Reader Bob H. Sends us the following information concerning using oil to treat guitar fretboards:
| “Danish oil and linseed oil are fine for treating unfinished fret boards (so are certain brands of tung oil). But they must all be handled with care. Watco Danish oil and Linseed oil can be a fire hazard. Beside the obvious warnings, like – “don’t use near an open flame,” one must also be concerned with spontaneous combustion. That’s right – SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION. To apply either finish you are usually advised to do so with lint-free cloth or finishing sponges. Which is ok, BUT – please remember to properly dispose of the rags or sponges afterwards. The oils can oxidize rapidly and build up enough heat to ignite. I learned about this sometime ago while reading “Fine Woodworking Magazine.” This after blithely wondering on a few occasions why my finishing rags felt warm to the touch the next morning. Call me lucky.
To dispose of the rags put them in a bucket filled with detergent and water. The water will prevent rapid oxidation and the detergent will help break down the oils. Place the bucket outside, you don’t want the kids or the kitty to get in it. It is not the best ecological solution, but it does prevent your most precious environment (read – your house) from going up in flames.” |
Thanks for the info, Bob!