Woodworker's Journal 1984-8-4, страница 4
Shoptalk About a year ago I received a review copy of a soft-cover book entitled Silky, Sensuous Wood Finishing by Joe P. Thomas. Mr. Thomas also sent a couple of samples of cherry and walnut which had been beautifully finished with his methods. I skimmed through the book and must admit that I wasn't particularly impressed by either the contents or format at that time. The basic premise of the book is quite simple: in order to achieve a superior finish, you must sand the wood thoroughly, using the proper grit sandpapers. Good advice? Sure, but what about the experts who claim that sandpaper obscures fine grain details and nothing exceeds the grain clarity of wood that has been worked over with a well-sharpened scraper blade? I must confess to an inclination to use a scraper for final surface preparation on certain projects, particularly boxes with highly figured veneers. This in spite of the fact that one pass with an improperly sharpened scraper can result in hideous damage. We covered the scraper in a Beginning Woodworker column in the July/August '82 issue and recommended it for removing machining marks such as router burns and jointer ripples, prior to sanding. 1 still think the scraper is great for that purpose; it saves a lot of sanding. But I must concede that it is not a particularly popular tool as it is a bit fussy to sharpen and requires more physical effort than a power finishing sander. Since Mr. Thomas' book appeared, we have been receiving occasional letters praising it, so I re-read the book carefully and came to the conclusion that if Mr. Thomas' advice is followed, a superior finish on new work will be practically guaranteed. There are no startling revelations in the book; just straight-forward information on how to achieve a glass-like surface by sanding with increasingly finer grits. However, the technique includes raising the grain between sandings and finishing off with 600 grit paper. Mr. Thomas is quite specific in his recommendations for stain and surface finishes that are both easy to apply and produce excellent results. His surface preparation methods are also the key to a fine finish for any penetrating oil or surface finish such as varnish. The book reflects a perfectionist's approach to finishing without getting bogged down in details that would be of more interest to a chemist. I think it's a worthwhile addition to any woodworker's library. Silky, Sensuous Wood Finishing ($13.00 61 pages) is available from Wood Finishing, P.O. Drawer 1158D, Lilburn, Georgia 30247. I'm very pleased to announce the addition of three people to our staff. Roger E. Schroeder, who has been a frequent contributor is now a contributing editor. Besides writing magazine articles, Roger has also authored or co-authored three books: Woodcarving Illustrated. How to Carve Wildfowl and Timber Frame Construction. David Peters has joined us as an editorial assistant. David is both a writer and woodworker, and in addition to magazine work, has authored a home repair newspaper column for the past three years. Jane Pratt is our versatile editorial secretary. Having three years experience with a printing firm, she comes to us with knowledge of typesetting, layout and design. Jim Mc Qui Ilan PILLAR 8t SCROLL CLOCK KIT The complete clock kit of one of America's most desired and loved clocks. An authentic reproduction of the Pillar and Scroll mantel clock popularized by such famous clockmakers as Eli Terry and Seth Thomas. The 30 inch x 18Va inch x 5Vi inch case has a solid cherry frame and door with veneer back. d The kit includes antique brass finished finials, black figured Roman dial with antique background and gilt corner decorations, beautiful 7 color Mount Vernon lower glass panel with gold leaf border and center and a 14 day West German movement which strikes the hour and half hour. Also pendulum ball, gong, gong base and Terry style hands. Upper door glass is not furnished. The case is partially assembled and ready for final sanding and staining. FL21-8242.........................SI 50.00 (F.O.B. GREENSBORO, N.C.) S. LaRose, Inc. 234 Commerce Place, Greens&oro, N.C. 27420, U.S.A. Phone: (919)275-0462 Compact, Reacty-to-Rui 12 X 4 FREE LITERATURE The best investment for your shop with these built in values: • PARKS "Full Power" drive • Steel Feed Rollers and motor permits full 18" deep Bed Rollers cut on the widest boards . Ba,| a^^g cutterhead • Cast Iron Construction , Microblade Adjustment • And Much More... Send for the latest catalog and price information. uioooujORKins macHine co 1501 Knowlton Street Cincinnati. Ohio 45223 Dept. WJ Manufacturing quality woodworking machinery since 1S87 |
