Replies

1. 
   DougF | Apr 13, 2005 10:38pm | #1

   KS,

   Like everything in woodworking , it depends on what you are finishing and how you are applying the finish.  I'm assuming by your question you are not referring to wood preparation but applying the under and top coats.  I use a 2' x 5' low assemble platform on casters to sub as a moveable table for finishing/spraying large pieces.  I have the option of always keeping the piece in the best light by rotating the platform.  During assemble, I keep  a carpet remnant on it to avoid damaging the wood and during finishing I drape the platform with a painters cloth. 

   For general finishing of small pieces that are not sprayed, I usually finishing them on the workbench and then transfer them to the garage for drying.  If you are only using the bench to apply the finish coats in the garage, I would suggest an inexpensive folding table.  For spraying smaller pieces I have a 2' sq. top on an old IV stand with casters.  It is adjustable for height.  I use a variety racks and hangers to hold the parts while they dry.  I suspect that I am not alone when I say that I never try to finish both sides of a panel at the same time.  The reasons are obvious: there is less danger of runs and sags on a horizontal surface; the edges are easier to finish; it is easier to handle while it is drying; rubbing-out between top coats will not disturb the not yet fully cured top coats on the other side and, perhaps more importantly, you are likely to do a better job if you are in less of a hurry.   

   Doug

   
   

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   Edited 4/13/2005 3:39 pm ET by Doug

1. 
   KS | Apr 15, 2005 05:47am | #3

   Thanks Doug,
   Bought a cheap folding table yesterday. That should do it for now. I am finishing a cherry drawing table with attached bench for my 2 year old. Sam Maloof Poly/Oil from rockler. Then I need to finish a full size cherry desk.
   It took me a while to make these two pieces, all mortise and tenon joints. No screws and nails. These are the first two pieces of furniture I have made. I am finiding finishing a bit intimidating. Hopefuly it will get better, or I will post more questions.
   Kamal

2. 
   81treehouse | Apr 14, 2005 07:06am | #2

   Paint, varnish, shellac, stain, poly, tung oil, etc?

   Small, medium, or large pieces?

   Need more info for getting help.

   Welcome.

    

    

   A bad day woodworking is better than a good day working -- yes, I'm retired!
3. 
   frenchy | Apr 15, 2005 11:31pm | #4

   KS

    I too am intimitdate by finishing. I used to use tung oil that I wiped on, but it never seemed too durable plus after a few years it dried out and looked unfinished.. I then sprayed polyurethane and what a disaster than was!  Overspray on everything,  clouds and clouds of over spray plus I seemed to know how to make runs and skip portions of things but never when I looked at them only after they dried..

     Brush marks were the norm for me for awhile too, I bought expensive brushes and then failed to clean them properly (still managed to define the word brush mark nicely though.

     A week or so a go I found my salvation!

     shellac!

             I use a cheap touch up HVLP spray gun and crank the air pressure down to under 40 pounds on the the compressor  bleed the air out of the line and spray..  calmy and smoothly with never a run or overspray!

     sit back and wait 45 minutes, give a lite sanding to knock off any fuzz or whatever and then give them another coat or two.. (keep a wet edge it dries fast!) 

     what used to take days and cause all sorts of grief is now a breeze!

      I love them little lac bugs from India!  

1. 
   KS | Apr 17, 2005 05:24am | #5

   Today I put on the second coat of finish on the cherry drawing table.
   Sam Maloof Poly/Oil from Rockler. It looks good. I did not use any dye or stain. Wood grain looks gorgeous. It was easy to apply the finish with a soft rag. I will put on one more coat.I will try shellac on the next piece.