That's an excellent finish for 1st and 2nd tries. Really something to be proud of.
One thing to work on, take a little more time sanding down the CA befor polishing. The top pen shows a few sanding rings towards the mating edges, the bottom shows a little, but could be more the photo. Don't feel this is an attack, it's something I'm REALLY struggling with and have trained myself to watch for. Those are both still excellent creations!
I'm trying to slow myself down when going through the finishing paying a little more attention to what/how I'm doing. I'm willing to put dollars to donuts that most everyone on this board has gone through the same learning curve. Someday, I hope to actually know this lessen!
Like Rob, I was having a "dandy" of a time getting used to the CA/BLO finish. My advice, start with one of the methods that people have described on these boards. And I say START with it, then you'll find yourself making little modifications and turning it into your own style. [
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