sptfr43
Member
what is the purpose of the blo in ca finish? I have only used plain ca and get good results but always looking for better methods. thanks
blo
- Thread starter sptfr43
- Start date
Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad
- Status
Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad
The BLO is often used to "pop" the grain and is, more importantly, a lubricant between the applicator and the wood.
its_virgil
Member
I've been told that BLO is a very mild accelerant. Also, it seems to make the CA slicker and silky smooth. I am tempted not to sand or buff the CA/BlO finish. I have done CA without BLO and can tell a difference. Some say I know not of what I speak, buy I continue to use BLO with my CA finish and would not apply CA without it.
Do a good turn daily!
Don
Do a good turn daily!
Don
Scott
Member
Hi Randy,
I agree with what Don said. I am no chemist, and I can't tell you what is happening with the molecules. But I perceive that using BLO with CA changes the viscosity or the feel, or whatever of the CA, and it just behaves better while applying it as a finish. I will also say that this is not universal. Some woods just do not take to this finish. But for the most part, I just prefer the way CA goes on when mixed with BLO!
Scott.
I agree with what Don said. I am no chemist, and I can't tell you what is happening with the molecules. But I perceive that using BLO with CA changes the viscosity or the feel, or whatever of the CA, and it just behaves better while applying it as a finish. I will also say that this is not universal. Some woods just do not take to this finish. But for the most part, I just prefer the way CA goes on when mixed with BLO!
Scott.
mikes pens
Member
I just did my first pens using the BLO/CA finish and I am extremely pleased with the results. I don't know why I waited this long except for the fact I don't like change. I guess I should have read the book "Who Moved My Cheese" earlier. I am a convert and will stick with the BLO/CA finish now.
Mike
Mike
Bill Collier
Member
Hi everyone, I haven't heard of BLO before. Is there another name for this? Where can I find it. It sounds like it may be worth a try.
thanks,
Bill
thanks,
Bill
mikes pens
Member
Bill, BLO stands for Boiled Linseed Oil. Check the IAP homepage for instructions on how to use it. Mike
PS. Actually, here is the link:
http://www.penturners.org/content/ca-blo.pdf
PS. Actually, here is the link:
http://www.penturners.org/content/ca-blo.pdf
JimGo
Member
Bill, check out the link in my signature, below:
gpadgham
Member
Hi Randy...
I just tried it myself the other day. I've been using just CA to finish my pens for years. I, personally can't say that I am overly impressed with the CA/BLO combination. It might be that I am just set in my ways, but prefer my zip lock bag CA application technique better, and it doesn't work well with BLO in the mix. I'll pobably be putting a thin coat of BLO on first just to enhance the grain a bit. But I don't think I'll be doing the mix anytime soon.
I just tried it myself the other day. I've been using just CA to finish my pens for years. I, personally can't say that I am overly impressed with the CA/BLO combination. It might be that I am just set in my ways, but prefer my zip lock bag CA application technique better, and it doesn't work well with BLO in the mix. I'll pobably be putting a thin coat of BLO on first just to enhance the grain a bit. But I don't think I'll be doing the mix anytime soon.
Bill Collier
Member
Another question about adding BLO. Part of the reason I like to finish with CA is because the finish is hard and resists wear. Will adding BLO to the mix lessen this effect?
This quote from an article by Michael Dresdner is the first time CA and Boiled Linseed Oil were mentioned at the same time in the same place on a public forum.
"One final trick for pen makers: For a fast, tough gloss finish, get the slowest drying cyanoacrylate glue (super glue) you can find (some are 60 second cure). Working with two rags on the spinning lathe, wipe on a thin coat of cyanoacrylate and immediately follow it with a thin coat of boiled linseed oil. The glue will react with the oil and cause it to immediately cure into a very hard, glossy film. Sand lightly between coats and add as many as you like, using the two rag method. With a bit of practice, you can apply 4 coats, fully cured, in as many minutes."
"One final trick for pen makers: For a fast, tough gloss finish, get the slowest drying cyanoacrylate glue (super glue) you can find (some are 60 second cure). Working with two rags on the spinning lathe, wipe on a thin coat of cyanoacrylate and immediately follow it with a thin coat of boiled linseed oil. The glue will react with the oil and cause it to immediately cure into a very hard, glossy film. Sand lightly between coats and add as many as you like, using the two rag method. With a bit of practice, you can apply 4 coats, fully cured, in as many minutes."
Bill Collier
Member
Thanks Russ, I'm going to give that a try.
]- Status