getting frustrated with ca

[JRay8]

for CA finishing i keep having trouble with the ends. in some way i damage the ca finish on the end of the blank nearly every time. i chip it while removing it from the bushings or there is extra ca hanging off and i damage the finish fixing that. ugh! i have tried the plastic cones in place of the bushings and have not gotten better results. i have waxed the bushings. if i try and use the barrel trimmer it just melts the ca making it worse. what are you guys doing to keep the ends looking nice with ca finishes?

 

[Dave Turner]

Hi Jim,

I also had problems with this back when I turned using a mandrel. I don't have it any more now that I turn between centers. I found that plastic cone-shaped bushings worked better for me when I used a mandrel in applying CA. The end faces of the blanks would still develop a non-uniform thickness of CA with a slightly rounded edge. I solved this by sanding the ends of the blank using my "practically free" sanding mill using 320 grit abranet until the CA was flat and square with the blank.

 

[InvisibleMan]

I've found a method that works well for me. If you have a live center and a dead center, you can do it too:

I finish sanding, then remove the blank from the bushings (mandrel if you are using one) and put between centers without bushings. Apply CA.

After applying the CA, I take the blank off the lathe and touch up the ends with the barrel trimmer. The blank then goes back between centers (or on the mandrel) with the bushings for the micro mesh treatment and polishing.

That's it - it never fails me. The bushings never come into contact with wet CA.

 

[Grizz]

Before hitting it with Micro Mesh, I take a small exacto blade and score the ends where the CA and bushings meet. (turn by hand!!! not by motor!!!)

 

[JRay8]

Thanks guys, i will give it a whirl.

 

[renowb]

I use a mini flat turning tool to remove the ca from the bushings.