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Quick but urgent query on finishing

S

StevieB

Nordic Pine
Joined
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Chaps - got a dilemma,

Need to make 2 xmas presents in a hurry, need to use materials I already have or materials from the usual DIY sheds as it HAS to be done by Monday (long story, maybe tell it later). On searching I have iroko, oak, small amount of maple and tiny amount of ABW. None of it particularly figured or patterned.

Decided on Iroko and oak box (maybe jewellery box with a tray if time allows) and have spent this afternoon putting these together - nothing fancy given the time constraint, 45 degree mitered corners, oak veneered ply base and solid oak top. Base and top inset into dados, lid to be cut off when glued up (got one in clamps now). Not as contrasting or 'special' as I would have liked, and I may well go down the 'buy a bottle of alcohol instead' route if I don't like them this time tomorrow, but would rather not

The dilemma - how to finish it? Certainly don't want to varnish - this has got to look good. I have got Danish oil and tried a wipe on offcuts of both the oak and iroko which gives a nice contrast, but not sure I will have enough time for a good finish. I have clear wax, but not sure this will develop the colour of the wood, and au natural the iroko and oak do not contrast enough. Would you go with Danish or use something else? I would a) like it to last and not go yellow. Remember I am constrained by time so no online ordering for this one!

Any thoughts appreciated, will post a picture of the result once I have finished.....

Steve
 
Is it worth applying a light stain to one of the woods to help with the contrast then finish with wax. Obviously test on scraps first .
 
Most oils tend to go yellow and Danish doesn't dry that quick.
Blond shellac dries very quickly and then can be waxed?

Rod
 
Couple of coats of shellac sanding sealer or cellulose (even quicker drying) will lift the colours then wax polish, I finish quite a few things off the lathe like this as its very quick & effective
 
Just to add I've made this little plaque for a friendly customer this morning to take to him tomorrow, its had a coat of sealer & two coats of microcrystalline wax applied with webrax which leaves a silky finish & a nice satin sheen which took less than 30 minutes.

image_zpsxfzjicbd.jpeg
 
Spent all afternoon on these, and have to say I am fairly happy with the results. Still have to add a wax top coat, but the photos below are after 2 coats of sanding sealer with a 600 grit knockback between them. Apologies for the quality of the photos, but hopefully you can see what was intended. Iroko sides, quartersawn oak top approx 8mm thick. Maple splines. Base is felt over oak veneered ply (veneer on the base side). Sides are a little thick at approx 12mm plus the inner slip - 6mm birch ply below and 6mm iroko strip above to provide a lip for the lid to sit on - I didn't have any hinges suitable. Overall dimensions are approx 300 x 150 x 110mm.

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box%204_zps0pn7vf7w.jpg


Thanks again for the finishing advice, much appreciated!

Steve
 
Your rivalling Mailee with that speed of construction Stevie, I like the colour contrast of the timbers, nicely made :eusa-clap:
 
Thanks for the comments - always nice to get feedback!

Doug - Mailee can do that speed for multiple projects, I got black looks from SWMBO for being in the workshop for two afternoons - I don't think I will be a rival just yet :D

Rod - good question, to which the answer is 'not really'. With more time I would have added a tray and it would have more obviously been a jewellery box. As it is, they are just decorative boxes. SWMBO said I should put something inside, but I have no idea what and the dimensions were dictated by the timber I had rather than any specific contents. Open to ideas, but delivery is tonight.

Steve
 
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