elaborate a little more on this?[/QUOTE]
From what I've read, it doesn't really have enough solids content to level-fill the pores, which is what we want to do. It is apparently effective as a sealer, though. Just today I was reading a portion of Bob Flexner's "Understanding Wood Finishes," and he says using a sealer that is the same as the finish is a good way to go, so if you've got some, try it out and let us know what you think.

Bruce, Yes it does feel good to have gotten this far, and to have so many positive comments
about the work. Which gives me even more confidence in my abilities as a builder.
Still have much to learn though!

Carlton, I will be using the sealer in question, and when she’s all finished up, I will post some
pics of her. I can’t wait to see the finish myself!

Robert

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Everything has beauty, But, not everyone see's it!

Ooow Yeah! Very nice Robert, very good workmanship and very classy with the HB. Not too much, not too little she is going to be a great guitar.

Well Done!

Cheers

Kim

Wow, nice work

Robert, your guitar takes me back...
One of my biggest inspirations early on was the book written by David Russell Young on steel string guitar construction. In his book, he chronicles the build of a mahogany dread with maple bindings. I've always had a soft spot in my heart for such a combo, and yours looks as good as his. Nice work!

Steve

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From Nacogdoches...the oldest town in Texas.

http://www.stephenkinnaird.com

Hey Steve,

Funny thing about the maple bindings, is it came about by chance.
I had not thinned down the ends of the braces enough. I didn’t know this until I’d cut the channel
for the bindings. I was forced to cut a wider channel and search for new bindings. Just by chance
I found some maple trim in my scrap pile. The grain was so pretty, I knew then it was meant to be!
The only thing I regret, is that the end trim is not of the same quality maple. It does have some
wave to it, but, you really can’t see in the pictures. It should look a lot nicer after its finished.

Thanks again All,

Robert

“All’s well, that ends well”

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Everything has beauty, But, not everyone see's it!