First Woodworking Attempt - Advice Please

[Si Stevenson]

I recently came across some milled timber, so I decided to turn my hand to some woodwork. Below is my first attempt at a coffee table. Its a little "rough and ready" or Rustic!

 

I need some advice on finishing it, please:

 

1. What do you apply to treat it - ensure there are no nasties crawling around in it!

 

2. Sanding - is there a set way to work the grades to get a good finish?

 

3. Stain or danish oil - or some thing else?

 

4. Wax or varnish?

 

5. Lastly, can I leave the bark on or am I best to strip it off?

 

Sorry for all the questions and thanks in advance for any advice!

[Baggy]

Hiya

 

 

1. What do you apply to treat it - ensure there are no nasties crawling around in it!

You could use clear creosote which protects but does not change the colour

 

 

5. Lastly, can I leave the bark on or am I best to strip it off?

I would take the bark off

[Si Stevenson]

Cheers Baggy - I am assuming that the clear creosote doesn't smell like the stuff you would use on a fence!?

 

Wouldn't go down to well in the house!

[Baggy]

Cheers Baggy - I am assuming that the clear creosote doesn't smell like the stuff you would use on a fence!?

Wouldn't go down to well in the house!

 

Sorry I am being dim, indoors I would just wax it and then keep an eye out for bugs. The creosote smells at first but the smell fades quickly, but it does use a pesticide for bug killing so it is probably overkill for use in the house.

 

Sanding, it depends how rough it is but I would start around 80grit then 120, 180, 240 if that is not smooth enough 320 then 400.

 

I have just sanded a rough lump of oak starting with 80grit on an angle grinder!

[Si Stevenson]

Cheers Baggy,

 

I will hit it with the sander and try some wax afterwards!

[Ian Leach]

I would sand it , take off bark as it will fall off anyway then wax or oil. Wax might be more expensive as you will use more of it, but both will give very good results. The key is in the sanding.

Or a clear based lacquer and spray it on, but I haven't done much so can't comment on which lacquer it best to use.

 

Sent from my HTC One X using Tapatalk 2

[Si Stevenson]

Cheers Ian.

 

I am assuming that the oil is just brush/wipe on. But what about the wax? How is it applied? does it need buffed?

[delabodge]

hi mate, sanding is key, depending on your milling finnish, dont jump too many grits,as each one, eradicates the marks from the previous, I usually sand up too 400 grit, then apply a cuprinol woodworm killer, this serves two purposes, a/ obviously kills and prevents nasties b/ raises the grain,,,too many people sand too a lovely finnish then oil,varnish, ths raises the grain and doesnt give the ultimate finnish,, if you dont need to cuprinol it, you`ll get the same effect rubbing it over with a wet rag, i tend to dictate what finnish I finnally give it depending on its use! coffee table would be oil finnish, picnic table , yatch varnish/linseed oil/white spirit,,,,,mix etc,,,,

I`m forunate to have a 24 inch planer so now cut out endless sanding,,,,good luck,,,,

[agg221]

Oil will soak in more and give a darker, richer colour. Wax will give less colour change if you use a clear/neutral one. If you use an oil, tung oil is easier as it cures faster but boiled linseed is pretty good if you don't mind waiting a few days for it to dry. Oil is usually wipe on a heavy dose, let it soak in for a bit, then wipe off any excess if it ponds.

 

Personally, I would apply a dose of something insecticidal first as holes emerging after finishing annoy me. One of the permethrin-based emulsions would be suitable (if they haven't been banned since I last bought some!) - try Sovereign Chemicals for recommendations. Actually, just had a look on their site and one of their products is still permethrin based but there are a range of others so I'd ring them - very helpful people and don't mind dealing with 'the public'! The insecticide will be buried under the finish so you won't be exposed to it, but it's best to put it on after final finishing and if you get any grain raising when wet, rub off the nibs outside, using a mask, to avoid inhaling it in dust form.

 

Alec

[Monikieman]

Anyone using/recommending sanding sealer?

 

I would go for sanding sealer then oil. This could be topped up with beeswax polish once the oil settles.

 

Have seen the beeswax finished with a buff on a drill and it comes up very well.

 

A little natural/pure soap in the polish mix helps nd makes a more creamy polish and makes it go a little further.