Thread: Figured Myrtle nice pen.. but

I did a rose myrtle a couple of days ago ! after sanding I used some ,wood alchohol to dry the surface , then did my usual "glow" finish. came up nice and shiny ,but not like CA or poly, I have yet to venture down those paths.I think because the "glow" is a friction polish and depends on the heat to make it bond it does deal well with some of the more difficult woods, sometimes can only get a satin finish ,no matter what ! but no complaints about finish from any of my customers or "gifts" hehe.Unfortunately the pen was sold before I could get a photo to show

Thanks for that. I don't feel quite so bad about it now.

John I think the oil maybe your problem but I have lots of myrtle and have not had that problem with the WOP. The last backwood one was done in the rainy weather so I don't think its the weather.

Just my thoughts but I think the pen would be little better if it was slight less pregnant. We all try to get fatter pens when we make slimlines but in truth they are slimlines and as such have lots of people who prefer them to be slender.

Try some shellawax glow on the pen and then try the WOP, the glow seems to seal and lift the grain, I do thins with all oily timbers now.

Thanks Sam, I agree with you about the pregnant looking pen but I made this one for a friend who has arthritis and was asked to do it fat so she could grip it easily. Will try will try what you suggest.

John, don't worry about what Sam said about your beautiful pen, I love them that way!!!,I hate those skinny straight out slims!!!, BUT, that is only a personal preference, many make beautiful straight out slims, I try and give them a little shapeliness!, Sorry Sam, not picking on you( and I know you know that) (I hope!) Amos

Poly is actually a plastic suspended in a solvent...when the solvent flashes away, or "drys" the plastic should be hard no matter what it is applied to...
Even water based poly should harden, although in damp weather and mild temps it takes longer, because the water base has to evaporate.
Check the age of the poly...and as was suggested, next time wipe the pen down with a solvent just before applying...lacqure thinner or accatone will flash off quickly, and clean the oil off the surface well.
Dont use paint thinner or mineral spirits...they will leave a thin oil residue instead of removing oil.

I get accused of making pudgy pens too...but if thats what the customer wants...then thats what the customer gets.

The problem with most slimlines, in my opinion, is that they are so slender it's hard to show off a highly figured piece of timber.

Agree with Sam And Cisco, John.
Glad to see you are prepared to experiment an dtalk things over.

John, Figured Myrtle is a hard timber to finish at the best of times and we all have had our moments with a certain piece of timber. The design is not my favourite style for the slimline, but as you said it was for a customer and you make to that specifc order. As Sam said, oil plays a big part in a lot of finishes not going on the way they should, even using CA. I have to agree with Sam about the slims Amos, lol. I do agree though, highly figured timber can sometimes lose it's effect on the slimline, but if you are selective you can make some statements with what I call pure timbers, straight grain with colour, eg. Purple Heart, Osage Orange, African Blackwood and Huon Pine. Also burls can be another option to enhance those skinny slims And I know Amos will smile at this point. Just a few examples of what I am trying to say.

Tend to agree with the guys on the shape bit too pregnant or as they call it the wasp shape.

If you want a bit larger slimline then use the Pen 1F as this has a larger centre band and gives you a more pleasant shape. And is easier for the arthritic people as their hand does not slip towards the centre ring.

As to the finish as indicated it is probably the peice of wood as some timbers tend to matt of quickly with some finishes. May be better to try a different finish.

Ok , John don't worry about that lot ganging up on me, look at Darren's beautiful slimline, imagine how much more beautiful if it wasn't so straight laced boring! you know what I mean, a more shapely shape! a bit of meat to it!, Amos

Or start making your own wider centrebands!

(I know you can buy 'em wider, but where's the fun in that?)

Originally Posted by Skew ChiDAMN!!

Or start making your own wider centrebands!

(I know you can buy 'em wider, but where's the fun in that?)

Do you mean "wider" or larger "dia"

Pregenant

John I agree with woodnick slimlines is to say the least look anorexic while yours has me wondering what you where think of at the time a shapley figure with curves .