sorcerertd
Member
This is not a post asking for 1,001 personal experiences/preferences on finishes, though some experience and/or chemical knowledge is certainly welcome regarding how different types of finishes function.
A quick search on finishes in resources didn't turn up quite what I was looking for, which is something comparing them as far as application, cure time, outcome, durability, et. al. There are sooo many choices that it can be overwhelming. Then there are the variables: wood structure, grain orientation, oil content, etc. Is there some resource I am missing on this? If we don't have something, I can start one based on collective member experience and info from the manufacturers that can be further developed over time. No promises on turnaround time, though.
I gave my father a pen quite some time ago and he was impressed with how I made it look like plastic (CA finish). Though he meant it as a compliment, I was slightly offended because the true wood feel didn't come across in the finished product. It was Olive, so it needed protection from skin oils to prevent the wood from getting dirty looking from discoloration/darkening (yet another consideration).
I see quite a few mentions of Pens Plus. Not long ago, Craft Coat was mentioned and, in another thead, @Wmcullen mentioned he uses EEE polish and Shellawax (which came out beautifully). So wait, now we have options with combined finishes, too? Oh, boy.
For my part, I've used CA, Mahoney's Oil Wax, and Aussie Oil.
A quick search on finishes in resources didn't turn up quite what I was looking for, which is something comparing them as far as application, cure time, outcome, durability, et. al. There are sooo many choices that it can be overwhelming. Then there are the variables: wood structure, grain orientation, oil content, etc. Is there some resource I am missing on this? If we don't have something, I can start one based on collective member experience and info from the manufacturers that can be further developed over time. No promises on turnaround time, though.
I gave my father a pen quite some time ago and he was impressed with how I made it look like plastic (CA finish). Though he meant it as a compliment, I was slightly offended because the true wood feel didn't come across in the finished product. It was Olive, so it needed protection from skin oils to prevent the wood from getting dirty looking from discoloration/darkening (yet another consideration).
I see quite a few mentions of Pens Plus. Not long ago, Craft Coat was mentioned and, in another thead, @Wmcullen mentioned he uses EEE polish and Shellawax (which came out beautifully). So wait, now we have options with combined finishes, too? Oh, boy.
For my part, I've used CA, Mahoney's Oil Wax, and Aussie Oil.
- CA is CA, plasticy feeling, but super durable and easy to polish. I dislike the effect it has on some woods (Wenge anyone?)
- Mohoney's, I was completely unimpressed and it ended up going rancid just sitting there. Maybe it's better suited to things other than small turnings?
- Aussie Oil, I like the depth and richness it adds, and the ease of use, but it doesn't seem that durable. Maybe I just need more practice with application and/or more patience with curing?