What finish fof Camphor blanks

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Stephen

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Oct 20, 2007
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Singapore, 568198.
Done several searches but unable to find an answer. I like the smell of camphor on the pen.
Questions :If unfinished how long will the smell remain? Will it be durable in daily use? Search says it will get a natural shine in use - but refers to large items like a table top. My search also indicated it as a very hard wood, so does it mean I can get away with no finish, just burnishing? If I CA and sand all CA to almost none to get a smooth finish will the smell be there? Dumb questions?
All recommendations will be greatly appreciared. Many Thanks
Stephen
 
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I did one last year and decided that the smell probably wouldn't last so I finished with CA. That sealed the smell out for sure. Great smelling shop while turning it though.
 
I did a fountain pen about a year ago and finished it with Hut Crystal Coat (friction polish) and stick waxes. I keep it in a plastic tube and can still smell the camphor when I open it.
 
I had an unfinished block of CL about 1.5" x 1.5" x 3" sitting on my desk in an airconditioned office and I could still detect the odour of the CL 8 - 10 years later but it was very faint
 
Any finish you put on an aromatic wood will cover the odor. Left bare you will have to sand it every couple months or so to remove normal surface oxidation, and more often to remove the oil and grime from use.

Camphor has enough natural oils that it will kill the gloss of any finish you put on it. The only difference will be in how long it takes.
 
I just came in from my shop after putting a finish on a camphor screwdriver handle. I used a CA finish because I figured it would be better to have a good looking handle over a good smelling one.
 
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