First Stoppers

[Dave_M]

My first attempt at turning stoppers. Amboyna and Buckeye burl stoppers. I haven't applied a finish to these... yet. I like the look and feel of the natural wood, but considering they could be used around food products I'm wondering if it would be better to seal the wood with a finish. If you have any thoughts on that subject, I would really appreciate the input.

Thanks,
Dave

 

[broitblat]

Those are good looking stoppers. I like the way the shapes flow.

I do recommend a finish, however, to protect the wood from the wine.

-Barry

 

[turbowagon]

I use deft spray lacquer on mine.... about 8 light coats (15-30 minute drying time in between coats). Wait a week for curing, then light buffing to get rid of the "orange peel" texture.

Here is a convenient way to finish them.... 2x4 ripped in half, with dowels glued in.

Nice looking stoppers, by the way!

 

[HawksFeather]

Good looking stoppers. I too would finish them. The exception would be if I wanted to keep them for my own use so that I would know that they would not get wet from the wine or water when rinsing the stopper. Then too, if you keep them you can always re-sand or re-buff them if there is a problem.

Jerry

 

[akbar24601]

Those are nice looking stoppers. I do agree though that you should put some form of finish on them. Even something as simple as a friction polish will give them a little more wear time.

 

[rjwolfe3]

Those are beautiful. I have started using the High Gloss spray from PSI. It doesn't look as good as CA but it is easier to apply.

 

[nava1uni]

Nice shapes. The buckeye is really nice. I only use a friction polish because it seems that people really like the feel of the wood.

 

[byounghusband]

I also use Deft Spray Lacquer. I spray it on the lathe as it is spinning slowly and then burnish it in with a rag until it gets hot. Cures the lacquer nicely.....

 

[Whaler]

Great looking stoppers. I finish my wood stoppers with carnuba only.

 

[Dave_M]

Thanks for all the input. I think the best thing to do is apply a finish to them. I've been using Behlen's Qualalacq Lacquer on my projects. It dries quick, provides a rock hard glossy finish, and it's highly resistant to alcohol.

Even though I haven't applied a finish to these, they've already been sold. On top of that I've had requests for more stoppers. There is a somewhat new high end wine maker that will be opening a tasting room and starting a wine tasting club that is interested in my stoppers. Now I have to figure out what they should sell for.

Thanks again,
Dave

 

[Mrs Rojo22]

Very nice!

Robin