ed4copies
Local Chapter Manager
Msy I suggest three.
1) Woods and finishes. I am learning (painfully) that a CA finish may not work on all woods or will work with difficulty. I am also learning that some woods, ebony and pink ivory, for example, require special care. A video along these lines would be very helpful.
2) Defects in finishes, clouding, cracking, coming off in chunks, etc.... What causes them and most impirtantly, how to prevent them.
3) Pen repair. This is a big topic. Disassembly tricks and tools, includind any special shop made tools. How to repair a blank with the defects shown above, if possible. When it is better to just chuck the blank between centers and "gently" turn off the wood and save the tube.
Hi Andy!!
I selected YOUR suggestion (to opine on the CA finish and various woods) because it is very clear and allows me to approach each issue, one at a time.
1) I would be happy to tell you what I have learned about woods. SOME of it is factual: for example, "oily" woods are harder to finish--cocobolo, bocote are the two that I think of immediately. HOW to finish them becomes a matter of OPINION. Yes, I have OPINIONS on numerous things related to penturning, but I try to stick to FACTS on IAP and in my vids. So, I CAN research what woods are oily and post a list and let you and other readers decide how YOU want to finish those woods. Russ Fairfield was (he has passed away) an authority on finishes---I will see what we can get permission to use, from him.
2) What causes the defects?? I don't think ANYONE KNOWS!! Again, there are lots of "well-informed theses" about moisture, temperature, wood density, wood movement, etc. NONE of these factors is within the control of the turner. So, to me (OPINION coming) I would abandon the CA finish I have experimented with Woodturners Finish and I like it, SO I have chosen to sell it on Exotics. As a result, my detractors will tell you I only endorse it because I sell it. Actually, the reverse is true--I SELECT the products I want to sell, based on my personal belief that it will work.
I also encourage you and others to TRY OTHER products. If you find one you think works, tell the IAP and we will see how it holds up in a couple years. The first year or two of CA finish, it looked good. NOW we are discovering the shortfalls.
3) Pen Repair!! This is a great topic!!! I will use it, at some point. But, if you abandon CA finishes and don't use oily or "easily cracked" wood---you will have far fewer pens to disassemble!!!
Thank you for your suggestions and please do NOT take offense that I used YOUR entry----think of it as a compliment to your organized approach!!!!
Now, off to decide what will be tonight's topic!!!
Thanks to ALL for the input and certainly, KEEP IT UP!!!
Ed
Last edited: