Coop Posted October 3, 2021 Report Share Posted October 3, 2021 Once I get the right size 3M Xtract mesh disc in to test it, I will let you know if it’s worth the price and effort. I hate paying for worthless sanding disc. Probably the most expensive consumables in my shop. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted October 3, 2021 Author Report Share Posted October 3, 2021 The 3M stuff should be good, I use their Sandblaster Pro sheets for hand / detail work. It cuts great and wears very well. The grippy backing us a big plus, too. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted October 4, 2021 Author Report Share Posted October 4, 2021 Worked on gluing sub-assemblies today. No pics, you've already seen how it goes together. A side note, though... Chemical coloration isn't desirable for every species. I tried the lye on this piece of butternut, and turned it into pressure treated pine! If I had continued, it may have deepened to emerald green, but that's not a look I particularly care for. Fortunately, butternut sands quickly, so the green didn't last long. 1 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted October 4, 2021 Report Share Posted October 4, 2021 Just wondering, why did you switch species? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted October 4, 2021 Author Report Share Posted October 4, 2021 8 hours ago, Coop said: Just wondering, why did you switch species? That piece is a display plaque for Cody's samurai sword. Don't ask, I can't explain why he bought that. Anyway, his bedroom walls are dark blue, and the dark cherry kind of disappears. The butternut is just to add some contrast. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post wtnhighlander Posted October 5, 2021 Author Popular Post Report Share Posted October 5, 2021 Got a chance to trim the leg 'filler' sticks, and apply some bead pieces this morning. 10 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post wtnhighlander Posted October 6, 2021 Author Popular Post Report Share Posted October 6, 2021 I ran out to put my brand on the pieces before finishing. Bench has some work to go, but the bowl is as ready as it will ever be. I wish I had a solid piece for this, seamless would have been better. Can't complain about the color, though. One coat of "tung oil" finish, so far. I would challenge one of you turners to give the lye a whirl, it should look astounding on a highly-polished piece off the lathe. Be sure to neutralize with a 50-50 solution of vinegar and water before applying finish. This bowl was "etched" and scuffed 3 times to get the color. I don't think it will get much darker, but additional applications WILL drive the color deeper into the wood. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark J Posted October 6, 2021 Report Share Posted October 6, 2021 How do you know that you've neutralized all the lye? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted October 7, 2021 Author Report Share Posted October 7, 2021 11 hours ago, Mark J said: How do you know that you've neutralized all the lye? Mostly when the finish doesn't fail! My first go at this (a bar top), I applied wipe-on poly without neutralizing. About 2 months later, the finish turned cloudy and yellow. I scraped and sanded back fresh wood, no simple feat, because this color penetrates. After re-doing the application of lye, I wiped it down with a shop towel, moistened with 50/50 vinegar and water. I guess you could take another pass with clean water, if desired. Anyway, that was enough to keep the finish clear for the past couple of years, so I think its good. The lye does most of its reacting with the tannic acid in the wood, so not much is left to neutralize. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post wtnhighlander Posted October 10, 2021 Author Popular Post Report Share Posted October 10, 2021 I always mean to order some figure-8s, and never do. So, home center hardware has to substitute. I set the depth with a visual aid on my forstner bit. Then chisel out the recess to acommodate the rectangular straps. Turning them at angles allows the top / seat to expand & contract freely. Still working on the finishing process for the bench, but the bowl is done. After the lye treatment, it took 4 coats of the 'tung oil' finish, buffing with a white abrasive pad, and a coat of wax for soft luster. 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted October 10, 2021 Report Share Posted October 10, 2021 You may have just put Rockler out of the figure 8 business! The bowl looks fantastic! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark J Posted October 10, 2021 Report Share Posted October 10, 2021 What Coop said. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post wtnhighlander Posted October 12, 2021 Author Popular Post Report Share Posted October 12, 2021 It is finished. At last! The suspended shelf leaves room on the lower shelf for a couple pairs of shoes, and a pair of tall boots, if desired. Glad to get this one done. I have to say, I am not a fan of brushing the GF High Performance poly. Dries so fast, and gets foamy in the brush if you work it too much. I'm accustomed to laying oil poly on with a rag, very thin. Does HP do better in thicker coats? 11 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark J Posted October 12, 2021 Report Share Posted October 12, 2021 Congratulations on completing another excellent project! Can you apply the HP with a rag? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chestnut Posted October 12, 2021 Report Share Posted October 12, 2021 4 hours ago, wtnhighlander said: Does HP do better in thicker coats All WB poly does batter with thicker coats. Lay it quick and thick but not so much that it will run or drip. Then don't touch it. Sometimes the faster and more slopy the better... With in reason. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pkinneb Posted October 12, 2021 Report Share Posted October 12, 2021 Great job!! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted October 12, 2021 Report Share Posted October 12, 2021 Very nice Ross! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RichardA Posted October 12, 2021 Report Share Posted October 12, 2021 I don't know if you've ever heard this before, but what the hell......"Ya Done Good". 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
treeslayer Posted October 12, 2021 Report Share Posted October 12, 2021 Great job Ross and thanks for the ride ! The details and finish are right on, lots of work and it shows, well done sir 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chet Posted October 12, 2021 Report Share Posted October 12, 2021 On 10/12/2021 at 6:25 AM, Mark J said: Can you apply the HP with a rag? I have on smaller projects, I spare on larger ones and I am pleased with the results either way. Nice work Ross. I like the big contrast in color between the bowl and the rest of the piece. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bradpotts Posted October 12, 2021 Report Share Posted October 12, 2021 Turned out beautifully! The bowl adds a lot of character to it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted October 13, 2021 Author Report Share Posted October 13, 2021 6 hours ago, RichardA said: I don't know if you've ever heard this before, but what the hell......"Ya Done Good". Had to quote, just to add a laugh to my thanks! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted October 13, 2021 Author Report Share Posted October 13, 2021 I appreciate the kind words, all of you! Client is happy, so I guess I can be satisfied. For any newcomers who read this, never agree to match an existing finish, even on a piece you made youself and have thoroughly documented. It is guaranteed to make you pull out some hair. Also, be careful with 'clever' design features, like the suspended shelf in this piece. I came very close to 'painting myself into a corner' with that, as the design to lock the bars into place almost prevented it from being assembled. Every project is a learning experience. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted October 13, 2021 Report Share Posted October 13, 2021 Another sign of a good woodwerker (in honor of), you adjusted nicely! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chestnut Posted October 13, 2021 Report Share Posted October 13, 2021 Nice work. I really like how the color of the bench? turned out and how it's complimented by the bowl. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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