First Build - "Lucifer"

[ctmullins]

Tru-Oil isn’t really too stinky, so I do it inside the house, which lets me do two coats per day. One in the morning, one in the evening.

 

[Flying B]

Is tru oil basically boiled linseed oil?

 

[TerribleTim68]

Is tru oil basically boiled linseed oil?

I found this on the interwebs -
“Tru-Oil' is made from a mixture of 56% mineral paint thinners, 33% oil varnish and 11% linseed or Tung oil.”

 

[RichterScale]

It's Lucifer.
It should be 56% gasoline, 33% bourbon and 11% children's tears

 

[Flying B]

And once you've covered your bass with it, it makes a great aperitif.

 

[TerribleTim68]

I think the thing that I’ve struggled with using Tru-Oil is that it visually looks “splotchy”. I assume that will go away as I steel wool it and recoat?

 

[ctmullins]

I think the thing that I’ve struggled with using Tru-Oil is that it visually looks “splotchy”. I assume that will go away as I steel wool it and recoat?

Not after 5+ coats it doesn't.

 

[deff]

I think the thing that I’ve struggled with using Tru-Oil is that it visually looks “splotchy”. I assume that will go away as I steel wool it and recoat?

It requires a lot of coats. Since you grain filled, that should help with building a finish. It smells bad going on and from the can, but once it's on it isn't bad.

 

[TerribleTim68]

Not after 5+ coats it doesn't.

That's what I assumed. So just keep going.

 

[deff]

That's what I assumed. So just keep going.

We're talking at least 15.

 

[RichterScale]

aperitif.

I had to google that. I don't know too many high society $3 words.
My idea of fancy is tucking my shirt in and paying too much for a steak.

 

[RichterScale]

That's what I assumed. So just keep going.

So, we're basically done? Just get the finish on and this puppy is ready to put together?

 

[TerribleTim68]

So I took @Rôckhewer's advice and brought Lucifer inside. He is now chilling in my "music room" with all my other basses and guitars. I had a desk set up in there because it became my makeshift COVID office during the lockdown, so now it's more of a workbench with a fancy top.
We will continue applying Tru-Oil coats over the weekend and see where we end up on Sunday. I plan on applying another coat tonight after work, then we'll hit it Saturday afternoon and again on Sunday afternoon. At least it's a constant 68 degrees in the music room, so dry time should be better.

I really don't want to have to put a ton of coats on, so I'm hoping by 4 it looks good.
My previous problems with Tru-Oil was probably rushing to put too many coats on too quickly in an effort to "be done".

 

[TerribleTim68]

So, we're basically done? Just get the finish on and this puppy is ready to put together?

Yeah, basically. I've had it assembled before, without wiring. Then disassembled for sanding and finish. So I need to finish the ... finish, then assemble it and finish the wiring (everything is pre-wired except the jack, pups and battery, because they all go through holes/tunnels), I'll be foil taping the cavity too after finish and then I'll need to get the nut completely done. It's filed and fitted, but not finish shaped. We're close. As long as this finish cooperates I could be playing it "relatively soon", at least before the new year. Like I said, I'd love to be making noise by Christmas if possible. I've got all my woodturning stuff done for the time being and can take a break from that, so I can focus on this for a bit.

Honestly, a part of me is looking at that 2 year mark fast approaching and my brain is saying "You need to get this done before that date!"
And then there's that Diva build I'd like to get to. That neck blank has been sitting there for a solid year+.

 

[BishopJP]

Here in NC, winters temps can be a bit low for comfort and finish application.
FWIW, I keep my Tru-Oil and the bass parts inside where it's warm, take them into the garage for oil application, then bring them back inside to cure.

 

[TerribleTim68]

Yeah, I've just surrendered the "music room" and will do my best to keep it contained in there. My boss made it extremely clear that he will NOT have me working from home earlier this week. My truck broke down and he forced me to borrow the company owner's spare truck so I had a ride to work, rather than just letting me work from home while it is in the shop.
So it's good to know that in this time of companies struggling to retain good employees, I'm lucky enough to work for a place that clearly doesn't give a crap about the employee at all.

Not that I'm bitter or anything.

 

[BishopJP]

Yeah, none of that read as "bitter"!

On the bright side, you are only 37 coats of Tru-Oil away from a sweet, new bass!

 

[TerribleTim68]

...On the bright side, you are only 37 coats of Tru-Oil away from a sweet, new bass!

 

[TerribleTim68]

Okay, second coat is on. I hit it with the quad aught steel wool first and then gave it another coat. It sits like this now -

I kinda feel like it's already starting to build, maybe those 6 coats of grain filler are paying off. The color in this purpleheart is beyond what I could have imagined -

The chatoyance in there is looking amazing. I can't tell you how happy I am becoming with this.

 

[TerribleTim68]

Okay, question time again. Will the Tru-Oil ever reach a point where it is smooth and wont need the steel wool treatment? I like the shiny!