A couple of new pens finished with Waterlox

[eskimo]

I have been using Waterlox on all of my shaving gear and wanted to try it on some pens. Below are some Cigars in Black & White Ebony, Black Ash Burl, Osage Orange, Red Mallee Burl and a Panache in Osage Orange with Walnut segments. I am very pleased with the finish and, IMHO, it has a much better feel than CA.

 

[Mike D]

Very nicely done Bob. I like the shine. Is the Waterlox as durable as the CA and is it compatible with CA? I have a few pens I'm making with Deer Antler and I seal the porus material with CA during turning and wonder if the Waterlox will work over the CA.

 

[mikespenturningz]

Did you dip them in the waterlox? How did you apply it?

 

[eskimo]

Thanks for the comments. In regards to the durability, I have razors and shaving brushes that still look like new after 2+ years of use. The Waterlox wants to absorb into the material, so I wouldn't expect it to play well with CA as a base. I wipe on the Waterlox with Viva paper towel. Usually 3 - 5 coats depending on how porous the wood is and very fine steel wool between coats to help with adhesion.

 

[Jim15]

Beautiful pens, the finish looks great. Thanks for sharing.

 

[CharlesJohnson]

Great looking pens.How long dose the waterlox need to dry?Between caots and coat.

 

[Mike D]

Thanks for the info Bob.

 

[mikespenturningz]

Thanks for the comments. In regards to the durability, I have razors and shaving brushes that still look like new after 2+ years of use. The Waterlox wants to absorb into the material, so I wouldn't expect it to play well with CA as a base. I wipe on the Waterlox with Viva paper towel. Usually 3 - 5 coats depending on how porous the wood is and very fine steel wool between coats to help with adhesion.

Do you apply right on the lathe like CA?

 

[alamocdc]

Nice lot, Bob. Back when I started turning pens Waterlox was getting some attention, but kinda fell by the wayside as CA came on strong. If it works for 2.5 years on a razor, it should certainly be durable enough on a pen.

 

[Robert111]

Nice work! Thanks for the information on Waterlox. I've got to try that!

 

[thewishman]

Nice looking pens, and your finish looks good, too.

 

[OOPS]

I love your Panache pen. The segmenting is stunning. Congrats on a truly outstanding pen.

 

[skiprat]

I love your Panache pen. The segmenting is stunning. Congrats on a truly outstanding pen.

I was thinking the exact same thing!!

 

[philb]

These look great! Nice Gloss!

Did you use the Watrelox sealer, or just go straight in with the top coat! Also I see they do a Marine version too, for extra waterproofing!!

I'm guessing it was fine to sand, buff and polish as a normal hard finish?

 

[SDB777]

I'm just digging on the great timber on all of these! Really like the segmented OO/BlackWalnut, that is way cool!!




Scott (nicely turned) B

 

[eskimo]

Great looking pens.How long dose the waterlox need to dry?Between caots and coat.

I generally allow a day between coats and apply several coats of the basic sealer, then finish with a top coat of high gloss. Finally, I lightly buff without using any Tripoli or White Diamond.

I apply the finish while on the mandrel, but off the lathe and hang vertically to dry.

Waterlox is not cheap, takes a long time to apply (compared to CA) and has a short shelf life (it doesn't play well with oxygen) and it will tend to slightly darken the wood, so it's not a good choice for a very light colored wood, such as American Holly.

It's a perfect finish for my shaving gear and I use quite a bit, which helps diffuse the cost per piece and minimize the shelf life issue.

Above all, I prefer the feel of the finished product vs CA.

 

[Dustygoose]

Those are some beautiful pens.

 

[penmaker1967]

where do u find waterlox at. i am always loking for new finshes

 

[eskimo]

where do u find waterlox at. i am always loking for new finshes

I get it at Woodcraft.