Doug Fir Neck Questions

[Ripthorn]

These are for those of you who have made necks of it before. I am giving it my first go with doug fir, and I wanted to know how you finished them. Also, I am wanting to do a headstock that is more or less slotted like a classical, so do you think it would be strong enough to do a "hollow" headstock? It will be a tilt back type of thing. Any experiences/suggestions are welcome.

[gatimberframer]

Personally I think Doug fir is too soft and too weak in shear to do a slotted headstock.

[crazydave911]

First, the finish question. If you want a gloss finish and love the brightwork on wooden boats, then Helmsman Spar Urethane is second to none . Otherwise I'd use Tru-Oil, easy to apply and can get a nice gloss with a smooth satin finish if desired.
Second question, doug fir is very strong but with a slotted headstock grain orientation counts for alot as does rings per inch. Riftsawn or quatersawn would be the best and look for some old growth if possible. I wouldn't use anything less than 7 rings (growth rings) per inch on a big slotted headstock. Fir tends to somewhat brittle with new growth of wood of extreme age. Otherwise it should work fine.................I'd use it



Dave

[Irving]

I just completed this guitar last week. Nitrocellulose finish. Neck bowed forward a bit more than the maple and cherry necks I'm used to making. But it was nothing that the truss rod couldn't handle. I put a 2 way truss rod into it but I should have just gotten a cheaper 1 one truss rod because there's no way I'll ever need the forward adjustment. I love the way it looks and I've had it strung up for a week and it's playing great. I consider it a great success.