So I took an empty bottle and mixed about 90% Tru oil and 9.9% Mineral Spirits with a few drops of Japan Drier. this concoction allows the oil to go on smoother and allows it to cure faster.
For those of you wanting to put on a thicker coat ( which everyone will tell you not to do) all you have to do is really evenly wipe the entire surface with mineral spirits before you apply a coat. Then pour a little on the piece and quickly wipe on.
The first few coats I just put on a super thin coat and wet sanded with 400 and oil. This causes the wood dust to mix with the oil which then pore fills and seals the wood. You gotta go fast and use a small amount of oil so the paste forms. Then let it sit for a few minutes and wipe across the grain with a paper towel wrapped around a card scraper or credit card( any card). Do this a few times and let it dry. The next day it should be smooth as a baby’s butt.
After a while do the same with higher grits. It’ll ensure that each coat goes on smoother. It’s not tough to get a good result but man is it frustrating. One word of advice when you apply a coat just leave the damn thing be and come back in a few hours. Do not get tempted to re touch areas cause you will pull your hair out. Just trust me.
Lutherie... 
FYI, Japan drier is not racist but refers to japanning which means decorative painting with nitrocellulose lacquer. This lacquer originated in Japan and Japanese styling became all the rage in England in the late 19th century. You can find it on furniture from that period.
That is an incredible bit of information. Thank you for that!
Thanks, that is my thing. I can’t wait to re-coat. Also I’m considering using 75/25 BLO (boiled linseed oil) for my final coats. I’ve used it on old guns with good results. Keep in mind. It is Memorial weekend. I’m trying to get it done! Any tips would be great. I hate the idea of going to sleep, and starting this long process over. Lots of beer into this, and some other stuff keeping me up. Thanks for your post.
I wonder if I can mix japan dryer and mineral spirits to minwax wipe on poly?
The one great thing about the wipe on poly when i used it last, is that it actually dries fairly quickly. Almost too quickly –i actually had to add a few drops of water to the poly to give myself some more time and to help it flow better.
i tried warming tru oil with mineral spirits and it flowed well. im gonna try warming the poly next time – actually for rogers build, and i’ll write up my findings.
if you do try the japan drier and poly, please let me know your results!! thanks for commenting!
Alex