Burnishing / polishing elm burr

[OldWood]

I've just completed an elm burr bowl and have been seeking guidance on finishing. Mark Baker's book "Woodturning Projects" does a number of burr objects which he uses oils to finish and then burnishes with something I'd not heard of - 'EEE-Ultrashine'.

I see that Toolpost stock this - comes from Austalia. Is it worthwhile investing in some or are other burnishing products just as good ?

Rob

 

[Paul Hannaby]

I would be cautious of using any burnishing creams or pastes on a burr bowl if it has any voids or fissures because the stuff will get into places where you can't wipe it off and will dry, leaving white marks. If your burr is smooth all over then there shouldn't be a problem!
I usually resort to buffing wheels rather than burnishing but for burnishing on plastics, T-cut is good stuff. I can't say I've ever tried it on wood though. If you have some, give it a try on a scrap piece.

 

[CHJ]

I think you will find the EEE--- refers to Tripoli abrasive.

If you are talking about the rough un machined burr, I find using cellulose sealer followed by a domed bristle brush burnish in the lathe is enough for me, add a little microcrystalline wax if required which if spread thinly by the bristles does not build up in the cavities.

As far as machined Burr I treat it the same as any other turning I require a gloss finish on, normally sealer and buffed though the tripoli, white diamond and wax.

Although a Dark Elm does look good Oiled, but make sure you allow any oil to cure well before buffing else you just strip any surface skin off.

 

[jumps]

...., T-cut is good stuff. I can't say I've ever tried it on wood though. If you have some, give it a try on a scrap piece.

T-cut over sanding sealer works as a step to a deep gloss finish - from memory Terry Smart includes it's use in his finishing demos.

 

[Terry Smart]

I use our Burnishing Cream (of course). T-Cut works but can be a bit too agressive and cut through the sealer/polish/lacquer/oil. Burnishing Cream is safe on all of them.
It's good for polishing acrylics, Corian and other stuff too.

 

[jumps]

I use our Burnishing Cream (of course). T-Cut works but can be a bit too agressive and cut through the sealer/polish/lacquer/oil. Burnishing Cream is safe on all of them.
It's good for polishing acrylics, Corian and other stuff too.

damm - I knew you had mentioned it, but forgot the full context #-o

 

[duncanh]

What's the best way to use burnishing cream? Apply and rub by hand or apply, put a buffing wheel to it, apply whilst the item is stationary on the lathe and the rub whilst lathe is on?

 

[hughie]

I see that Toolpost stock this - comes from Austalia. Is it worthwhile investing in some or are other burnishing products just as good ?

EEE Ultrashine is a good product, I use it on a regular basis. However on Burrs if they have many voids or resin veins it can be more of hassle
This one I used a buff with EEE and it took some time to remove the build up in the voids etc
eucalyptus-burl-bowl-t57389.html

The image of the CL bowl I used EEE exclusively to polish the surface and much of the shine you see is the result of EEE as a base for the ***

 

[Neil Farrer]

I'll support that one - EEE Ultrashine is a great product. Expensive mind you but good. The Aussies use it as an all in one, cleaner, sealer and polish. I use it alot on pens, and after sanding with the grain use a very small amount rubbed in with the grain as a cleaner, the c**p that you get on the blue paper is amazing. After I've done that I put a bit more on and spin the lathe and it comes up a very smooth but not brilliant shine, which is a great base for the Shellawax finish, out of the same stable as the EEE. Heres one I finished that way. Don't like the kit too much mind you, its an Orion from woodturningz. The wood is logwood.

 

[OldWood]

Thanks for all your comments guys.

Can I ask the question then as to whether one can achieve a passable shine on elm burr which does have significant voiding, or do I have to accept that the finish from say Danish oil is all that can be achieved ? I suppose this is where I was originally coming from.

Cheers
Rob

 

[CHJ]

....Can I ask the question then as to whether one can achieve a passable shine on elm burr which does have significant voiding, or do I have to accept that the finish from say Danish oil is all that can be achieved ? I suppose this is where I was originally coming from.

Cheers
Rob

Yes you can, this was waxed finished and is still holding up 4 yrs on.
<<<< linky Pic.

 

[jimi43]

I agree about not using polishing finishes on burr elm...the pockets will fill up.

I really like the EEE Ultrashine though...after using micromesh it gives a really subtle polish to the wood...

...without overdoing it.

Jim