ISSUE ARCHIVES

NOV/ DEC 2001
Volume 44 /  Issue 6

IN THIS ISSUE
Project Articles
• Rocking Horse
• Child's Chalkboard
• Wine Rack and Desktop Bookshelf

DEPARTMENTS
• Ask Smitty
• Owner’s Gallery
• Letters from Owners
 
Academy Notes
Finishing Touches - Pt.2 Applying an Oil Finish
 
Service Pointers
MARK V (Worktable & Carriage) Troubleshooting
 
Safety Tips
Using Extension Cords

What's New
Pro-Fence System Router Table

EDUCATION
• Find A Shopsmith Woodworking Academy Near You
• National Woodworking Academy in Dayton, OH

ONLINE CATALOGS
• Online Accessory Catalog
• Request Printed Accessory Catalog
• Online Replacement Parts Catalog

MARK V INFORMATION
• Find A Shopsmith
MARK V Demo Near You
• Request MARK V Information Package

LINKS
• Links Worth Visiting
• Free Woodworking Tips

FEEDBACK
Contacting Shopsmith

Copyright 2001.
Shopsmith, Inc.
All Rights Reserved

From the Shopsmith
Woodworking Academy
Finishing Touches --
PART TWO -- Applying an Oil Finish

Danish Oil
Danish Oil is a much more recent invention that eliminates much of the work that was once required to apply an oil finish. Made from a blend of super-penetrating oils and resins, its application requires no pre-heating. It's ideal for a fast, general purpose finish and will finish your project in a single application, saving you lots of time and rubbing.

Prior to application, the surface of your project should be sanded down with very fine (220-grit) or finer garnet sandpaper. Then, wipe the Danish Oil on liberally, flooding the surface. Keep the surface wet with oil for 15-30 minutes while the oil penetrates. While the surface is still wet, scuff sand it with extra-fine (240-grit or finer) wet/dry silicon carbide paper, keeping the paper wet with oil as you do so.

Remove the surplus oil by wiping across the grain with a clean cloth...then again, with the grain. This will force a sawdust-and-oil mixture into the pores of the wood, acting as a filler and creating a super-smooth, ultra-soft surface. Allow the surface to dry overnight, then wipe again with a lightly oiled rag and buff it out.

Tung Oil
Tung Oil is a natural oil that comes from the nut of the Tung tree. It is perhaps the most versatile of all oil finishes. Like all penetrating finishes, it soaks into the wood readily, but successive coats will build up to a varnish-like sheen and depth. The resulting finish is extremely durable and will resist both water and alcohol. Its ability to preserve wood is legendary. In fact, it's said that Tung Oil was used to seal The Great Wall of China against decay.

Apply Tung Oil liberally and allow it to soak into the wood's surface for a few minutes, then wipe off the excess with an oil-dampened rag. Rub the project lightly with 4/0 steel wool to ensure a smooth finish. Allow to dry for one hour between coats, longer if it's humid. Two coats will adequately protect a project, but three will be longer-lasting.

Tung Oil may also be mixed with varnish to achieve a deeper sheen. Your first coat should by four parts of Tung Oil to one part of varnish. The second and third coats should be mixed half-and-half. Allow 2-4 hours of drying time between coats of these blends.

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