Osage Orange

[lbanks]

Has anyone used Osage Orange for a fretboard?

[rdhbass]

im sure it can be done but the stuff tends to crack when it hardens and is hard as teak wood. Ive seen old stumps and such and the stuff turns real dark when it ages. People used them for fence posts and bows. Guess you'd have to find an aged piece cause i wouldn't recommend using a green one.

[tjclem]

Give it a try. There should be enough here. :O) http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...904610898&rd=1

I know nothing about the seller.........t

[FBB Custom]

The stuff is hard to find clear in sizes even big enough for a fingerboard. You'll probably want quartersawn if you can get it. I've never seen a piece around here (not native to new england) that I found suitable, though I have tried.

[godoze]

I'm having an electric cello made from it. the blank is crystal clear.

[lbanks]

I've got this Wishy which has Osage Orange fretboard. Feels rough and I wonder should it be finished.

[godoze]

sand it first with 80 grit, then 100 grit, then 150, then 220, then 320, then 400, then 600, then 800. by then it will be as smooth as glass.

iif you want, after the 320 phase, lightly, very lightly dampen the fb and then use a propane torch to dry the board. this will be dry the board and raise the grain- sand again with 320 and this will help seal it.

[tjclem]

you could also smooth it over with some slow drying CA glue. Then do the finish sanding. An unusual Wish bass shape by the way.......t

[Mudfuzz]

Originally Posted by DonZ

sand it first with 80 grit, then 100 grit, then 150, then 220, then 320, then 400, then 600, then 800. by then it will be as smooth as glass.

iif you want, after the 320 phase, lightly, very lightly dampen the fb and then use a propane torch to dry the board. this will be dry the board and raise the grain- sand again with 320 and this will help seal it.

I do this, but I start at 220.

[lbanks]

Originally Posted by DonZ

sand it first with 80 grit, then 100 grit, then 150, then 220, then 320, then 400, then 600, then 800. by then it will be as smooth as glass.

iif you want, after the 320 phase, lightly, very lightly dampen the fb and then use a propane torch to dry the board. this will be dry the board and raise the grain- sand again with 320 and this will help seal it.

This sounds like the plan, thanks. The whole bass need to be sanded and refinished. I'll do this if I decide to keep it. I've got more pic of it on the TB gallery if anyone want to look and thanks for the tips.

[godoze]

Do it to the whole bass... you will not be dissapointed.. Just BE CAREFUL with the torch or you can scortch the material.

[Hambone]

Originally Posted by DonZ

Do it to the whole bass... you will not be dissapointed.. Just BE CAREFUL with the torch or you can scortch the material.

My recommendation would be to NOT use the open flame of a torch but use a heat gun. They can generate 1200 degree's and that should be enough.

[godoze]

I have used a torch for 20 years with total success. To each his own...

[Hambone]

Originally Posted by DonZ

I have used a torch for 20 years with total success. To each his own...

Then perhaps a further explanation of the technique and a more detailed warning is warranted. 20 years of experience in anything will give results NO rookie would ever achieve.

I always keep these things in mind when I suggest difficult, detailed, or unreversable processes here on these boards. There are many newbies here that take what we have to offer with complete trust. That's good in some cases but in others, a little knowledge is very dangerous.

[godoze]

good point Alan. i hear ya on that.

Here is the technique that I use. I first lightly- very lightly dampen the material. This helps raise the grain and fibers that are still loose. Then I use the torch to dry the wood -never letting the flame touch the wood. Then sand again and again and mirror like results can be acheived.

do not try on a nice piece of wood the first time ! and always be careful and have a fire extinguisher in your shop.

[lbanks]

Ok, I'm sufficiently paranoid! I think I'll hire a luthier to do it...