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HELP- cocobolo users
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Author:  Chris Ensor [ Wed Feb 01, 2012 10:05 am ]
Post subject:  HELP- cocobolo users

I am getting close to completing a guitar with cocobolo for the fingerboard, bridge, and tuner buttons- all of which are usually not finished. My question is, for those of you who have used coco for any of these parts, how have you treated them as far as finish goes? My concern is that some people can have a reaction to cocobolo (its oils usually). Normally I would simply polish these parts to a high grit- about 1000. The fingerboard and bridge usually get a light coat of linseed oil, but not the tuner buttons. Would you seal all of these parts with linseed oil? Is oil enough to protect the player from a possible reaction?

Author:  LanceK [ Wed Feb 01, 2012 10:11 am ]
Post subject:  Re: HELP- cocobolo users

I would just use it like you would any other wood. If you finish it will just wear off any how.

That is how I have handled it before. That said, they have all been commissions.

Author:  Chris Ensor [ Wed Feb 01, 2012 10:41 am ]
Post subject:  Re: HELP- cocobolo users

This is a commission as well. She didn't have any sort of reaction while handling the cocobolo during her visit, but she also didn't have prolonged contact with it.

Author:  Kent Chasson [ Wed Feb 01, 2012 10:59 am ]
Post subject:  Re: HELP- cocobolo users

As far as I can tell, reactions to the wood (as opposed to the dust) are extremely rare. If you google it, you can find a case of someone who reacted to a bracelet. That is a very sensitive area of skin exposed all day. Fingertips are not nearly as sensitive. Nothing is 100% safe but I have never had or heard of a problem with a guitar and I've got maybe 30 guitars with Cocobolo fingerboards out there. The builder is the one who is most at risk with dust exposure.

Author:  Steve Kinnaird [ Wed Feb 01, 2012 12:19 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: HELP- cocobolo users

Chris, I always use paste wax on wood tuner buttons.
A couple of coats, buffed up nicely, will provide a barrier of sorts as well as a nice appearance.
And that stuff can be quite long-lasting.
Plus, it's easily repaired.

Steve

Author:  Chris Oliver [ Wed Feb 01, 2012 1:02 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: HELP- cocobolo users

Chris,

I used a lot of cocobolo on my Cocozilla build. I found that the dust really affected me, but the finished guitar hasn't had any effect other than to make me want to play it more...

I treated my coco fretboard just as if it were ebony, sanded to high grit and oiled and buffed. It has been great so far... five years later.

Image

Author:  John Arnold [ Wed Feb 01, 2012 5:08 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: HELP- cocobolo users

Quote:
As far as I can tell, reactions to the wood (as opposed to the dust) are extremely rare.

I agree.
I am an example of someone who has become very sensitive to cocobolo dust. I started with respiratory problems that escalated to contact dermatitis. However, I have no problems at all handling the wood.

Author:  stan thomison [ Wed Feb 01, 2012 7:00 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: HELP- cocobolo users

As far as allergy some people have a problem, some don't. I have built a lot with coco and not a problem for me, but the wife breaks out just from dust on cloths so I have to take that precautions.

As far as making the buttons, fb and bridge shine, do as you would any wood, but I do as Steve K on mine.

Author:  Steve Kinnaird [ Wed Feb 01, 2012 11:07 pm ]
Post subject:  Re: HELP- cocobolo users

stan thomison wrote:
As far as making the buttons, fb and bridge shine, do as you would any wood, but I do as Steve K on mine.


And that, Stan, is why *ahem* your work looks so nice.... :roll:


laughing6-hehe


Steve

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