Sawdust
Well-known member
Any of you guys apply finnish to the inside of your ukuleles?
Thanks
Sawdust
Thanks
Sawdust
I don't see the point
1 part science, 1 part uncertainty and 1 part pragmatism. Luthiery is a wonderful mix.Sometimes I do it and other times not. Why? Because I'm not sure 1, 2, and 3 are true and it is an extra step so I don't always bother.
I invite people to get a piece of spruce and finish one side only (be it a quick wipe of shellac or spraying nitro etc) ....and see how the wood reacts.
In short, apart from slowing down the intake and release of moisture, finishing the end grain and both sides of a piece of wood (be it a table top or instrument top) is good woodworking practice to equalise the moisture absorption/evaporation rate.
Also, it is more logical to attempt as best we can to minimise cracks occurring then holding to the notion that we shouldn't do all we can as it is a little easier to repair if it does happen.
PS it is easier to repair a crack without a finish on the inside but its only 20 seconds of rubbing with alcohol to take of a little shellac on the inside. As for it collecting more dust...I don't know what to say to that apart from my advice to play the thing and stop looking inside it.
The end grain of top and back panels will be sealed either with finish or glue (from bindings) regardless of whether the inside is finished. The end grain of the sides will be sealed with glue, regardless.
I'm a bit of a fence sitter on this one
Please be careful, Sequoia …… at least make sure that the palings have been end grain filled and shellac sealed on both sides.