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Knowledge You Can Build On — Est. 1998

Portable Sawmill & Tree Service – Abingdon, VA

More Finish Questions

Posts

More Finish Questions

#1

More Finish Questions

Bert Workman

>I found this site several weeks ago looking for information on the Longworth chuck. I never found that information but wow! what a great message board.

There have been a number of postings on finishing salad bowls and as a result I've started using walnut oil(Mike Mahoney's) and bees wax on some of my bowls. The finish looks great but doesn't seem to hold up at all. Even wiping the bowls with a wet cloth raises the grain and seems to remove the finish completely.

Do I need more oil? Does it need to dry before putting the wax on? Should I be raising the grain with water and sanding again before applying the finish?

TIA

Bert

Re: More Finish Questions

#2

Re: More Finish Questions

John Trant (aka Boxes-n-Bowls)

>Oil and beeswax has none of the protection one normally considers for finishing flatwork. To reduce the nibbs, do your final sanding with the oil as a lubricant and then wax it after the wood has taken in all that it will absorb. The "finished look" will last until it is used or well-handled. You should rub in a bit more oil as soon (actually before) it needs it but few will bother to re-wax and polish a "working bowl".

Personally, I like multiple coats of wipe-on oil and varnish mixtures (good seal/protection but no film to be damaged). Keep in mind that no finish will permanently protect a working bowl. Oil is the easiest to refresh.

John

Re: More Finish Questions

#3

Re: More Finish Questions

Bert Workman

>Great info, but some of this is new to me. Do I need special sandpaper when using oil as a lubricant? I typically sand down to about 400 grit - sometimes 600 do I need wet/dry paper or will regular do?

Also, the bees wax I use is just a brick that I apply while the piece is spinning and then rub in with linen cloth. Should I be using wax in a liquid medium and apply it off the lathe?

At least I'm having a great time, thanks again.

Bert

Re: More Finish Questions

#4

Re: More Finish Questions

John Trant (aka Boxes-n-Bowls)

>Use wet or dry paper for sanding with a lubricant.

The mode by which you apply the wax doesn't matter. The friction of turning serves the same purpose as the solvent of a beeswax paste.

John

Re: More Finish Questions

#5

Longworth chuck

Bob Edwards

>Not sure what guestions you had about the chuck but here is a link that may help.

http://www.fholder.com/Woodturning/lwc-wtm.htm

Bob Edwards, San Antonio