My first cabinet, I need help with finishing

[AdamL]

I am making a 36 by 36 by 15 liquor cabinet. This is my first big wood working project, I am getting some help with the construction and following lots of different tips. I have designed it myself, it is made of western soft maple, 1" mostly, except top is 1.5". My cabenet doors are raised and made of eastern hard maple tiger strip, I need to stain the cabenet early because my doors are solid and floating.

I have been looking at so many different sources on finishing, I am really confused and I don't know where to start. I was thinking of just using danish oil with some bee's wax on top. But i want to do darken the maple a bit and I though that I could 'pop' out the tiger stripe a bit.

I am close to a Lee Valley, so I can get what every I need from there. But just don't know where to start, can someone put my in a good direction.

Thanx, Adam

[Driver]

Adam

I assume that your location: Van, is actually Vancouver, BC, Canada, If so, then you live in a beautiful part of the world. I have fond memories of a holiday in BC over 20 years ago.

Now to your question. Danish Oil followed by wax is a good finish for cabinets. If you were over here in Australia, I would recommend UBeaut Traditional Wax instead of beeswax. It's a harder, less greasy finish.

However: have a look at this site

http://www.ubeaut.com.au/

It's the home page of UBeaut Enterprises, who host these forums. I recommend that you get hold of Neil Ellis's book: "A Polishers Handbook" - you can buy it via the UBeaut website. It's a goldmine of information on finishing techniques and materials.

Welcome to the Woodworkers' Australia Bulletin Board.

Col

[rsser]

Do a test on some scraps.

Generally I've found oil-based finishes to darken and increase the contrast of the grain.

DO is a favorite of mine, and properly applied you can control the amount of gloss by buffing or not. And you shouldn't need to finish with wax. It's durable enough on its own.