New finish??

[flexi]

Hi All,
As we are all searching for a quick and easy, hard wearing finish.... I have been trying a new one from Axminster....
It's a simple wipe on, leave to soak in/dry and your done.... No cutting back or lines in the finish..... I generally leave overnight to fully harden/dry before I assemble...

These were done with this, two coats...
Cheap small bottles last a fair few pens, also available in different shades

 

[alpha1]

Nice. I am not happy with Axminster at the moment I ordered two sets of the same bushings for a commission. The bushings turned up two different types one set I will never use I have never made the pen kit they are designed for. The second set is nothing like what I ordered. Not happy sorry for hijacking your thread.

 

[flexi]

I never said Axminster were any good please read my post about Click and Collect
I noticed in my local store that all the mature staff, that I trust and respect have all been replaced with spotty oiks fresh out of Uni after a gap year or two.....
Might just be me getting old and grumpy and they could have a wealth of product knowledge.... Yeah unlikely

 

[21William]

Apart from the main constituent, Linseed Oil, I’d love to know what’s in it that makes it so horrendously expensive.
I wish someone would have it chemically analysed and sell it at a lower price!

 

[Phil Dart]

Any update [MENTION=626]flexi[/MENTION]? Have you been using the letter openers? How does the finish hold up?

 

[flexi]

Hi Phil,
I have used this finish on pens too and it seems to be holding up okay so far.... After letting the pens dry fully I give a coat of microcrystalline wax just to buff.... I'm hoping someone else will give it a try too

 

[Penpal]

Thanks for the heads up mate.

 

[cookie21]

Hi Flexi,
I had a go with this stuff somewhat underwhelmed I must say

 

[flexi]

Hi mate, I what way don't you like it?

 

[cookie21]

It just looks so flat, no pop to the grain, I prefer my Danish oil a lot cheaper as well

 

[Crafted by ALM]

I've tried a couple of pens with Rubio Monocoat - a couple of thoughts...

Rubio Monocoat 2C should be used in two parts - part B is an 'accelerator' but also provides additional durability to the finish, such as a harder finish with more water repellence . However, with the small bottles of part A (20ml) they don't sell the accelerator in an equally small bottle, the smallest being 100ml I believe.
The minute amount required to finish a pen means it is not practical to combine the two parts. We aren't finishing a few square meters at a time, so we are stuck with just using part A as is.

Rubio also suggest that you should do routine maintenance (with a different product). Now its not particularly practical to do routine maintenance on a pen, even less so if that pen is no longer in your possession.

This all said, I like the finish, ease of application and it looks good. It is not super glossy like a CA finish, but more similar to the melamine lacquer. It retains the 'woody feel' that melamine does, unlike CA.

Overall, I will keep trying it and I am curious to see how long the finish will last without maintenance and the part B.

(New to the forum so no idea how to add photos!)

 

[flexi]

I have found good durability with this, but like melamine I let it cure for good results.

 

[Bill Mooney]

I never said Axminster were any good please read my post about Click and Collect
I noticed in my local store that all the mature staff, that I trust and respect have all been replaced with spotty oiks fresh out of Uni after a gap year or two.....
Might just be me getting old and grumpy and they could have a wealth of product knowledge.... Yeah unlikely

Hi Mark, we have Helen Bailey working at our local Axi store so we have a wealth of experience in Helen. She is in the world top rankings in woodturning.