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texaswoodworker

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Oct 17, 2010
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Reno Texas
I have been experimenting with doing ca finishes but have had several problems. The main problem is that I cannot get a even coat on my pens. I noticed that everyone has their own preference for where they get their ca glue and was wondering if the brand makes a difference or is it just my technique? I use stick fast brand CA from woodturningz. is this a good brand for CA finishes or should I choose something else?

Thanks
 
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I also use Stick Fast, mine comes from Woodcraft. The problem I had with even coats was really operator error. The thin is thould be easy to get an even coat on. Mediun, however I find it necesary to do one barrel at a time and wipe it back and fortha c few times with the paper towel before it starts to set up. Accelerator makes a huge difference, too. You don't ruin the last coat with the next one because it only LOOKED set up enough.
 
I gave up on even coats. I turn a little (a few thou) smaller than where I want to be, then build the CA up enough that I can remove enough to make it smooth and achieve my target size.

For me, it doesnt matter how rough the CA is, as long as there is enough on the barrel so I can get it smooth.
 
I would suggest using Monty's CA. Can be found here... http://www.woodenwonderstx.com/

To get a consistant finish with CA you need to be able to have repeatable results. With Montys CA you will know that it is always fresh and not out of date. Before I switched to using Montys I would have a few weeks things would be perfect then my results would change when I bought more CA. I have yet to have any problems with Montys.
 
i also use stickfast from WC. i apply 6 to 8 coats of thin using aerosol activator between coats. wet sand with the 600 grit MM and apply 6 to 8 more then wet sand through 12000mm. i agree, getting a smooth coat is much harder then sanding down a rough one.
 
When I switched to the stuff from Wooden Wonders, my finish actually improved. WW's medium seems to be thinner than the stuff from WC so it goes on smoother (for me, at least). YMMV.
 
I still have half a bottle of the stickfast ca glue so I will try putting on thick coats. If that doesn't work I'll definitely try Monty's CA glue.

Thanks for the help everybody.
 
In using CA for anything from finishes to putting pieces together I have found that FRESH CA is always best ... and the temperature and humidity have a huge role in achieving success.

Accelerator I never have found it to be necessary since I have taken the time to make something I certainly can give the CA a few minutes to do its thing and setup on its own.

Wooden Wonders has always done me right and They are easy to deal with and very easy on the wallet. Woodcraft and Rockler prices are astronomical compaired to the prices from Wooden Wonders and others.
 
Last edited:
Fred said:
In using CA for anything from finishes to putting pieces together I have found that FRESH CA is always best ... and the temperature and humidity have a huge role in achieving success.
Click to expand...

There has been a lot of snow lately so that may be one of the problems.

Thanks again for the advice everyone. I'll probably try Monty's just to see if it works better for me.
 
Aaron;
I'm not sure you should use "thick" CA, it is to thick to flow properly. I don't know what tecnique you're useing or how you apply your CA, but here's what I do.After I finish sanding, I wipe the blank down with accelerator as it turns, then add 3 coats of thin CA with accelerator in between. Then add 4 coats of med. CA with accelerator in between and 1 last coat of accelerator at the end. I add my CA in a 1 swipe motion, not back and forth. Then sand 400, and 600 grit making sure i remover any "shiny" streaks. If you don't remove them they will show your finish. Then MM to 12000, add 3 coats of Meguiars Gold Class Carnauba Plus paste wax. (Yes, it's car wax). That's it, So far I has never failed me. Hope this can help you. I do use Monty's Ca BTW.
Clyde
 
I use Monty's medium CA and BLO. It is one of the easiest finishes I have ever done and requires no drying time since the BLO kicks the CA and it sets in seconds.

I've been turning less than a year and get consistent results with the CA/BLO finish.
 
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