I think I see what I've been missing

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bnoles

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For the past 2 weeks I have been studying and gathering finishing processes from every source I could find. Until now, and being somewhat new at pen turning, I have only used and stayed with friction polishes. They have done a good job for me, but it was time to venture out and see what some of the other methods were all about.

This evening I went to the shop and turned down a quick blank out of some scrap stock I had on hand to experiment with one of the methods I gathered. This is something I am going to be doing over the next several days to expand my horizons and get some finishing experience under my belt for compasison purposes. Tonight I wanted to try Russ's method on CA/BLO. I cannot believe how fast, easy and flawless the process went and how nice the finish ended up. I did not even glue my fingers together as I was sure would happen.:D I took the blank back to the house for my wife's inspection (she has been the recepiant of most of my learning pens thus far) and she was extremely impressed with how good it felt in comparison.

If anyone out there has been hesitant to try Russ's method or even try CA, go ahead and take the plunge, you will be well pleased with the end result.

Now, let's see what is in store for tomorrow evening [:p]
 
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I agree there's no turning (pun intended) back once you start using CA to finish pens. Must now give the CA/BLO combo a try.
 
Originally posted by kenwc
<br />I agree there's no turning (pun intended) back once you start using CA to finish pens. Must now give the CA/BLO combo a try.
Click to expand...

I turned back. Just do not like the process and have success with other methods. Will continue to use on antler and occasionally, just for the 'h' of it.
 
Originally posted by Rifleman1776
<br />
Originally posted by kenwc
<br />I agree there's no turning (pun intended) back once you start using CA to finish pens. Must now give the CA/BLO combo a try.
Click to expand...

I turned back. Just do not like the process and have success with other methods. Will continue to use on antler and occasionally, just for the 'h' of it.
Click to expand...

Frank, what did you turn back to? I always enjoy seeing what finish others use.
 
I finally tried Russ's method this weekend. The final result was a very smooth and a natural feel, however not anywhere near the "pop" or shine[:D] I was used to with either the Hutt waxes or especially the Mylands friction polish. I even tried on a Zebra pen buffing it with white diamond, this made it shine more but also gave it a waxy feel and left some white in the grain pores. Am I doing something wrong or is there something I need to do further to achieve a high luster?[?]

Thanks,
Collin
 
Collin if you are getting things in the pores of the wood you are probably not applying enough finish. All of the pores should be filled with the CA and you should have a smooth finish.
 
I stayed away from CA finish because a professional told me it's too expensive and the thought of CA flying into my eyes. But now that I know better, there is no turning back. when you break down the additional cost per pen, I doubt that its more than a few pennies per pen. Even if it we $0.25 or $0.50 per pen, I think that it is worth it.
 
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