Questions on finishing end grain on a pen

[Dale Parrott]

When I make a pen from a blank that was cut cross grain (90 degrees) is there still a need to stop the lathe and sand length wise when "going through the grits"? Old habits are hard to break.

The second part of the question is since 1/2 of the pen is exposed end grain how do you finish it so that the it does not get a dark streak running end to end?
Thanks for any input and as a relativly new wood turner it's really appreciated.
Dale

 

[randyrls]

When I make a pen from a blank that was cut cross grain (90 degrees) is there still a need to stop the lathe and sand length wise when "going through the grits"? Old habits are hard to break.

Dale; Yes; The radial sanding marks will not be as noticeable, but this still needs to be done. Remember you are only sanding about 2 square inches, so each grit only takes about 15-20 seconds. I also clean the blank to remove any dislodged grit particles after every grit. Water on acrylics, Denatured Alcohol on wood.

The second part of the question is since 1/2 of the pen is exposed end grain how do you finish it so that the it does not get a dark streak running end to end?

Wipe down the blank with denatured alcohol. Apply sanding sealer until you have filled the pores. Knock back any dust with 0000 steel wool. Some will tell you to use a synthetic wool, but I haven't found any woven abrasives that are as good as 4-ought.

 

[theidlemind]

Never hurts to sand lengthwise and the half that is not end grain needs it anyway.
To avoid the dark streak (sanding grit maybe?) wipe the blank down with DNA before starting your ca finish.
End grain and quarter sawn make a beautiful combination.

Oops, somehow I didn't see Randy's response. Good advice though!

 

[Dale Parrott]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm going to try the sanding sealer and see how that works.
Dale

 

[Falcon1220]

One more reason to be on IAP.
I cut some Ziricote blanks and decided to cut some cross the grain at 90 degrees.
Then started thinking if they should be sanding length wise on the lathe. A quick search on IAP and there...the question was asked not to long ago.