Thread: More CA finish problems...

Never seen anything like this before but my first thought is that you're running the lathe too fast. What speed are you running it at? I have mine at about 300 to 500 rpm.

I'm running it flat out. Not really sure what RPM that is, but whatever the highest speed is. Why would excessive RPMs cause this? They form after I shut the lathe off. BTW, this is not the first time this has happened. I keep thinking maybe there is a contaminate on the timber. Maybe? Last time this happened, I was turning cocobolo. Should I try a different, as in 'new', bottle of CA?

Thank you for your reply!

I dont have any experience in CA on pens but when you put water on CA (fixing a crack in a bowl) it goes white.

With the speed difference to DJ that would be the stalagmite reason.

Are you using something to make it set between coats??

No. Nothing between coats. I have, in the past, used BLO between coats with O.K. results. I was trying to do ten thin coats of just CA this time.

I'm still trying to get the whole feel of this CA thing. I love the finish of it's done by an experienced turner. I just can't seem to get the hang of it myself. I've tried multiple coats of wipe on poly with so-so results. I'm at my wits end. I try to use good kits and I have ample access to nice timber. It's my finish that's killing me.

I will keep trying. I don't give up easily.

If you're running it flat out (something like 2500 to 3300rpm) the momentum would would fling the CA off and as it cures it forms the stalagmites, but as you said it happens after you've turn the lathe off.

Maybe the stalagmites are forming whilst the lathe is running but you can't really see them as they are clear and as they dry it turns white due to the moisture in the air surrounding it? Maybe it has something to due with the inertia from the force of the pieces spinning at top speed. I find that if I am applying anything that is liquidly at a high rpm it tends to be worse as the high rpm causes runs or is flinging it off.

Try using a plexiglass finish. The gloss is great and the advantage is that it dries instantly. PM me if you want to get pointed in the right direction.
Dale

Sounds like a good excuse to get some Rustins plastic finish. Like DJ, I run my lathe at around 300rpm when applying the CA (same speed for dry sanding).

Corbs

I have watched DJ apply CA as a finish and he sprays with something between coats

- Help DJ what is that spray you use -

I agreee with DJ the speed is too high and possibily the amount of coats used gives too much excess and when the moisture in the air hits it when it stops it turns white.

I think that is the logical explanation.

Hot Shot QA-6 NCF Quick Accelerator

Originally Posted by DJ's Timber

Hot Shot QA-6 NCF Quick Accelerator

Thanks DJ i knew i could count on you.

Not meaning to highjack this thread but has anyone ever done a step by step post on applying several coats of CA to a pen?

Just a thought.

Maybe this is a good opportunity for me to do a video on how I do it, I only use thin CA, paper towel, accelerator, Mirco Mesh and Rustin's Burnishing Cream and this is the finish I get. Bit hard to get a good shot especially when the batteries in the camera are dying .
Attachment 70155 Attachment 70156 This one had 15 to 20 coats from memory.

I'll see if I can borrow a video camera and do a tutorial.

Went looking my self and found this link.

It is not the same as i saw DJ do but it might help. DJ i think your method appeared straight forward and fairly easy so a video would be ideal. BTW another great looking pen.

Thanks, guys. From what you all are saying, my lathe speed is certainly one of my problems. I will start over and cut my speed back today. I think a tutorial from DJ would be very nice.

This whole finish thing is really starting to bug me. It serves to remind me of how much I still have to learn. Who knows, if I manage to get this CA finish mastered, perhaps there is hope I can some day learn to use my skew?

Originally Posted by ciscokid

perhaps there is hope I can some day learn to use my skew?

[shudder]