Thanks everybody for the kind comments. I've been tackling wood, acrylics, and segmented wood ... and compressed materials like sun flower seeds.
I bought the sunflower seed blank out of a clearance bin at my local Rockler wood store. I turned a little, and then used thin CA on the ends to prevent splitting. After more turning, I used thin CA again on the entire blank and let it soak in to hold it all together. After first rough sanding, I CA'd again to ensure gaps were filled.
All my wood finishes are using Doctor Woodshop Walnut Oil / Carnauba Wax / Shellac friction finish ....3 coats . The Ebony wood was also Doctor Woodshop Walnut Oil / Carnauba Wax / Shellac friction finish.
The Acrylics I use the multi color sanding pads wet, and the Polish bought from PSI.
I owe all my success to the Woodchuck Pen Pro outfitted with a round carbide tip. I couldn't get the flat blade to cut. Also all the good videos / information from this site.
I need to work on a CA finish...but hesitant to do so...as I'm allergig to CA fumes from my RC airplane building days.
Still a "Newbie" :biggrin: