Hi Gareth,

Welcome to the forum.

Very very cool build man, done one myself and love it too.

1) Personally I haven't found that maple takes longer to dry in comparison to other woods

2) I go for 4 stain, and 4 intensifying and 3 to 4 finishing coats of Dingotone

3) In regards to the neck, I tape off the fretboard and Dingotone or Tru oil the back of the neck and headstock. In relation to the fretboard, I don't stain my fretboard, I use Dingotone Wax to seal and condition it.

4) I do not use steel wool on Dingotone. The fibres get stuck too easily and you need to remove with a magnet. I use either, 600, 1200 or 2000 grit wet/dry sandpaper and sand off gently and with the grain so you dont take off too much stain. It will tkae some off and you will need to spot stain that again and re-intensify waiting for it to cure again.

....never Dingotone drunk again......



5) Still wondering that myself actually....

Good luck and keep having fun my friend.