dougle40
Member
First off let me pass on some advise that was given to me by an instructor that I took a pen making course from through "Lee Valley Tools" .
He said " Your finish will only be as good as your sanding "</u> and I've adhered to that princable 100% .
After I'm satisfied with the turning , I start my sanding with 180 grit wet-dry sandpaper and work through the grades (180-220-320-400-600-800-1000-1200-1500) making sure that all the sanding marks from the previous paper are removed before I proceed to the next (400 grit paper won't remove 180 grit marks) . On extermely hard woods I've even gone to "Crocus Cloth" as the final sanding .
Then I use a product from Lee Valley called "Turners Polish" , it's a one step liquid friction polish that is applied while the lathe is turning and I apply it with a piece of paper toweling and continue to polish until I build up a little heat , at that time the finish becomes very highly polished (it's somewhat like a "French Polish" for the lathe) then finally I apply a coat of paste wax just to protect the finish .
I've tried just about all the various different polishes (everything from liquid to stick) out there and I don't feel that there is anything better or easier to use than Turners Polish .
I've been using one of my "prototypes" now for over 5 years and have never had to refinish or rebuff it at all and it still looks as good as the day I made it .
I hope this helps someone out with their finishing .
He said " Your finish will only be as good as your sanding "</u> and I've adhered to that princable 100% .
After I'm satisfied with the turning , I start my sanding with 180 grit wet-dry sandpaper and work through the grades (180-220-320-400-600-800-1000-1200-1500) making sure that all the sanding marks from the previous paper are removed before I proceed to the next (400 grit paper won't remove 180 grit marks) . On extermely hard woods I've even gone to "Crocus Cloth" as the final sanding .
Then I use a product from Lee Valley called "Turners Polish" , it's a one step liquid friction polish that is applied while the lathe is turning and I apply it with a piece of paper toweling and continue to polish until I build up a little heat , at that time the finish becomes very highly polished (it's somewhat like a "French Polish" for the lathe) then finally I apply a coat of paste wax just to protect the finish .
I've tried just about all the various different polishes (everything from liquid to stick) out there and I don't feel that there is anything better or easier to use than Turners Polish .
I've been using one of my "prototypes" now for over 5 years and have never had to refinish or rebuff it at all and it still looks as good as the day I made it .
I hope this helps someone out with their finishing .