Blackwood Barristers Bookcase

[pwjupp]

Hi
After many a hour of work I have completed a modular solid blackwood barristers bookcase from a plan in the Australian Woodsmith. This certainly has been a labour of many a weekend. Not to mention the expense. But now comes the big decision. How to finish it?

This piece is to match existing blackwood antique furniture, so my inclination is several coats of shellac (How many I am not sure) followed by polishing wax.

I have used shellac on boxes etc and have had brilliant results but it is 20 coats of effort.:C

Before I embark on this marathon I wondered if anyone has other tried and true methods that will show off this piece to its full potential
Thanks in advance
Paul :U

[Karl1]

I'm convert to Danish Oil (see a recent post on the Big Stuff forum). I've never used shellac though so can't compare the two. I prefer not to use polyurethane these days.

[pwjupp]

I'm convert to Danish Oil (see a recent post on the Big Stuff forum). I've never used shellac though so can't compare the two. I prefer not to use polyurethane these days.

Thanks Karl
I had a look and it certainly is nice finish. How many coats is there on the bookcase and is it just the oil or did you seal it with something?

[Karl1]

Paul,

Four coats in total. I used Rustin's but there are other DO's around. I sanded to 320 before applying oil. Cut in the first 3 coats with 400 wet-and-dry and the final one with 0000 steel wool. The trick is in the application: for each coat you have to let it soak in for a few minutes and then wipe-off the excess before it becomes tacky. After that leave for 20 minutes or so and buff well with a clean rag. It builds-up a little bit with each coat. At least, that's how I was taught. After the final coat and buff I left it for a week or two to cure and after that threw in the books.
How about a photo of the bookcase? I assume there are devotees of other methods who could offer advice once they see it.

[pwjupp]

Here it is.

It still needs the glass in the doors and it is yet to be sanded. I also have to fix the locking boards as they have swollen in the wet and need to be trimmed to sit flush. The glass doors slide into the caracase.
This project has challenged my skills a bit but it will be nice when it is finished.
Paul

[Karl1]

Looking good. Be sure to post a picture of the finished article.

[pwjupp]

Will do
Thanks again

[BeanerSA]

May I ask where you acquired the raw materials?

[pwjupp]

Hi
I sourced the timber from Ottos Timber

Otto & Co Pty Ltd (http://www.ottotimber.com.au/)

They are expensive but the quality is excellent and they do thickness to requirements.

Just a note, this cost be the thick end of $1000 in timber. Some of that though was extra ply and veneered MDF which will be shelves not pictured above.
.
This was mean't to be something kept in the family, so I took a deep breath when I got the quote.

[pwjupp]

Paul,

Four coats in total. I used Rustin's but there are other DO's around. I sanded to 320 before applying oil. Cut in the first 3 coats with 400 wet-and-dry and the final one with 0000 steel wool. The trick is in the application: for each coat you have to let it soak in for a few minutes and then wipe-off the excess before it becomes tacky. After that leave for 20 minutes or so and buff well with a clean rag. It builds-up a little bit with each coat. At least, that's how I was taught. After the final coat and buff I left it for a week or two to cure and after that threw in the books.
How about a photo of the bookcase? I assume there are devotees of other methods who could offer advice once they see it.

Hi
Invested in a litre of Organo-oil Danish oil. I read that this one does not dry out as much over time as it has some polyurethane in it. However this is not listed on the can.

Will see how it goes and will use your methodology.
Kind regards
Paul
Will keep you informed how it goes

[pwjupp]

Looking good. Be sure to post a picture of the finished article.
Hi
The finished cabinet can be viewed at
http://www.woodworkforums.com/f187/blackwood-display-cabinet-120346/#post1175865
Thanks again
Paul