cocobolo finish

Hi all, quick question, and I apologize if this is in the wrong section, if it is please move to the appropriate location.

I'm about to be done turning a shave brush handle out of cocobolo, been reading up on the best finish for the wood, and have encountered several ambiguous ideas.
I know many of you have turned cocobolo, but has it been for a shave brush, or another water-contact application?

here's the brush (it's a little further along now):





thanks for the suggestions!

I have only put a finish on cocobolo once (I normally only wax it) and this was for a reel seat on a fishing rod. I used epoxy (the rod finishing kind, not the gluing kind) in order to waterproof it.

So, if you're interested in trying out my method, look up "Flex Coat" rod finish (or something similar) Here's a photo of my reel seat:



http://www.penturners.org/photos/index.php?n=8465



http://www.penturners.org/photos/index.php?n=8466

As you can see, it's plenty shiny. The hardware is nickel-silver. Please ignore the gaps: I hadn't glued it up yet (I do that on the rod) when I took the photo.

Cheers!

Gary

I'm wondering if perhaps a gun stock finish of some sort might be a good choice?

GaryMadore said:

I have only put a finish on cocobolo once (I normally only wax it) and this was for a reel seat on a fishing rod. I used epoxy (the rod finishing kind, not the gluing kind) in order to waterproof it.

So, if you're interested in trying out my method, look up "Flex Coat" rod finish (or something similar) Here's a photo of my reel seat:



http://www.penturners.org/photos/index.php?n=8465



http://www.penturners.org/photos/index.php?n=8466

As you can see, it's plenty shiny. The hardware is nickel-silver. Please ignore the gaps: I hadn't glued it up yet (I do that on the rod) when I took the photo.

Cheers!

Gary

Click to expand...

thanks for the input, I wasn't aware of epoxy being used as a finish, that looks promising.
I'm not against using CA, it's just a matter of is that the best finish for it.
(side question: what's BLO, and what's it's reason with CA?)

I used a wipe-on poly for a pink ivory brush handle, it worked great, but everything I'm reading on the cocobolo says since it's such an oily wood, it's tricky to get a good finish on it. Some say wipe it with acetone first, then seal it (with?...), then a poly or CA finish. Some have just said an oil finish, or a wax finish. I'm rather new at this, but I want to do it right.
This woodturning is addictive...I've already decided I want to do a pen (or 12), I saw a dart kit somewhere, then there's pepper-grinders, and then......:biggrin:

and the gun stock finish could work

I'm going to be patient with this one, you may not be able to tell from the pics, but I'm astounded by the grain and coloration of this piece (a random piece in an exotic cut-off box from Rockler), and don't want to mess it up.

My experince as a pen maker is limitted, but my background in marine finish is much more studied. From the photo I would want to warm up the colour a bit.
The advise for using acitone applies to teak as well, but I have found laquer thinner to be useful as well for removing the surface oils.
My mix is equal parts of spar varnish(Epiphanes high gloss), teak oil, and terpentine. It dries slowly, takes many coats and results in a warm lustrous finish that hold up to wet,dry hot, ect. conditions.
Regards,
Michael