Gadget-UK
Graduate Member
Thanks for the tip Bill. I’ve been struggling with Palm and have tried stabilizing some but as yet unturned , I will report back later in yearTwo beautiful pens there. Well done.
I agree with Duncan about the timbers. African Blackwood is an oily timber & depending on your finish it sometimes pays to wipe it down with meths before applying your finish.
For Black Palm I start sanding at100 grit. I put a spot of ca on the abrasive & with the lathe running I wipe the abrasive along the blank from one end to the other to make sure the whole blank is covered with ca then sand the blank in the normal way going through the grits to 600 grit. This fills the open grain to a smooth finish so you can apply the finish of your choice. When you get to 240 grit if the grain is still open re-apply the ca on your abrasive & continue sanding.
I’ve always got a good finish as the ca & sanding dust mix & fill the grain nicely.