Thread: CA Finish with Zap CA

I use mitre fix accelerator. I usually leave the glue to ho off for about 1 min before applying any, then a light mist fir a split second, then leave for 30 secs before applying the next coat. I occasionally come across a 'milky' effect, but that's usually when I'm being impatient.

i use E-Z Bond in one of 2 ways ... no accelerator, just cure by itself or CA/BLO and have no problems at all

i find that the first couple of coats while the blank is still warm from sanding go off very quickly by themselves so in winter i plan to get a hairdryer to try on the wet CA, i think a heat gun might be too hot

has anyone tried this before???

SWMBO might get grumpy when i borrow her hairdryer to test out the theory

MIK

I use Starbond CA and accelerator though I try to avoid using accelerator on the final coats. I always leave the CA overnight to fully cure, wet sand with 1200 to remove any ridges, then polish with Micromesh.

MIK's idea of using heat will work. I have used a Tungsten light close to the blank to get a bit of heat into the CA. Bosch also have a heat gun with digital control the of the air temperature down to 50C. It would be more controllable than a hair dryer and keep SWMBO happy.

Michael

I use NCF Accelerator I get from forum sponsor here which means I can apply 20 coats of thin CA in a few minutes. No white problems and no severe roughness caused by other methods which I have tried without success. Only problem is the price is high but I don't want to take all day to put finish on a pen.
Here are some I've just done.
Cheers, Ian
IMG_1685.jpg

You're not far away from Tony over at Perfect Pens. He has the Mitre Fix available: https://www.perfectpensandpencils.co...tegory=6756340

Disclaimer - I haven't yet used any Mitre Fix, nor Tony's method, but I have seen the results, it works well, and he details his method here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jy90gfpAfHo

EDIT: I just flicked the video on again, and noticed that in this video, he's using the same accelerator you are. I do recall also having a discussion at some length with Tony about the business of finishing pens, and I recall he mentioned that the type (thin, medium, thick) of CA and the temperature/humidity all had an effect. He would usually use a thin CA for his method. I'd actually suggest contacting him if the video doesn't assist in sorting out your issue

Sometimes if the CA is applied too thickly, there will be the ridges develop when you use accelerator, I think it is best if you can let it go off by itself for a minute or so. NCF is my choice if I have to use accelerator, also it is best to allow it to cure overnight(24 hrs) before trying to sand back, I know, a real pain, takes time and I would rather be making more pens or other stuff! Amos

I find the NCF is the best one. I can give a quick misting of it (about 0.5 seconds)from about 200mm away while the lathe is still running pretty much straight after applying the CA. Do not try to apply it too heavily as that may give you bubbling or rippling.
I have also used the pump pack from GPW and it works, but not as effective as it takes longer to go off. If you apply it straight after putting the CA on it will bubble. Give the CA 30 seconds and then give a light misting and all is good. The best thing about this one is it smells better.

I use Zap medium CA and I have found Mitre Fix the best for me accellerant. For a long time I tried all of the CA brands I buy from a Model Shop where the turnover is high will be looking for Mitre Fix Accellerant can you buy it separately?

Peter.

Thanks guys. I'll try NCF and MitreFix and see how well those work.