2 Minute Tonewoods #1: Finishing Exotic Woods: 1 Oily Problem
My new video on finishing oily tropical exotic woods is out. It’s part my article Pau Ferro verses Rosewood View on YouTube
Finishing #3: Reference Books
I consider the finish 50% of a project. I continually read/hear woodworkers who are disappointed in the finished look or who are afraid to try color (dye/stain) on a project. Finishing is a learned skill, just like operating various power tools, using hand tools, making/fitting various joint types, proper design, material selection. etc. As such, time and effort need to be expended to gain the knowledge and physical skills to impart a beautiful finish to a project. What if you spent as muc...
Ellis-Mackintosh-Limbert mashup table #3: Glaze applied
Rubbing the walnut gel stain really fills the pores of the oak. I’ve found it’s important to wipe it off thoroughly —and quickly — in order to get good contrast. This piece is small, so I didn’t have to use mineral spirits to remove excess glaze. In 24 hours or so, it’ll be ready for the first of two coats of satin Waterlox.
$10 HVLP Sprayer that WORKS!
I have been playing with spraying projects lately. I like the look of a sprayed finish and enjoy it more. Cans of sprayed finish can be very expensive though over time. I happened to find an HVLP sprayer at the local HF and decided to give it a try. Surprisingly it worked, and well at that. Check out the video and subscribe to see how it works. View on YouTube
Mahogany Shop Dust Extractor / Air Filter
View on YouTube As we all know woodworking involves a lot of sanding, and that makes a lot of dust in the air. So yesterday I found an old extractor, it was from my growroom but still works. I made a box with joinery, painted the fan black and as usual gave it a mahogany finish, I think it makes a nice contrast, what do you think??
Claro Walnut Box #3: Ready to Choose Finish
Ready to choose finish Here are my options in stock: Wipe-on Varnish (MW Tung Oil Finish) Epoxy—West Systems w/#207 Clear Hardener Shellac (Clear) BLO FWIW, I hate “flash” photography. It really brings out flaws and false contrasts, IMO. To the eye, my corner lid fix does not have that much contrast. I wet with denatured alcohol to clean of dust and to be able to see what the box looks like with a finish. Things look better than these im...
Slab Coffee Table #2: How and WHY! I Inlaid Stars in Slab Top
I don’t know why this video didn’t embed properly. I did it the same way I always have, but this time I got a black square. If you know why then please let me know! At least the YouTube link works. Here is the photo, but you will have to click on the link below the black box to see the video: Photo is not the video, click on link below black box to see video. View on YouTube ANYWAY… I inlaid decorative black stars in my slab coffee table. This is one of thos...
Finishing #2: BLO, Danish Oil, Tung Oil, Poly
Lots of questions come up concerning various “oil” and poly finishing mixtures and methods. Some of the “oil” products: Watco danish oil, deft danish oil, Minwax tung oil (actually urethane wiping varnish), Minwax Antique oil, actual tung oil. Below are links to two articles by Bob Flexner that provide a great deal of information on the subject. The first is from 2008, the second from 2011. http://www.popularwoodworking.com/techniques/finishing/the_basics_of_wiping_varnish2htt...
Oak Storage Bench #7: Conclusion
Thanks to everyone for sticking with me to the end. In this video I cover all the little things that have to happen before I can finish, as well as the finishing process itself. The bench turned out better than expected and my customer was elated. As always, keep the conversation going below. Thanks for watching! View on YouTube Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thomaslightleFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/redbarnwoodworking/Twitter: https://twitter.com/tnlightleWebsite: http://w...
