Finishing First tassie Oak Box

[warmtone]

Warm tone, I think you're going to have to make another three boxes and finish one in minwax, one in shellac, one in wax and the other in nitro just to keep us all feeling happy, warm, comfortable and loved (joking)

The problem is that everyone here is right, given how they imagine how the finished item should look and what its final use is.
They are all good finishes for particular purposes, I'd say Scorch is on the money with his advice to do some test pieces and YOU decide what suits you based on the look, feel and final use.

ps make it four extra boxes, my old high school wood working teacher used to love to wire brush & flame scorch a finished piece and then varnish it (yuk!), he might be reading this forum

Ian

First of all thanks to everyone for taking the time to provide "active encouragement" I do appreciate getting different points of view.

I WILL take a traditional path on this box and use White shellac and traditional wax to learn the ropes. My experience with Minwax (originally recommended by Lignum who I highly respect) is that it is an good convenient finish - but not wonderful. Durability unknown at this stage.

I guess I simply wanted to reveal a bit more excitement in the grain without too much darkening...........

And yes THERE will be many more boxes to come and after the fourth I may be able to answer my own question!

I have purchased Neil's excellent book on Polishing to provide the basics.

Does any body run polishing courses in Melbourne ??

[Pusser]

Funny how seemingly every thread about finishing these days seems to turn in to a clash of egos

This forum is supposed to be about giving (and receiving) advice, not to parade your ego, can we play nice please?

Only if you talk Sharpening, English, Finishing, recommendations on Tools and a few other minor topics.

Pusser

[Shedhand]

If you want something truly cathartic have a go at french polishing. A box is ideal for a beginner. Follow Neils instructions and you'll be very happy with the result. I do it often on all sorts of things and when I take my time and do it properly its a finish that is hard to beat. I wouldn't use it on things which will be in daily use as it is a bit soft. HINT: DON"T use ordinary metho when you make your polish (it contains too much water) - use IMS (100% pure spirits).
Cheers

PS: I also use most of the other "modern" methods mentioned here. Horses for courses I say. If anyone flames me you can go to b.u.g.g.e.r.y.