Replies

1. 
   oatman | Jan 11, 2009 05:56pm | #1

   The formula you seek is as follows:

   "1 part beeswax to 4 parts mineral oil and microwave it to a liquid. Then after it cools it's like shoe polish. Just smear it on, then buff it lightly. I like it because some of my segmented bowls had light woods in them which looked "tacky" when I used Walnut oil on them. This wax brings out all the richness of the wood without darkening it in any way. And it's safe for food." This is from a turner at the Wood Central forum, Jim Pugh. 

   I have personally not used this, but it sounds promising. This will not give a high gloss finish. Most of the time for small turnings I use Mylands Friction Polish and/or Renaissance Wax.

   Dennis

1. 
   Biscardi | Jan 12, 2009 06:07am | #2

   For purely ornamental stuff that wont get wet- try shellac.

   Frank

1. 
   SuttonHoo | Jan 13, 2009 03:09am | #3

   The finish I use for virtually all of my turnings is to rub BLO (boiled linseed oil) on to the piece and let it soak in. I'll do this a few times until the wood seems saturated. Then I put the lathe in reverse and turn it on. I hold the piece between 2 folded paper towels (or shirts or old towels) until it gets so hot I can't hold it any more. This dries the oil and darkens the finish so don't do this if you want a blondish finish.This is followed with a similar technique using dewaxed SealCoat. This time the SealCoat is applies sparingly and frictioned the same way. You can leave the piece at this point or keep adding shellac to your taste.This is done on the inside and outside at the same time.BLO and SealCoat are available at all the box stores or any hardware store.Hope this helps,
   Burt