My Try at Unsanded

Thanks to @Cwalker935 for the inspiration!!
I pretty much use carbide on pens, high speed steel for everything else, seeing Cody's Unsanded Pen post gave me the nudge to try. Roughing gouge to get close, skew to finish. Stabilized buckeye burl, with about 3 coats of Renaissance Wax, burnished with my index finger (burnished my finger too!!).
I'm pleased with the tool work, except for getting too deep at the bottom of the upper section…even bad pics didn't hide that!!
Thanks!!

Maybe a trend starting ?

looks a fair result , hope the finger is as well burnished?

I am glad that my experimentation has led you to try something new and that you are pleased with results. My thought is that riding the bevel on the micro roughing gouge will burnish the wood and minimize the need for sanding.

Cwalker935 said:

I am glad that my experimentation has led you to try something new and that you are pleased with results. My thought is that riding the bevel on the micro roughing gouge will burnish the wood and minimize the need for sanding.

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I think you are spot on. Showed that very well in my try with roughing gouge on construction lumber.

Finishing the blank to very smooth without sanding takes a bit of practice and experience but it is within most people's grasp if they just take the time. And it can be done with different tools if properly sharpened.