super glue as a finish

[stephenD]

I have been using super glue as a finish on the pens I have been making on my wood lathe.
I was wondering if any one has tried using sanding sealer, or an oil like tongue or danish before using the super glue.

[Don in Brooklin On]

When I finish pens I start with a coat of BLO and then add the CA. It brings out the grain.

I then put a small drop of BLO on the paper towel and then the CA. 5 or 6 coats.

I used to start with sanding sealer but it never seemed to make a difference so I stopped.

If I am doing a friction polish like Mylands I start with sanding sealler (Seal Coat cut 50%).

Don

[stephenD]

Don, does the blo soak in and then do you do a friction polish to dry it?
I have some danish natural that I am considering now to try that way.
Do you alternate blo and ca 5 or 6 times or after two alternations coat 5 or 6 times with ca?

[Don in Brooklin On]

The BLO does soak in and will darken some woods but does enhance the grain. I just apply a little pressure to heat up and I guess it cures it. I then put a drop of BLO on paper towel and put on the couple of drops of CA and then just repeat till I get the build up required.

The BLO is a lubricant for the CA. You can do with out BLO. I have a friend who does hundreds of pens and he uses only CA. Starts with thin and then switches to medium.

I would make sure the danish natural will cure as the CA may not stick.

PS: Both the Penturners Paradise A Penturner's Paradise - Powered by vBulletin

and IAP
International Association of Penturners

have all sorts of tutorials on finishing.

[Wood Dog]

Stephen this may help with your question. Personally I use this method and it works just fine. Video by William Young.
WoodTurning BLO and CA Pen Finish - YouTube

[NC Scroller]

Your standard tung oil or danish finishes contains some BLO plus other agents. These agents build up to create a harden/protective surface when the dry. While CA over tung oil finish or danish oil finish should work straight BLO is a lot cheaper.

[stephenD]

Thanks WD. That was just what I needed. I had a coupon for 5 bucks off on a 20 dollar purchase at ACE and picked up some blo and toys today. That works great!

[Wood Dog]

Just a reminder Stephen, make SURE you dispose of paper towels properly,or whatever you use to put the finish on. Boiled Linseed Oil (BLO) is VERY combustible. Please read and head the label. When done with my paper towels I put them in a can of water OUTSIDE till morning, then lay them out to dry before going into the trash.
Oh and as you already know (I hope) never use a rag around the lathe......that little sucker will wrap around the spindle so fast you won't know what happened. Very dangerous.
Not trying to be "preachy", just concerned about safety issues with our tools. Have fun with your lathe.