What lies beneath ....Part two

[kirby999]

I got a new HW30 last Saturday , and as usual it had the HW dark factory stain ; except this time I could see a good bit of figure and curl hiding under that ugly dark brown stain. I had intended on refinishing the take off R7 stock I have to go on this new HW30, but wanting to see what could be done with this one, moved it up. I started by removing all the old finish with some 150 grit followed up with some 220 grit . I usually don't go much further  than that. I took pictures of how the stock looked before , after sanding , and then after wiping on some Early American Minwax stain to bring out the figure. Tomorrow, I'll start applying the Birchwood Casey Tru-oil .  I think this may be the best looking piece beech I've owned .  kirby Edit: The pictures don't really do it justice , the whole stock looks like a light show is going on inside it.

[Big_Bill]

Hey Kerby,

Very nice job, and beautiful wood to work with !

Bill

[DanoInTx]

Looks like you've got a fair bit of striping in that wood.  I bet if you sand it to a real fine grit prior to truoil you will see more figure come out.  I go from 220-320-400-800-1000 grits prior to finishing.  If you wipe it down with a towel slightly dampened with water, wait 5 minutes or so, it will raise the grain and sand out real smooth.  I usually do that right before the 400 grit.  That Cocobolo grip set you got from me was done that way and was pretty shiny and smooth prior to the oil finish I put on it.  I may see what I can do with this "Chinese Mystery Wood" I have on my B26, it needs stippling anyways, and maybe a knee riser:)

[Gene_SC]

Dang Dano, where do you find 800 and 1000 grit sand paper? I am lucky to find 600 around here. It is like gold.....:)

And your stock is looking great David.. Can I send you a few of mine?...:)

Gene

[Splash]

That's some fine lookin lumber David. I think you made the right choice by leaving that one on there.

Mike

[shadow]

WOW really nice stock, lovin the grain in it. Nice work. Ed

[nyairman]

That really reminds me of a custom flamed bass guitar I have but in maple wood . It looks great Dave. Can't wait to see it finished.

Greg

Gene_SC - 12/3/2007  9:27 PM



Dang Dano, where do you find 800 and 1000 grit sand paper? I am lucky to find 600 around here. It is like gold.....:)

Gene

Gene, a few of the auto parts places around here carry some of the finer grades of wet/dry paper abrasives in their auto paint supply area. Also, you can order it online from places like Grizzly, where I see they carry up to 2000 grit in SiO or AlO:

http://tinyurl.com/2wfr72

Hope that helps.

Bryan

[Gene_SC]

Thanks Bryan, I should of known..:)

Gene

[yel01z06]

gene you could also just  go to a local body shop they should be able to help you with your sand paper needs 3m also has a 3000 grit sand paper called trizact that is super super fine

[Gene_SC]

Thanks Trek, I am going today and do some shoping around in town..:)

Gene

[Splash]

Gene, not sure if yours does, but my local wally world has 600-2000grt. One of the local auto parts houses has up to 4000. If you can't find what your looking for I'll send you as much as you want.

Mike

[DanoInTx]

Sorry Gene, didn't notice this reply earlier.  BakonAir is right, I buy the real fine grit sand papers at Autozone...sometimes even Walmart has it in their tiny auto touch-up section, but it's sorta hit or miss.  When I find it I usually stock up on a little bit extra.  

Scothbrite pads can also be used for some light finishing work.  If you take a piece of Scotchbrite, set it of your cement garage floor and pound it very carefully with a ball peen hammer it really softens up and works good for fine sanding.  I know it sounds funny, but I use that stuff at work like that to polish out fine scratches in plastic....just beat the heck out of it with a hammer and it's soft but abrasive.  We do a lot of fine cosmetic repairs like that, then rub it out with a fingertip and some food grade silicone grease.........hehe, now I know I'm way too full of useless knowledge:)