View Full Version : Finishing suggestions
Nihilist37
6th April 2009, 10:19 PM
I've been building a few instruments and have now decided to start selling a few.
I've been making banjo's in particular and thus have been making block rims for turning. So far I've used Organoils hard burnishing oil with some success.
I'm now looking for a finish that is a little deeper and doesn't dull so quickly and must be made from organic materials (i.e. no nitro or poly etc.)
I'm thinking Danish oil but am unsure of a correct order to build the finish.
Doing the lathe part is easy because I can get decent speeds. However I also need to get a finish on the neck that has gloss and is easy for a player to move their hand over.
Is there a particular order that would get a lasting finish on an instrument neck?
rsser
9th April 2009, 02:23 PM
With the Organoil hard burnishing oil have you gone back after a few weeks for a fine sand and another coat? I found this necessary when I used it on bowls from the lathe. Also needed some wax for a higher lustre. For instruments you'd need a pretty hard wax like Carnauba and I've no idea how you'd apply it to necks etc.
As for other products, DOs are worth a look but the makers don't reveal what's in them. I guess you could assume there'd be some synth resins. That said, I like Rustin's the best for ease of use and the way it lifts most grains that are medium to dark in colour. FW Scandinavian Oil is similar but finishes with a higher gloss, prob. due to more resin in the mix.
You could consider pure Tung oil cut with gum turps. Info here: http://www.thewoodworks.com.au/site/datasheets/tungoil.html?gclid=CKm5h9Lp4pkCFYEvpAodcRySRg
rsser
9th April 2009, 02:29 PM
With the Organoil hard burnishing oil have you gone back after a few weeks for a fine sand and another coat? I found this necessary when I used it on bowls from the lathe. Also needed some wax for a higher lustre. For instruments you'd need a pretty hard wax like Carnauba and I've no idea how you'd apply it to necks etc.
As for other products, DOs are worth a look but the makers don't reveal what's in them. I guess you could assume there'd be some synth resins. That said, I like Rustin's the best for ease of use and the way it lifts most grains that are medium to dark in colour. FW Scandinavian Oil is similar but finishes with a higher gloss, prob. due to more resin in the mix.
You could consider pure Tung oil cut with gum turps. Info here: http://www.thewoodworks.com.au/site/datasheets/tungoil.html?gclid=CKm5h9Lp4pkCFYEvpAodcRySRg (http://www.thewoodworks.com.au/site/datasheets/tungoil.html?gclid=CKm5h9Lp4pkCFYEvpAodcRySRg)
though do some research on how long the stuff lasts in the can.
rightendup
10th April 2009, 02:25 AM
Have you given thought to French polish?
It is done with shellack and a small 'tampon'
Real hard to learn to do well on say, a piano, but easy enough for the neck of a bango.
Below a pic of a box lid panel in imbuia being French polished.
rightendup
16th April 2009, 07:17 AM
OK, so I'm a thread killer.
I retire!
ciscokid
21st April 2009, 09:23 PM
I would give a lot to know how to do that. :~ Stunning finish. :2tsup: