Does Alder Need Grain Filler

[thewrathofraf]

I am using alder on my neckthru....does the alder need a grain filler? thanks

-RAF

[Guitarfrenzy]

I am using alder on my neckthru....does the alder need a grain filler? thanks

-RAF

←

Most alder doesn't, but it doesn't hurt.

[verhoevenc]

yup, I'm pretty sure it does.

But honestly, you should be able to look at a wood and see if it needs grain filling. cause you'll see the size of the grain. I personally have never worked with it, and don't plan to, so I COULD be wrong.... but I don't think I am.

Chris

[thewrathofraf]

kool thanks

[daveq]

Most info I have read on Alder is that it does not need it. I have also read that once in a great while you will end up with a piece that will need a bit. My personal experience with it (I've finished 4 alder bodies) is that I have not needed it yet. I've used both nitro and tru-oil on those in case you were wondering.

4 bodies doesn't constitute fact but like I said, most reading I have done indicates it does not usually require filling. When I first got into building, I picked alder mostly because I didn't want to have to grain fill.

[Lietuvis]

Just for next time, I wouldn't advise asking a question like this, because each piece of wood is completely different. A more dense piece of Alder won't need grain filler as badly as a less-dense piece.

Grain filler is to fill up pores, so look on the wood... if you see and feel pores, then use the filler. If not, don't use it.

[Marzocchi705]

or practice on the scrap. Finish 2 peices, one with and one with out grainfiller, see what one looks better. If there both the same then thats cool, save the grain filler for a mahogany body.