Buffing System vs. CA/BLO vs. Turner's Magic

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dankc908

dankc908

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Mar 24, 2009
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Council Bluffs, IA
I am considering some updating, etc. in my shop and the next area I am looking at is my finishing for pens, clocks, etc. I'd appreciate some input. First of all, I started with the HUT waxes when I first started penturning. After learning the CA/BLO finishing via William Young and Russ Fairfield I had been very happy with this. I was, however, not happy with some of my 'cold weather' results and the fumes were bothering me a bit. I tried Turner's Magic which seems to be a good product (less expensive that the PSI version). Since upgrading my lathe and repairing my old lathe I have considered getting a 'Beall lookalike' 3-wheel buffing system at PSI. As for the clocks and my scrolled projects I am currently using a Danish Oil soak which seems to be working OK. On some products I do need to do a little 'hand buffing' after the application of the Danish Oil. My question is: would this buffing system really be an upgrade or am I just trying to justify an extra use the the 'extra' lathe?:confused: I do have the possibility of selling the older and smaller lathe. Thanks in advance!

Dan
 
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Buffing is a good addition to lots of different finishes . The CA/BLO finish on pens can benefit as can a straight CA finish . Lacquer finishes can be made to resemble wooden mirrors with a buffing after proper sanding . Most oil finishes can be buffed to a very high gloss after they are fully cured . The shine on acrylics is absolutely stunning when buffed . Even some bare woods look amazing with just some wax and a good buffing . I guess what I'm trying to say is , if you don't need the money from the sale of the extra lathe , get the buffing system and keep the lathe , you won't regret it , and if you do sell the lathe you can always do as I do and use your drillpress and some buffing wheels , buffing is worth the effort .
 
The advantage of a buffer is you can change the direction of the buff across the blank and this gives a much smoother look. I like to buff along the grain lines, then 45 degrees to the grain. This makes the CA look like glass.
 
I bought the Beale 3 wheel system about 6 months ago and wish I had done it sooner. I haven't touched my MM and plastic polish since.
 
Whaler said:
I bought the Beale 3 wheel system about 6 months ago and wish I had done it sooner. I haven't touched my MM and plastic polish since.
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Dick - Do you use the Beall 3-wheel system on plastics AND wood? If so, how do you do each (or do you use a different method for each)?

I did order my system from PSI and it should be here any day now.

Dan
 
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