Fit and finish after applyng a CA finish.

[Joe Burns]

I am having some issues with fit and finish after applying a CA finish to my pens and thought I would ask for tips and suggestions.

1. I turn the blank even with the bushings and then sand up to 600 grit.
2. Then apply about 10 coats of medium CA
3. At this point the finish is quite proud of the bushings. At this point I seem to struggle to get the edges back to about even with the bushings as wet sanding and polishing doesn't seem to get it back to where it needs to be.

Joe

 

[Ted iin Michigan]

I'm thinking 10 coats (of medium) is too much, esp if you're not sanding in between coats. Too much even if you are sanding (?). I sand maybe every other coat when I'm using medium - but only just enough to take off the ridges - usually with 400. Also, I sand to 400 before using CA. Don't know if the extra step to 600 is necessary or not - seems like each person has to find their own CA methodology. Try stepping it down to 6 coats (or 5).

 

[Craftdiggity]

I generally take the barrels down just past the bushings and build it back up with the CA. And I apply at least ten coats, sometimes much more depending upon the wood and finish I am going for.