1st Myrtle and CA finish ????

[JohnU]

I decided to try a BLO / CA finish after reading up and watching that video linked to one of these forums a day or two ago. I just bought a small block of Myrtle wood and cut off a pen blank to try it out. I dont know if Myrtle is always this light or if I just got an old piece from a dead tree but it did have nice character. Im not satisfied with the final shine and must have put 10 coats of both BLO and CA on this thing. I also used micro mesh in between several coats. I think my mistake was only using medium CA. (out of thin and thick) Of course I opted to learn on the slimline which Im partial to anyway since they are the only pen that fits in my work shirt pen opening. Appreciate all comments good or bad and would like to know if anyone can tell me if Myrtle is always light and dry. Thanks

 

[johncrane]

Looks great John! well done.[]

 

[B727phixer]

I think it looks good too, John! I havn't turned any Myrtle so I can't help.
I also like slimlines!

 

[Glenn McCullough]

myrtle is generally rather plain unless curly, burled or spalted of which this is, well done.

 

[toolcrazy]

Very nice pen!!

 

[workinforwood]

Looks good to me, as does the finish. Not sure what you are looking for in that finish. If you are trying for a thicker plastic look then I think you need to ditch the BLO and just run straight CA. When I do CA pens, I just go straight CA thin, about 4-5 coats, one every hour, then a final coat in the morning, wait a couple more hours then sand and buff it out. I find CA straight seems to last forever and CA with BLO wears down. All just my opinion/experience. There's a million opinions on what is best, and how to apply it!

 

[Ligget]

Looks great from over here too![]

 

[Mather323]

Nice work on your finish and pen. I like the color of your wood.

 

[Dan_F]

The myrtle I have is similar to maple in hardness and weight, not what I would call a light weight wood. Some nice chocolate swirl in your example.

Dan

 

[R2]

Neat looking pen with a nice finish!![^]

 

[JohnU]

thanks for the comments and help. I'll try straight ca next time. Im looking for a long lasting finish.

 

[Stevej72]

John, very nice looking pen. I think you did a fine job on the finish.

 

[Dan_F]

John,

It's been my experience that ca/blo finish doesn't produce as bright of shine as straight ca would. I has been much easier for me though, and it should be just as durable.

Dan