Popular Woodworking 2002-12 № 131, страница 18

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Q&A

continued from page 16

If you're not using the Veritas jointer fence, are you skewing the plane body (10° to 15°) during the cut? Doing this will increase your accuracy. I'm not sure why, but it does. You still want to keep the entire length of the sole in contact with the edge, but skewed.

Most of all, just keep at it. Practice on wider face grain, too. It took me a while to get the hang of it. It's like riding a bicycle. You can't really describe how to balance on one, but if you do it enough you will get it. Everyone does.

— Christopher Schwarz, senior editor

German Mystery Finish is Likely a Tinted Wax

When my company sent me to Germany for a two-week training mission I discovered my Bavarian counterpart was also an enthusiastic woodworker. Touring his beautiful home and shop, I noticed most of his work had a satin natural finish to the wood. The type of finish and method of application he used was as unfamiliar as his native tongue.

The finish was a liquid called "wachs-beize," pronounced ("vox-bizuh") and is literally translated as "wax corrosion." It is applied with a soft paint brush, allowed to dry about six hours then buffed out with a special brush that resembled a shoe shine brush but with a slight difference. Interspersed with the bristles were pieces of leather about ¹/4" wide, Vk" thick and the same length as the bristles. The finish could be applied with one coat or several coats but only buffed after the final coat.

When I returned home I was unable to locate anything resembling this type of finish, so my friend has to keep me supplied from overseas. I would like to find out more about this type of finish because I like the natural luster it gives to the wood, but I am concerned with its durability.

John Hooper via the internet

After some research, I'm almost certain the finish material is simply a wax with stain mixed in. This would also explain the final buffing with the shoe-brush-type tool.

There could be more to it than this, but probably not. Assuming I'm correct, you really aren't getting much protection for your wood from a finish such as this. Wax by itself provides the least protection of all wood finishes. Briwax

18 Popular Woodworking December 2002

(800-527-4929) makes a sprayable tinted wax that should duplicate the German finish.

— Steve Shanesy, editor and publisher

Are Long Sleeves Unsafe in the Shop?

For some time, I have been an enthusiastic reader of your magazine. I have completed many of your fine projects and hope to continue this enjoyable activity. As a retired aerospace executive, I now have time to spend serious time on woodworking, which I love. I teach the Incra Jig and router techniques at Rockler's and have a number of apprentices in building fine furniture. Sorry about the boring personal information, but I need you to know that I am serious about safety, as I know you are.

Accordingly, I was astonished to note that on the cover of your August 2002 issue, your model is in a classically unsafe situation: namely with shirt sleeves half rolled up! Short sleeves are best; long sleeves buttoned are second-best. But half-rolled up? Never! The buttons can open and a sleeve becomes an accident waiting to happen. I never allow my students to follow this very unsafe practice. (It's curious to note that the man in the advertisement on the back cover is also making the identical mistake!) Are you unsafe cover to cover?

I know safety is vitally important to you and to all woodworkers. Please do not repeat this dangerous practice.

Ken Waltz via the internet

Thanks for your note and we're glad to hear you like the magazine. The rule I learned at Los Angeles Trade Technical College is actually, "No Long Sleeves Down," but rolled up is OK. The editor on the cover had his sleeves rolled up to just below the elbow. You are certainly correct that short sleeves are best.

The only real textbook I know of regarding woodworking is "Cabinetmakng and Millwork" by John Feirer. It says: "Wear tight-fitting clothes with sleeves buttoned. If it is not too inconvenient, roll up your sleeves. Tuck in your shirt and when necessary, wear a shop coat or apron." Some of these "sleeve questions" may have to do with those of us living in a cold climate.

Again, thanks for your comments. PW

— Steve Shanesy, editor and publisher