Wax or Varnish?

[onotoman]

Hi Guys,

I'm just about to start on making some Snakewood Scales and I just wondered whether it's better to finally finish with varnish (waterproof) or wax?

I have a Thiers Issard with Olivewood Scales and these seem to be just waxed from the factory.

I haven't worked with wood before, so just wanting to start out right.

 

[fast14riot]

I would just wax the snakewood. It is rather oily to begin with and a varnish will not stick to it. It is a hard, dense wood as well, use sharp sandpaper and tools. I like snakewood, but im allergic to it when sanding it which I not uncommon. Do wear a respirator when working with it.


-Xander

 

[squirrelmaster]

The last snakewood I finished I used beeswax and turpentine mix that turned out pretty nice.

 

[onotoman]

Thanks guys, I have just bought a bench Belt Sander - presumably this will be good for rough shaping?

 

[fast14riot]

Yes, but be sure to change the belts when they start to get dull, snakewood has a habbit of just catching fire from friction heat. A good friend of mine had it happen on his lathe! He was using a diagonal skew cutter to trim up a pen barrel and it started smoking, when he shut it down it actually flamed up! Just go slowly and check progress often, power tools just make mistakes happen faster!

Take the wood to a high grit before applying you finish, i'd say atleast 1200#.


-Xander

 

[Kentos]

I like satin tung oil. Goes on easy and seems pretty durable.

 

[onotoman]

Many thanks for the information, I'll keep an eye on that.

Yes, but be sure to change the belts when they start to get dull, snakewood has a habbit of just catching fire from friction heat. A good friend of mine had it happen on his lathe! He was using a diagonal skew cutter to trim up a pen barrel and it started smoking, when he shut it down it actually flamed up! Just go slowly and check progress often, power tools just make mistakes happen faster!

Take the wood to a high grit before applying you finish, i'd say atleast 1200#.


-Xander

 

[onotoman]

Thanks Kent,

I'll see if I can source some in UK.

I like satin tung oil. Goes on easy and seems pretty durable.

 

[subzeer0]

what about finishing oil....i use it on my snooker cue and its fine

B and Q sell it

 

[onotoman]

I'll give that a try too,

Thanks a lot.

what about finishing oil....i use it on my snooker cue and its fine

B and Q sell it

 

[fast14riot]

A real simple finish I have done on bamboo before and I would bet it would work with snakewood too, is sand to 2000#, buff with white compound, then take wax paper and and rub the wax side on it vigorously. The friction will heat it enough to soften the wax and apply it to the wood.


-Xander

 

[UKRob]

Hi. I've justed posted a more detailed response to the same question on my 'New Boy's Restorations' thread, in case you missed it. I've had good results with finishing oil.

Regarding the belt sander, they are great for reducing the time involved when compared to hand sanding. Mind your knuckles and make sure to keep a good hold as it can snatch things out of your hand if not careful!! I use 80 grit for rough work and 150 for more detail although you could just use the 150. Try one of those belt cleaning sticks - don't know what they are called but they clean the belt pretty good and extend its life.