Anyone have a friction polish recipe they like better than commercial options?

[BHuij]

As I have been primarily a pen turner, I haven't touched friction polish in many years. Basically since I learned how to do a good CA finish. I don't currently own any.

Now that I'm branching out to some other spindle projects that aren't handled as heavily as a pen (chess pieces, spinning tops, etc.), I'm experimenting with some other finishes. CA glue isn't really practical for anything that has fine details or complex shapes. And there's something to be said for the warmer, more tactile "wood" feeling you can get from non-CA type finishes.

My chess set in progress has gone well with hand-applied shellac done off the lathe, then buffed out with some wax after a few days of hardening.

I want to try some friction polishes in the near future. I think I can get Shellawax and Mylands high-build locally. But I'm a DIY enthusiast and already have plenty of oils, solvents, and shellac on hand. So if anyone has a DIY recipe that they particularly like, especially if they like it more than Mylands or Shellawax, I'd love to hear about it. Bonus points if you have photos to share.

 

[mark james]

I used this at times when using a friction polish - from Capt'n Eddie.
The Recipe (O.B. Shine Juice)

• 1 Part Shellac (Clear or White, usually 3lb cut)
• 1 Part Boiled Linseed Oil (BLO)
• 1 Part Denatured Alcohol (Methylated Spirits)
  
  
  YouTube +2

 

[wolf creek knives]

Why a friction polish? If you're looking for a great shine, and it does work, and durability why not try WOP (Wipe On Poly). I've been using it for years and it works great. 3 Coats put on at a high speed, let it sit for 24 hours between coats, and then apply another coat, 3 in total. It needs no buffing (99% of the time) and holds up well (almost 600 knife handles later with no complaints as an example). I've used Aussie Oil and it worked great but I ended up chucking it cause it wasn't consistent, WOP is. Give it a shot. As for CA, you can have it. Never tried it (allergies) but I've received pens from others who have and all I feel is a bumpy mess. Maybe sanding it might help but that's another step I don't want to do. That's my take. Marks does sound interesting though. Good luck in your quest.

 

[Jarod888]

You can also try the following:

1/3 oil based polyurethane (ensure it is oil based and not water)
1/3 mineral spirits, again ensure it is the real stuff, not the new "green" crap on the shelves today.
1/3 tung oil.