Oil finish on birdseye or flame maple neck ok?

[ashtray]

I tried a quick search, but figured my question was a bit specific:

I'm looking at buying an unfinished Warmoth maple neck - either birdseye or flame maple - with a maple fretboard. Can I simply use a rub on oil finish to seal the neck, or do I need to spray something on?

I know Warmoth doesn't warranty necks that are oil finished (I think, right?) - so there must be a reason. Then again, their neck design with the dual steel support rods plus the bi-flex truss rod should keep any warping concerns at bay, right?

[Rocky McDougall]

I think Warmoth believes that a proper finish protects the neck from moisture that can cause problems. They cannot control the quality of finish put on outside their factory so they do not offer warranty on necks they don't finish.

[Greenman]

Tru-oil is considered a hard finish and thus complying with warranty regulations.

[Greenman]

I might also add, three or four coats of Minwax satin polyy spray is about as easy as you can get. As on a Warmoth flame maple.

[ashtray]

Any difference with finishing the fretboard itself? Can I use the same tru-oil, minwax spray, or other acceptable method- or does the fretboard need something more durable?

[wyliee]

Originally Posted by Rocky McDougall

I think Warmoth believes that a proper finish protects the neck from moisture that can cause problems. They cannot control the quality of finish put on outside their factory so they do not offer warranty on necks they don't finish.

That's not entirely true. It is not mandatory that Warmoth does the finish. It is not uncommon for our customers to do the work themselves. It *does* need to be a hard finish and Tru-oil includes hardeners and fits the bill. Polyurethane (wipe on) finishes would work too.

The entirety of the maple does need a finish. Don't skip the heel or headstock.

[ashtray]

Is Tung-Oil considered an option?

[wyliee]

Originally Posted by ashtray

Is Tung-Oil considered an option?

Unfortunately, no. Tung oil is insufficient for warranty purposes.

[ashtray]

Originally Posted by wyliee

Unfortunately, no. Tung oil is insufficient for warranty purposes.

Ah - good to know. Will explore other options listed above (the minwax satin poly spray is fine, right?).

Haven't ordered the neck yet. Actually, haven't even bought the body yet! Just getting all my ducks in order before I start the project.

Thanks!

[Kevin_BlueBASS]

Off Topic but...
Why isn't Tung Oil sufficient?
Is it too soft? I thought it was a as hard as Tru Oil...?
Sorry for the noob questions

[wyliee]

Originally Posted by Kevin_BlueBASS

Off Topic but...
Why isn't Tung Oil sufficient?
Is it too soft? I thought it was a as hard as Tru Oil...?
Sorry for the noob questions

Many tung oil blends do not include hardening agents that help maintain the moisture barrier on maple. Too many variables there. I've done tru-oil on several necks myself and it is very easy to work with.