From our Woodworking Academy - Finishing Touches



		*ISSUE ARCHIVES*

	*SEPT/ OCT 2001* Volume 44 / Issue 5 IN THIS ISSUE Project Articles • Colonial Dry Sink • Hanging Wall Desk • Child's Pounding Bench and A Wooden Toy Top *DEPARTMENTS* • Ask Smitty • Owner’s Gallery • Letters from Owners Academy Notes Finishing Touches - Pt.1 Preparing the Surface Service Pointers Jointer Service Pointers Safety Tips Table Saw Safety What's New The 5-Foot Connector Tubes *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


	Academy Notes & Tips


	From the Shopsmith Woodworking Academy Finishing Touches -- PART ONE -- Preparing the Surface

Fixing Dents and Gouges

Oftentimes, when you're assembling a project, you may accidentally drop a tool or another project component on a surface, denting the wood. When this happens (and it WILL), dents can be repaired by simply covering the affected area with tiny pin pricks, then soaking it with hot water. This will soften the wood fibers and cause the compressed wood to swell back to level. In stubborn cases, cover the dampened area with aluminum foil and apply a hot electric iron.

If you chip or gouge the wood, don't do anything to repair it until after you've applied the first coat of stain or finish. At this time, you'll be in a better position to match the color of the patching material with the final color of your project. There are two types of material for filling gouges -- wood putty and burn-in sticks. Putty is the most commonly available. Choose a brand that suits you or make your own from sawdust and white glue. Work the putty into the damaged area with a knife, let it dry completely, then sand it smooth, being sure to remove all the excess from the surrounding undamaged areas, as any remaining putty could mar your final finish.

Although they're harder to come by than putty, many woodworkers prefer burn-in sticks because they set faster and adhere better. Start by selecting the proper colored stick for the job. Melt it into the damaged area with a burn-in knife. Press it into place, smoothing it as you go with light strokes. Once it's cooled completely, shave the material down carefully with a sharp chisel until it's level with your surface, then lightly sand.

As you work, take pains to keep the wood smooth, even and clean. The proper preparation of a surface isn't merely the first thing you do to finish your project; it's an operation that continues throughout the entire finishing process.

Coming up in the November/December issue -- PART TWO -- Applying an oil finish