Dangerous Questions

[Ron in Drums PA]

1) What is your favorite pen finish?

2) Which pen finish holds up the best?

 

[DCBluesman]

Without putting any undo emphasis on what method I use (since I use several, depending on my mood), I suggest a read of Russ F's "Secrets" which is located at http://www.woodcentral.com/russ/russ3.shtml . From what I understand, Russ is updating this, but until the update comes out, I haven't found any better discussion of the pros and cons of each finish material and process. (Although I hope the update will indicate that water-borne lacquers have made huge strides recently.) [8D]

 

[ryannmphs]

1) Don't really have one yet. I'm still trying different methods and I'll probably never settle on just one.

2) CA holds up well, I've also had good luck with a pen finished with wipe on poly (Infact I had this pen clipped on my shirt collar, so the pen was next to my skin, while chainsawing up a bunch of wood about a weekago. No problems, whatsoever with the finish)

Just MHO and $.02.

Ryan

 

[tomwojeck]

My favorite (for now) is a coat of Behlen's Woodturner's polish followed by a buff with the Beall system. It's my favorite because I can do it on a pretty consistent basis[:I]. I've tried CA, but was never able to master it to the point where I could do it consistently. Although, when I was able to do it, it was a very nice finish

 

[jdavis]

Everyone has their favorite techniques and kits. Follow Lou's advice and check the wood central site.

 

[Old Griz]

Man, talk about a can of worms....
I primarily use two finishes... one is a basic CA finish (I don't do BLO/CA)..
The other is a bit different.. cellulose sanding sealer (2-3 coats) buffed out with 000000 steel wool cloth, followed by Turners Magic (lacquer based friction polish), sanded to 12000 MM then TSW and Ren wax...
The finish I use is usually dependent on the wood I am doing... oily woods tend to get the second finish..

 

[wrightal3]

Griz

Where do you buy the Turners Magic?

 

[Old Griz]

The supply I got was from Berea, but I don't think they carry it anymore.. next time I go into the shop I will try to remember to write down who makes it... I believe the place is in York Pa or close by...

 

[wrightal3]

Thanks Griz. Found Woodwrite Ltd on Internet, they sell it for $12.50, think it is same product Woodcraft sells,without a brand name, for $16.50 same size. Will call Them this afternoon.