Good Build

From FWW #245 (January/February 2015)

By Mark Schofield
Street price/qt.: $20
Coats needed – wiping: 3
Coats needed – brushing: 4
Surface quality – wiping: Very good
Surface quality – brushing: Very good
Shimmer/depth*: Excellent
Figure**: Excellent
Scratch test: Good
Comments: Good build and great looks but more dust nibs than others, perhaps due to longer drying time.

*Tested on cherry
**Tested on curly maple

From FWW #178 (July/August 2005)

By Chris A. Minick
The author tested 15 wipe-on finishes, including a water-based finish and both tung-oil and linseed-oil-based finishes. Pure boiled linseed oil and Minwax Fast-Drying Polyurethane, a brushing finish, were added for comparison. All the finishes were tested on pieces of red-oak plywood cut from the same sheet. Watco Wipe-On Poly Finish dried in four hours to a very light, satin sheen and offered good water resistance.

Fine Woodworking Recommended Products

Foam Brushes

Foam brushes are great for applying a variety of stains and finishes, and the 2" wide brush is the most versatile. Comes in a pack of 48.

Buy at Amazon

Veritas Wheel Marking Gauge

A wheel-type gauge is the easiest to use, and this wonderful Veritas model is a steal at $38.

Buy at Lee Valley

Double Sided Tape

A thin woven core makes XFasten tape strong yet not too thick (0.008 in.), and helps it hold powerfully without being difficult to peel off.

Buy at Amazon