Cocobolo problem

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tomahawk54

tomahawk54

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Ok here's my dilema- I LOVE turning cocobolo but i always have problems finishing it.
when I use a friction polish the finish literaly rubs off while pressing the project together and when I use polyeurethane, it just won't cure and it stays tacky for days after the first coat.

anybody have this problem and anybody out there know a good solution?

thanks for your help,
Evan
 
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For me, if urethane does not want to cure properly, I mix a "dryer" with it, like thinner or acetone. Mixing it 60/40 finish/thinner should help. Acetone will be much quicker than thinner/mineral spirits. IF that ratio is too fast, back it down to 75/25 on the proportions. IF it is not fast enough, go to 50/50. Mineral spirits will be slower than acetone.

In some books and articles on paint finishing, you will occasionally see the term "Japan Dryers". These are highly evaporative thinners that are added to the finish (paint) to make it dry quicker. This is primarily a US/Europe idea to make finishes mimic some of the finishes of Japan, but the "Japan Dryers" are not used in Japan nor were they invented here.

Something that I would do as a matter of course if there are finish problems on oily woods - wipe the blank with acetone after the sanding is finished and before you apply the first coat of finish. Try this on a blank or two and see if this helps.
 
I've always wiped oily woods down with acetone before applying poly finishes. Seems to work well.
 
I just turned a cocobolo today and used polyurethane with no problem. Maybe it has something to do with heat and humidity? I live in So Ca and my finish was dry to the touch after 30 minutes.
 
Never thought of mixing the urethane with acetone, I'll give that a try.
I did wipe the blank down with acetone before applying the poly though.
 
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