Maple platforms

Please keep in mind that a thick slab (or laminate or butcher block) of any wood will probably act differently compared to a thin piece used in a musical instrument such as a violin or guitar. The musical instrument is designed for specific resonance qualities. And the slab is designed to????

Slightly off topic but not entirely. For anyone desiring an easy to apply and beautiful, uncolored finish for their wood projects, I recommend Osmo hardwax oil:
http://www.vtpf.com/finishes.html

After using Osmo hard waxoil for two projects I will NEVER use tung oil again.

A hardwax-like treatment can also be easily done using 15% marine grade Tunc oil, 15% carnauba wax and 70% turpentine as a thinner. With this DIY version you may need much more than 2 coats. Anywhere from 6 to 15 coats lightly applied with a sponge may do the trick. You can use more Tunc oil and wax in the solution, but denser solutions are a little trickier to apply. Admittedly, I have no idea what any oiling does to the resonating properties of a platform. . . but it sure looks pretty!

Don s,

what do you like better about the Osmo product?

Preferred tonewoods vary with application, ie. back and sides vs. top, wind instrument vs. string. In any case the function of a platform couldn't be more different than a resonant instrument.

Has anyone compare a maple platform using spikes vs. without using spikes. I currently have a Steve Blinn platform which my vpi scout is sitting on with spikes and on that platform, I have spikes on the mdf salamander shelf. I haven't had a chance testing but wondering if anyone has.