figured out accelerator...

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glycerine

glycerine

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A while back, I purchased a few different CA glues at a hobby shop and decided to try some accelerator. For some reason, it just didn't work out well for me. So, I put in on the shelf and there it sat.
I've been working on a pen and the past few days I have been unable to get the finish as perfect as I like to get it. I was getting to the point where I really needed to get this pen done, so tonight I pulled the accelerator back off the shelf. Not sure what I did differently this time, but I guess I finally figured out how to use it "correctly" because everything worked out perfectly for me. I don't see myself ever doing a CA finish without accelerator again!
If there are any of you that have tried accelerator and decided that it wasn't for you, keep trying! Once you get it right, you'll never look back... It really speeds things up and lets you build a thick coat very quickly.
 
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I recently resumed experimenting with CA finishes. In these cooler temps (low to mid 50's in the shop) and probably lower humidity levels, I'm finding that accelerator is a must. Without accelerator the CA is taking an extremely long time to set.

The technique that's working at the moment is to use accelerator from an aerosol can that sprays a very fine mist. Applications are very brief shots from a distance of 18" - 24". Heavier mist from a different spray can is causing blistering of the CA. I have also been waiting a minimum of 30 secs between CA application and accelerator. CA is thin and medium.

I expect this will all change with the weather.
 
I ALWAYS use accelerator. I use it a bit differently however. I always use it *before* I apply my thin CA. I spray the accelerator while the blank is spinning, and then use my finger to spread it out (blank still spinning). Then I apply my thin CA and let it flow out evenly over the blank. I have had much more luck with this method because the CA still reacts with the acclerator, but the surface of the CA is not disrupted by spraying the CA on it. I end up with much less texture to sand away.

I do 6-8 cycle of Accelerator/CA and end up with a finish that requires very little sanding.
 
warreng8170 said:
I ALWAYS use accelerator. I use it a bit differently however. I always use it *before* I apply my thin CA. I spray the accelerator while the blank is spinning, and then use my finger to spread it out (blank still spinning). Then I apply my thin CA and let it flow out evenly over the blank. I have had much more luck with this method because the CA still reacts with the acclerator, but the surface of the CA is not disrupted by spraying the CA on it. I end up with much less texture to sand away.

I do 6-8 cycle of Accelerator/CA and end up with a finish that requires very little sanding.
Click to expand...

Yes, I didn't spray mine directly on the blank bfore applying CA, but I noticed that once I applied a coat of CA and then sprayed with accelerator, if I apply the next coat directly after that, it cures really quick because of the accelerator that was still there from spraying the previous coat...
 
Don't worry, Jeremy! Now that you've figured it all out, everything will change, LOL!

I swear, that stuff is just like a cat! Totally unpredictable. Just don't toss the yellow socks or forget "the chant" just yet:)
 
My experience is that CA finishes work very well on the third Thursday of the month, between 9am and noon, provided that it is not raining and that there was a full moon within the previous three days.
 
CA and Golf swing

I guess I'll figure out CA and perfect it right after I figure out my golf swing. They're both about as difficult to master!
 
You GOTTA wait after a coat of CA to spray accellerator. I kept getting white blotches from hitting it too fast. With thin, it sets in about 30 seconds anyways, so no need for accellerator. Medium, I wait 45 seconds or so before I hit it. Roughly 28-30 inches away 2-3 quick passes along the length of the pen.
 
i finally figured out my ca finish. ive been at it a year. this will work. just thank me..

1. fold 2 paper towels down till 1" by length of towell, then cut it into 10 pieces each.

2. i have shopvac set up so its about 3" behind turning blanks.(i think this is key)

3. with THIN ca in left hand and strip of paper towel in right hand under blank. i start at the right side and with lathe spinning at lowest speed i put two drops on short blanks and three on longer ones. the paper towel stops the ca from flinging and spreads it. i go from right to left with the glue then back to right with just towel then left then done. all with a light touch.

3. grab the accelerater and spray from 12" away. one pump. watch the shopvac suck the spay right past the blank. i check with the back of my finger to make sure its dry before moving on. it usually is.

4. repeat 15 times with most woods 20 with really porous woods.(leave the lathe running the whole time)

5.now with a cup of water start with your micro mesh. i dont use the first, roughest one. i find that it scratches to much. dont move on to next abrasive untill you remove most of the little shiney spots.(they are the low spots) Dry off the blank between abrasives to see them.if you see a dull spot, that means you went through the finish. this is the trickiest part. if you do, just stop, dry completely, then add 5 more coates and micromesh with a lighter touch.

i dont use blo. sometimes ill buff with white diamond. id like to try some plastic polish, just havent yet. i hope this helps someone. i just did a finish tonight in 25dedree weather and it didnt cloud or crystalize the finish with the accelerator.
 
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