I'm almost there, guys.
The final routes are about to be made (not this weekend though, I put the wrong bit in the CNC when I was making my templates, and they're all undersized :mad:), and then after that it's finishing time!

I've (basically) decided on the following: Some type of amber/vintage dye on the the birdseye maple on maple neck with epoxy on the fb & tung oil everywhere else (mahog. control cover, ash w/ cherry accents body, and the neck back & headstock)

I did try to read up on the subject, but something that seem woefully under-explained is the steps between final sanding and the first coats of finish. What is the typical approach to this? What do you personally do (I only want to hear if it's relevant with tung oil :p), what are your secret or not-so-secret tricks?

A little bird told me something about maybe having to use some mineral spirits in there somewhere, and I have some methyl hydrate around, is that OK stuff?

Any info will be really appreciated!

fm

I'm almost there, guys.
The final routes are about to be made (not this weekend though, I put the wrong bit in the CNC when I was making my templates, and they're all undersized :mad:), and then after that it's finishing time!

I've (basically) decided on the following: Some type of amber/vintage dye on the the birdseye maple on maple neck with epoxy on the fb & tung oil everywhere else (mahog. control cover, ash w/ cherry accents body, and the neck back & headstock)

I did try to read up on the subject, but something that seem woefully under-explained is the steps between final sanding and the first coats of finish. What is the typical approach to this? What do you personally do (I only want to hear if it's relevant with tung oil :p), what are your secret or not-so-secret tricks?

A little bird told me something about maybe having to use some mineral spirits in there somewhere, and I have some methyl hydrate around, is that OK stuff?

Any info will be really appreciated!

fm

You got a lot happening there. Are you going to tung oil over the dyed maple neck. The neck and body will be two different processes regarding sealing and the type of dye used.

Wiping with naptha is mainly to remove dust, but be careful with oily woods...the naptha can pull out the oil and smear it into nearby light-colored woods. But sounds like you won't have this problem.

I've used Tru Oil, but same difference when it comes to finish sanding. I start with whatever I left off with (us. 220) and work down to 1000-grit Abralon pad. With most woods, 1000-grit only burnishes, but with harder woods (ebony, bloodwood, some rosewoods) you actually continue to remove scratches and polish the wood. Wipe off between grits. Let dry completely. Oil away.

You got a lot happening there. Are you going to tung oil over the dyed maple neck. The neck and body will be two different processes regarding sealing and the type of dye used.
Yeah.
It isn't really as much as it sounds. For the purpose of this discussion the control cover is done, as I've already got 4 or 5 coats of Tung on it.

To tint the neck I plan on using water-based aniline dye, as the test i did with oil-based pigment on maple was utterly awful. And yes, I do plan on finishing all of the neck but the fb in tung oil. If that for some reason is a not-so-good idea, the other choice I have for that would be to use some satin spray-on Poylurethane that I've got here.

Later,

fm

the other choice I have for that would be to use some satin spray-on Poylurethane that I've got here.

fm

I bet you would like the satin Poly and if your neck needs a certain finish for warrenty you would be covered.

I bet you would like the satin Poly and if your neck needs a certain finish for warrenty you would be covered.
Well, I did most of the work myself. But I think you're right, and if I'm unsatisfied with it I can just go at it again.