chinaberry flatspot problem

Re: chinaberry flatspot problem

Jennifer@Indy.USA

>Ken it's probably a spot in the wood that is softer than the rest of it. As you sand, the pressure you are applying even though it may be slight could be cause more material to be taken off and causing the flat spots. I've heard of this happening but don't recall ever experiencing it?

Jennifer

Re: chinaberry flatspot problem

Brad Vietje

>Ken,

Could also be a patch of sapwood, which presents two problems: first, it shrinks more than the heartwood, which can result in depressed or flat areas, and second, its usually softer, so it sands away more readily. As Jennifer suggests, you don't want to sand with much pressure on the wood.

You could also try hardening it some, too. I don't like the Minwax wood hardener, but

you might try soaking the depressed area with some Danish oil and waiting a few days for it to firm up this area, then sand the rest to match up with it. Presumably, you would then use this finish on the entire piece. If the area has pretty distinct boundries (like a black line, or a pretty obvious border), you can also paint a little thin CA on there with a Q-tip, or a little pad of polyester batting, nylon or other synthetic material (the coton in Q-tips accelerates the CA). This will darken the wood a little, and make it look 'wet', so only do this if the darker color won't look out of place.

Safe Spinning,

Brad Vietje

Thetford, VT

Re: chinaberry flatspot problem

ken chase

>Thanks Brad:

Actually, before I read your post I used some crazy glue on the flat spots. When I sanded it seemed to help a bit. I also switched to a finer grit paper. I like your idea and will give it a try. Is it really possible to turn out a flawless piece? I'm inclined to think not.

Re: chinaberry flatspot problem

Barry Irby

>Ken, you should use sand paper as if it were bought with other people's money. Don't use a piece too long. If you do, the dull sand paper tends to cut the soft parts better and easier than the hard spots. You can end up with the soft grain depressed and the hard part standing tall.

Use fresh sharp sand paper and a light touch.

Re: chinaberry flatspot problem

GaryNelson

>Nothing is perfect.I found if you sand at a high speed it accentuates the problem.I also use CA,but mixed with fine sawdust.As you sand different woods,save the dust in jars and label them.

I like chinaberry--a bit soft--but very nice grain.Gary