Majestic Pen (Box Elder)

Hey Cuz, glad to see you posted one up! Looking at the pics that’s got a heckuva shine on it, it’s a great looking pen IMO.

What finish are you using right now? There are a lot of methods and I’m sure the folks here will give you some great input.

-- Tim D. - Woodstock, GA

I’m with Tim. The shine looks pretty good from here. That’s a nice pen, especially for a beginner. If you tell us your finishing process, we might be able to help you out, though.

-- I may not know a lot, but at least I know that I don't know.?.?. I think. http://chathampenworks.com/

I sand to 650 grit than use shellawax woodturners’ friction polish.

Very nice pen. Nice job.

-- What happens in the workshop stays in the workshop. No wait that doesn't sound right. Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com †

Anthony, Friction polish very well may be your problem. At it’s best, i don’t think it’s shine matches that of a lacquer or CA finish. A friction polish won’t last either. Handling will remove the polish in short order. Have you ever done a CA finish?

-- I may not know a lot, but at least I know that I don't know.?.?. I think. http://chathampenworks.com/

That is a beautiful pen. I never realized how large the Majestic was until I saw one the other day. Your pen is one of the nicest. Great job for a “beginner”.

-- B. Corliss

Sef, I have never used a CA finish but after reading your post I ordered some and look forward to trying it.
I’m still learning so Thanks for the good info. I need all I can get.

anthony,
I just watched a video on CA finished….it was either on bing or google…..just typed in “pen turning” you should check it out.

-- Measuring twice and cutting once only works if you read the tape right!

Tony, do some searching here on LJ as well. The finish uses CA (super glue) and BLO (boiled linseed oil) to give a very nice finish. There are basics to doing the finish but you find many variations, it can be tricky to do so you might want to just turn some pieces round and try it on them first for practice.

Like Mojoe said, there are some great videos out there, too.

Now post up some more of your pens… and some of your clocks, too.

-- Tim D. - Woodstock, GA

Glad to help, Anthony. As has been mentioned, the CA finish can be tricky, and practicing on rounded blanks is a great idea. The results are well worth the effort, though. Check out the penturners.org library for some great videos and tips.

-- I may not know a lot, but at least I know that I don't know.?.?. I think. http://chathampenworks.com/