Thursday, August 30, 2012

Wood Finishing Advice & Tips

Every WOODWORKER knows that WOOD FINISHING is the most important part of the project. We’ve compiled a list of WOOD FINISHING advice & tips. We hope the list will give you added knowledge for your future woodworking projects!

Do you have any tips not listed here that you would like your fellow WOODWORKERS to know about? If so, leave it in the comments section!

  • Remove glue splotches before staining (stain will not color glue).
  • Use a low-angle light to identify glue splotches and blemishes.
  • Seal resinous knots with a shellac-based sealer, such as Bullseye SealCoat
  • Apply a filler, such as Behlen's Por-o-pac to open-grain woods (e.g., oak) for the smoothest possible finish.
  • Use a test strip of wood to check the color and quality of the stain and top coat finish.
  • Reduce stain splotching in pine by applying a "washcoat" sealer or a gel stain.
  • Sponge wood and re-sand when dry to minimize grain-raising from water-based finishes.
  • Sand end grain to a finer grit to prevent excessive stain darkening (or use gel stain).
  • Apply a "washcoat" to end grain to prevent excessive stain darkening.
  • Finishes containing oil (including varnish) yellow over time.
  • Most woods darken as they age.
  • Arrange pieces horizontally to reduce runs and sags (especially when brushing).
  • Use shellac or lacquer if reparability and reversibility are most important, as these types of finishes allow for easier repair.
  • Use water-base finish for low toxicity, non-yellowing, and ease of clean-up.
  • Use lacquer or dewaxed shellac for the best clarity and rubbing qualities.
  • Use pure oil finishes for the "natural" look (at the expense of protection).
  • Use polyurethane if you want an inexpensive, very durable, very protective finish.
  • Use spar varnish, paint, or outdoor specific oils for the most durable outdoor finishes.

About Chris Smith
Chris began his woodworking career early while in high school. With three years of woodshop class under his belt, he graduated in 1993 and then began work for a cabinet shop.

His work in the cabinet shop spanned over several years. He continued his skills in cabinetry on his own before joining Klingspor’s Woodworking Shop in 2001.

He found an immediate interest in woodturning while at Klingspor. But, for Chris, it is more than just woodturning as he finds enjoyment in all aspects of woodworking. He has a wealth of 20 years experience in cabinetmaking, furniture building, woodturning, and more.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

Making a Scalloped Edge Bowl by Richard Morris

We would like to invite you to read a recent article by Richard Morris of Richard Morris Art. "Making a Scalloped Edge Bowl" article is featured on his website, http://richardmorrisart.com, under the Educational & Other Stuff section.

 You may also click the link to go directly to the article, http://richardmorrisart.com/site/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/Turning-A-Scalloped-Edge-Bowl-4.pdf.

 Please note that the article is a PDF file. It may be downloaded to read or viewed within your browser depending upon your software and/or browser settings. You must have either Acrobat Reader (Acrobat Reader is a free download from Adobe.com), a third party software, or a browser plug-in to view the file.

Wednesday, August 1, 2012

Blue Ridge Woodworking

If you love high quality furniture with unique beauty, you should visit Blue Ridge Woodworking online. Their main focus is crafting unique, high quality furniture that will stand the test of time. Classic designs never go out of style. And, with the selection of high quality hardwoods, you'll have a functional work of art to display in your home that will bring both pride and dependability.

 Visit Blue Ridge Woodworking online at http://blueridgewoodworking.myshopify.com/.