Hi Steve and thanks Curt. Yes, I did do a test...actually more tests that I want to admit (with loops, microscopes, and enough goop and gadgets to polish a submarine) and I found what works best for me and I will share a wet and a dry approach with you using an attachment. HOWEVER, there are many folks here and I'm sure across the planet that can obtain an eye-popping finish without doing what I do and/or achieving it with much less effort. I just can't do it the way the do and get the finish they do which is a function of my limitations and their expertise, gifts, talent, etc..
My learning to use a skew did reduce much sanding, but I have used carbide with the same results (just more sanding). After observing my own work and the work of others over the last 3 years, I believes, and this is only my opinion that the finish has as much to do with the turner as it does with the process. I have tried what others do, and just can't get the hang of it, hence my ways. Funny use asked this - I just finished working a long day, and I laid down, put on YouTube and searched on pen finishing. I am still searching. The dry approach is on the library, but I will attach. I hope you enjoy much fun on your journey. The 4 stage process is dry (no water), the second attachment is wet. The second attachment says to use with acrylic acetate only, but I use it on all non-wood materials (acrylic acetate, poly resin, Alumlite, M3, TrueStone, mokume gane CA, etc.). I use the dry method on everything, but M3, TruStone, and mokume gane. Remember, this s just me.