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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    Adelaide
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    Smile Blackwood Barristers Bookcase

    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.

    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

  2. #2
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Location
    Melbourne
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    7

    Default

    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.

  3. #3
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    Feb 2009
    Location
    Adelaide
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Karl1 View Post
    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?

  4. #4
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Location
    Melbourne
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    7

    Default

    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.

  5. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    Adelaide
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    0

    Default

    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
    Last edited by pwjupp; 9th June 2010 at 04:01 PM. Reason: Typos

  6. #6
    Join Date
    Jul 2008
    Location
    Melbourne
    Posts
    7

    Default

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

  7. #7
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    Adelaide
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    Default

    Will do
    Thanks again

  8. #8
    Join Date
    May 2010
    Location
    South Australia
    Age
    54
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    0

    Default

    May I ask where you acquired the raw materials?

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    Adelaide
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    Default

    Hi
    I sourced the timber from Ottos Timber

    Otto & Co Pty Ltd

    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.

  10. #10
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    Adelaide
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    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by Karl1 View Post
    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

  11. #11
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    Adelaide
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    0

    Default Finished article

    Quote Originally Posted by Karl1 View Post
    Looking good. Be sure to post a picture of the finished article.
    Hi
    The finished cabinet can be viewed at
    https://www.woodworkforums.com/f187/b...6/#post1175865
    Thanks again
    Paul

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