Re: [CAD_CAM_EDM_DRO] Need advice on wood finishing

David Goodfellow wrote:

> 1. What stain would you recommend?

Any good brand oil based stain. Harder to clean up after but less likely to get
blotchy. Your wood choice doesn't "blotch" much anyhow. use a rag to put it on,
then throw it away somewhere safe (spontaneous issues and all)

>
> 2. What about sanding? Before or after staining, or both?

I'd do both before and after. Sand as smooth as possible the first time, working
right down to 320 or so. When you stain it the first time it will raise the
"grain" and possibly get a little rough again. If you want it really smooth you
may want to pick up a Grain Filler..... This fills all those little pours.
Anyhow, just sand it after the first stain coat is dry with 320 again, then
stain again.

>
> 3. What about final finish? I was thinking of a clear poly-whatchmacallit
> for a hard, glossy finish.

your "on to this" stuff now. Any good urethane clear is up to the task. You
choose if Gloss, Semi-Gloss or satin is your fancy. Gloss will show more of your
screwups if there are any ! If your rather lazy... Go ahead, buy the spray can
stuff !! After it drys, you can lightly sand it, even wet sand it (don't hold it
under water! --- just get some 600 or 1000 grit wet, then sand) and then
re-coat.

One thing you will have to watch for when wet sanding is not to fill up all your
little holes or the pocket for the pins !

>
> 4. Anyone have a procedure for this? I haven't much time -- only to the
> end of the month -- so I need to get it right the first time.

Not too much to it unless your looking for a full blown super straight "Glassy
Mirror" Concept. This takes a bit more work and involves enough Clear Polyester
Resin to get straight, then Automotive grade Clear urethane, a wet sanding and a
good buff job with wool bonnet and then Foam Pad. Nothing 4 trips into the spray
booth can't handle !

if you don't want that, I think you have a pretty good idea now........

>
>
> Would sure appreciate a response from someone knowledgeable with
> woodworking. I'll be putting this message on a couple of other lists as
> well.
>

Grade Me, tell me how I did. Ok ???
Let us know how it worked out.

Chris L