Official Luthiers Forum!

I’ve heard some conflicting advice on this subject and would like to get some clarification. I was planning on using linseed oil as suggested by Michael Thames on his youtube video entitled: The bridge part 4 ( polishing fingerboard and frets); but then read recently here that this is not recommended:



Are there other reasons besides expansion/shrinkage due to RH changes for not using linseed oil on ebony fingerboards? It seems there are sources of information that contradict hygroscopic properties of linseed oil, e.g. Wikipedia:

“Most applications of linseed oil exploit its drying properties, i.e. the initial material is liquid or at least pliable and the aged material is rigid but not brittle. The water-repelling (hydrophobic) nature of the resulting hydrocarbon-based material is advantageous”

“…and [boiled linseed oil is] used in place of epoxy to seal modern wooden surfboards.”

Am I missing something here? Are there any better alternatives to linseed oil? Thanks for any clarification.

Joe

I have used boiled linseed oil on all my les pauls since 1970 and they are all as pristine as the day i bought them. No cracks on the ebony boards. It has worked very well for me. I coat the board real well and let sit for about 5 minutes, then wipe off as much as i can with a clean rag. I do this every 6 months. I guess others have different ways to keep there boards maintained.

I suggest you go to

http://www.beafifer.com/

and scroll down (on the left hand side ) to "Fret Doctor" and read all the info there.

that should clear up any questions you may have.

I had a short work experience at Wechter guitars before going to Galloup School of Lutherie. At the time Wechter used linseed oil. I use it now and haven't had any problems but time will tell.

Thanks Mark, Zach, Murray and Brad. This is my first guitar and your feedback is very helpful.

Joe

I like lemon oil for the FB.

Francis

_________________
Francis Richer, Montréal
Les Guitares F&M Guitars

I use Formby's Lemon Oil. They selll it at Ace Hardware (not sure if Ace is a nationwide chain), but I'm sure you can get it lot's of places. It works well. The guitar tech at the music store I used to work at swore by it and he was pretty darn good at his job. Also the Build up remover is good for cleaning guitars. Doesn't damage finish and doesn't have silicone. It's a little smelly but much better than Naptha. No headache or fumes either!

check this out:

viewtopic.php?f=10101&t=23523&hilit=fingerboard+oil

_________________
sweat the small stuff.

I just finished loading on some mineral oil onto a cutting board (very food safe). I've used it on lots of stuff. It works well and you can still eat off your fingerboard when your done.

I have heard that walnut oil can go sour after some time..If I recall its a couple of years of sitting on the shelf.