I'd like to fix this

[Tiger]

Have a couple of photos of a plate I made a couple of years ago. I believe it is Kauri Pine finished with Shellawax. At the time I was reasonably pleased with it. Looking at it now, I'm a bit embarrassed about it. There is a lot of patchiness about it, when you rub your fingers on the plate, it feels smooth so I naturally applied the finish and then you can see the result. Why is it so patchy?

I believe I can rechuck this and improve on it but should I be able to improve it by much or is it a difficult piece of timber to work with?

[rsser]

Shellawax cream would be the recommended version now Tiger.

There may be other things that have happened, eg. turning softer timbers can easily compress the grain which rises back afterwards.

As for dry Kauri, AFAIK this needs sharp tools and scrapers may not be helpful.

[Tiger]

Thanks, Ern. From memory, I did use non-scraper tools but found the bit b/w the base and the sides difficult to get the gouge in properly so I resorted to scrapers.

By the way, why do you recommend the Shellawax cream for now, I'm happy to re-chuck the piece and start again with a finish.

[Manuka Jock]

Tiger ,
Is that NZ Kauri ?
If so , lots of sanding sessions are needed .
And as Ern has already said , a good wetting , and allowing the wood to dry thoroughly in between , will deal to the tear-out .
If you can , sand ever second grit size in reverse .
Don't be in a rush to get it done in a day . Just take your time , over a few weeks if necessary .

cheers ,
Jock

[rsser]

Well that's the voice of experience speaking.

I think K. was also grown in Aus if the brain box is still working. Still ..

Re finish, sorry, should've been clearer: as I understand it ubeaut recommends SC for bowls and platters. So yes, if you're going to return this, use that rather than the thin stuff.

[Manuka Jock]

Well that's the voice of experience speaking.

I think K. was also grown in Aus if the brain box is still working. Still ..

Yeah , I did a run of large Kauri platters last year . I found the rotary hand sanders with Abranet mesh to be the best for the job .

Ern ,
I thought the Karri you blokes grew over there was a different species .

[rsser]

Is it? Qld Kauri, agathis robusta.

[Manuka Jock]

Is it? Qld Kauri, agathis robusta.

Ah , I see , the wee cousin of agathis australis . NZ kauri .
cheers

Does it have that shimmer in the wood ?

[rsser]

Dunno, never worked it.

That rough-out of Ancient Kauri took about 12 months to dry in a regularly turned plakky bag. Have to work up the courage to turn it now. (Sorry for the hijack Tiger).

[Manuka Jock]

Dunno, never worked it.

That rough-out of Ancient Kauri took about 12 months to dry in a regularly turned plakky bag. Have to work up the courage to turn it now. (Sorry for the hijack Tiger).

Is that the dark wood with the figure in the grain . Been in the swamps for yonks . Possibly from the stumps or the crowns of the trees ?
I have never worked it Ern , the stuff I did was sap wood from the trunk. Looks a bit like the wood that our mate did his plate out of .

Gidday Tiger

[rsser]

Yeah my bit was certified x thousand years old. Sitting in a swamp.

Your Terry Scott advised don't touch it with a scraper

[Manuka Jock]

I look forward to the Wip with Pics Ern

[Tiger]

Just to get back to the original thread, anyone hazard a guess as to why it turned out this way? Poor technique/finish?

[Manuka Jock]

Mate , sometimes its just in the wood .
If you sand it back , and do it again , the blemish may not return , but then again it may .