I’m glad to see someone using the same products as me. I am new to turning pens and my finish has come out less than stellar with some bumps and ridges in it. I was beginning to think I need to use something else. But watching you I see I need to apply it differently. Thank you!
Very good video - I like how you say WHY you are doing something too, not just that you are doing something - that is very helpful and something most people seem to miss on. I am new to turning, having only done a couple pens and a couple bottle stoppers (literally, 2 of each) but it sure is fun! I already get the feeling that the proper finish is one of the things that really counts, and is also one of the 'black arts' that requires patience to master, so good videos like this are a huge help to beginners like me!
Gave this a try tonight and have to say that I'm impressed with the method. No micro meshing or sanding through grits. The triple EEE really does do a great job! Didn't have any abranet so used 800 wet and dry and it worked fine. Thanks for sharing and love reading your posts on the IAP too.
Tony C Cool. Even if you get one thing that helps you it's a good thing. That eee really is a good product. You can even use it on acrylics, although I don't usually use it as much for that purpose.
Many thanks for sharing your method which I tried yesterday to finish 3 slimline pens. I've tried CA finishes before without a great deal of success but this gave far better results with far less work. Triple E is not available in the UK so I used Chestnut Products Burnishing Cream which worked well.
I haven't tried the medium yet. I will do that, makes sense it would be a good hi build grain filler to compliment the water thin I use. Good video, nice job
Steve Carpenter thanks Steve. You certainly can do it with just thin. The medium just builds much faster. My methods seem to be always evolving but I do use medium regularly.
Great video. I have used the CA for quite a while and have had great results. It's been quite some time since I have turned pens due to a medical issue, but I think I'm up and at em again. You sure are calm a collected applying that CA. I have had a few issues with getting a few runs and having to sand it back down again. I guess it's all in the application . I see your spray can sprays in whatever direction it's wants at the moment :-) . Seriously though, great video, well presented and beautiful result. Ken...Marina CA
I'm very new at turning pens, and i've tried CA glue and the big lesson with that for me was wear gloves. :) Would you consider putting in the comments a list of all the supplies you've used?
Really great video, beautiful pen and an awesome shop!! This inspired me to try the CA finish and I just received my kit so I'm going to give it a shot this weekend. How are cleaning your blanks just after sanding and prior to the CA finish? I don't have EEE, does that mean I should MM up to 12000 prior to polish? Thank you sir!!
Thanks James! I don't use the eee before I apply CA. I use it to polish the ca afterwards. I only sand to 400 before applying ca - sometimes even 320. CA fills in any fine scratches left and I will that micromesh is just a waste of time before applying ca. Just keep in mind that it will likely take you a bit of practice before you get your method down. You'll adapt it to your liking as you go.
I really like your way looks great but With the limited amount of Ca how is the use like finger handing and like if leveling it in the car with heat thx
OK I THINK I am following your method. I agree on your method of simple and easy. I am having trouble getting the ca on smooth. Could it be the paper towles ?? I am using rolled scott shop towels. They do NOT seem smooth to me . Also, seems like the 800 grit is doing more harm than good. Tried the Light touch you show bit not working. Any suggestions on the whole deal ?? Any way to contact you for a quick visit ?? Thanks Denny
Great video Dan, in terms of durability do you know if the shine from this short and sweet method lasts as long as the customary method of micro mesh application? Also do you think the gloss produced here is as deep as the micro mesh application?
Tony C Thanks for the comment. As noted in the video, I wanted to show that you could get a good shine with just a few coats. Normally I use the same method but a couple more coats of medium, but it varies depending on what I'm trying to accomplish. In my opinion, the total depth of the gloss depends on how thick the total ca layers are. You can get a great glossy finish with just a few but if you want that look like a coating of glass you're looking through, you need more. As far as the polishing process, there are different processes to get to the end result. Experiment and find what you want. For me, the two polishing compounds I use take the place of the micro mesh. Just remember that you can't polish out big scratches with either method so get those taken care of - if you have any - first.
Is accelerator a must have or can I get the same results without it? Also I've had a problem with white spots on the darker blanks, any ideas why? Thank you great video.
I’m new to turning pens and new to CA finishing. The problem I’m having is that I get spiral ridges in the finish. How can I prevent that? Thanks and great video.
@@bbq2di4 Cool. Also small amount of ca. Try a couple coats of thin at the end too. Honestly, these days I use all thin. Takes more coats but goes on oh so smooth consistently. Remember, the smoother the ca before you start sanding, the fewer coats you need. If you have a rough finish, you end up sanding off several coats worth before you even polish.
This was asked about a year ago but never answered- Where did you get the end sanding mandrel? BTW enjoyed your video and plan to embrace your finishing technique
Thanks Ron. Sometimes when you use medium CA it leaves rougher finish / ridges that need to be sanded out. By putting a coat of thin over, it fills in much of the unevenness so that you can start with a higher grit when sanding / polishing. It's certainly not a necessary step, but one that I do regularly and find to be worthwhile.
Hi Jamie - the sanding mandrel is made by a guy named Rick Herell. He's got several tools he sells through the penturners site www.penturners.org. Abranet mesh is available at places like woodcraft and others online. I don't currently have a favorite source.
This looks similar, but I don't see how or where to get them either.www.penturners.org/threads/barrel-trimming-on-a-disc-sander-problems.41382/post-789089
Thanks Dan. I searched the sight in a number of different ways and with different spellings and came up blank. Do you have any other information on this gentleman, his website, product line or anything else that might help find him? JimE
Here is the actual link for you. The sanding mandrel is down toward the bottom of this product page. www.penturners.org/forum/f172/custom-made-penturning-tools-accessories-92501/
If it is going to be your personal pen by all means just go with the wood. If giving them away as gifts or selling chances are the recipient will want the look they received to last. I used friction polishes at first but in a short time you could see where your fingers are used to hold the pen. Some call that patina but can take away from its appearance. Some come back and ask what's wrong with my pen? I know CA feels like plastic but it is durable. People will take notice of a nicely finished pen. But to each their own. IMHO
"Frustrated with CA finish because it takes too much time"? It dries in seconds. WTF? BTW, as an experiment I put a CA finish on a scrap piece of wood with dollar store super glue and it worked. No accelerator.
The reason it takes too much time is a lot of turners use 6-10 coats, the more you do the longer the dry time. Once you have done all the coats you do a full micro mesh sanding, its not a fast process.
Painter's tape ? That ain't painter's tape ! That is what is known as a MAN-DAIDE....for MEN. I thought you cut yourself.....reeeal deep. Like a MAN ! Who needs a bandaid when you have a roll of green or blue MAN-DAIDES ? Black electrical MAN-DAIDES is available. Pro-wrestlers use it too.
thats one of the many problems with CA finish - CA is very hard if you drop your pen on almost any surface other than carpet it will crack. If you applied too much CA in wonky weather (too dry or too humid) it ill crack as it cures. If you did not get the first coats to seal well, when you wet sand the water gets under the CA and cracks or fogs it, if you spray too much accelerator it can cause cracks or fog
You made it look easy, so now I will try it. Stay tuned.
First time viewer. I have luck with just using medium CA. I ran out of thin one day and just had medium. Been doing it ever since. Nice video. Thanks
I’m glad to see someone using the same products as me. I am new to turning pens and my finish has come out less than stellar with some bumps and ridges in it. I was beginning to think I need to use something else. But watching you I see I need to apply it differently. Thank you!
This was very helpful with an often difficult and disappointing process more often than not for me. Ty
Very good video - I like how you say WHY you are doing something too, not just that you are doing something - that is very helpful and something most people seem to miss on. I am new to turning, having only done a couple pens and a couple bottle stoppers (literally, 2 of each) but it sure is fun! I already get the feeling that the proper finish is one of the things that really counts, and is also one of the 'black arts' that requires patience to master, so good videos like this are a huge help to beginners like me!
Gave this a try tonight and have to say that I'm impressed with the method. No micro meshing or sanding through grits. The triple EEE really does do a great job! Didn't have any abranet so used 800 wet and dry and it worked fine. Thanks for sharing and love reading your posts on the IAP too.
Tony C Cool. Even if you get one thing that helps you it's a good thing. That eee really is a good product. You can even use it on acrylics, although I don't usually use it as much for that purpose.
Many thanks for sharing your method which I tried yesterday to finish 3 slimline pens. I've tried CA finishes before without a great deal of success but this gave far better results with far less work. Triple E is not available in the UK so I used Chestnut Products Burnishing Cream which worked well.
Well done. Appreciate your taking time to share your expertise with us.
Thank you Dan. Short and sweet with great content.
I haven't tried the medium yet. I will do that, makes sense it would be a good hi build grain filler to compliment the water thin I use. Good video, nice job
Steve Carpenter thanks Steve. You certainly can do it with just thin. The medium just builds much faster. My methods seem to be always evolving but I do use medium regularly.
Great video. I have used the CA for quite a while and have had great results. It's been quite some time since I have turned pens due to a medical issue, but I think I'm up and at em again. You sure are calm a collected applying that CA. I have had a few issues with getting a few runs and having to sand it back down again. I guess it's all in the application . I see your spray can sprays in whatever direction it's wants at the moment :-) . Seriously though, great video, well presented and beautiful result. Ken...Marina CA
Thanks Kenneth! Yeah definitely get back it the game when you can. :-)
I'm very new at turning pens, and i've tried CA glue and the big lesson with that for me was wear gloves. :) Would you consider putting in the comments a list of all the supplies you've used?
high quality camera quality. Video super sharp.
Love the finish.
CA finish looks really good but can you also apply laser engraving on pens with CA finish?
I use a Zebra Z grip pen to make turned pens, Have you tried this method?
I'm new to the hobby. please tell me what wood was used in the video. thank you!
Really great video, beautiful pen and an awesome shop!! This inspired me to try the CA finish and I just received my kit so I'm going to give it a shot this weekend. How are cleaning your blanks just after sanding and prior to the CA finish? I don't have EEE, does that mean I should MM up to 12000 prior to polish? Thank you sir!!
Thanks James! I don't use the eee before I apply CA. I use it to polish the ca afterwards. I only sand to 400 before applying ca - sometimes even 320. CA fills in any fine scratches left and I will that micromesh is just a waste of time before applying ca. Just keep in mind that it will likely take you a bit of practice before you get your method down. You'll adapt it to your liking as you go.
Liked the sanding mandrel. As Steve below asked, where did you get the sanding mandrel?
I really like your way looks great but With the limited amount of Ca how is the use like finger handing and like if leveling it in the car with heat thx
Great video, to what grid did you sand it before you applied the CA
OK I THINK I am following your method. I agree on your method of simple and easy. I am having trouble getting the ca on smooth. Could it be the paper towles ?? I am using rolled scott shop towels. They do NOT seem smooth to me . Also, seems like the 800 grit is doing more harm than good. Tried the Light touch you show bit not working. Any suggestions on the whole deal ?? Any way to contact you for a quick visit ?? Thanks Denny
were do you buy the sanding mandrill ? Its hard too use this indoors . hard on the eyes
Great video Dan, in terms of durability do you know if the shine from this short and sweet method lasts as long as the customary method of micro mesh application? Also do you think the gloss produced here is as deep as the micro mesh application?
Tony C Thanks for the comment. As noted in the video, I wanted to show that you could get a good shine with just a few coats. Normally I use the same method but a couple more coats of medium, but it varies depending on what I'm trying to accomplish. In my opinion, the total depth of the gloss depends on how thick the total ca layers are. You can get a great glossy finish with just a few but if you want that look like a coating of glass you're looking through, you need more. As far as the polishing process, there are different processes to get to the end result. Experiment and find what you want. For me, the two polishing compounds I use take the place of the micro mesh. Just remember that you can't polish out big scratches with either method so get those taken care of - if you have any - first.
Thanks 👍
Is accelerator a must have or can I get the same results without it? Also I've had a problem with white spots on the darker blanks, any ideas why? Thank you great video.
You just have to wait a few minutes if you don't have accelerator.
I’m new to turning pens and new to CA finishing. The problem I’m having is that I get spiral ridges in the finish. How can I prevent that? Thanks and great video.
What thickness of CA are you using? Thin or medium, less total per coat, keep the paper towel moving and a shot of accelerator....
@@FairviewBethelChurch, I am using the thin first for one coat and the medium for additional coats. I will work on moving the paper towel more.
@@bbq2di4 Cool. Also small amount of ca. Try a couple coats of thin at the end too. Honestly, these days I use all thin. Takes more coats but goes on oh so smooth consistently. Remember, the smoother the ca before you start sanding, the fewer coats you need. If you have a rough finish, you end up sanding off several coats worth before you even polish.
@@FairviewBethelChurch Thank you. I will try that. I appreciate the help.
where to order the sanding mandrel
This was asked about a year ago but never answered- Where did you get the end sanding mandrel? BTW enjoyed your video and plan to embrace your finishing technique
Edward Cohen Hi! I got it from a guy named Rick Herell. He’s on Facebook in the pen turning group and has a page on penturners.org.
Out of curiosity, why did you go back with a coat of thin again after the two coats of medium? Great video, btw! It was very helpful to me.
Thanks Ron. Sometimes when you use medium CA it leaves rougher finish / ridges that need to be sanded out. By putting a coat of thin over, it fills in much of the unevenness so that you can start with a higher grit when sanding / polishing. It's certainly not a necessary step, but one that I do regularly and find to be worthwhile.
What pencil kit did you use for your shop pencil
Great video Question Where did you get the sanding mandrel ?? Where is the best place to buy the 800 grit mesh. Thanks again Denny
Hi Jamie - the sanding mandrel is made by a guy named Rick Herell. He's got several tools he sells through the penturners site www.penturners.org. Abranet mesh is available at places like woodcraft and others online. I don't currently have a favorite source.
I have a few pens that the finish has cracked. I used too much activator.
Where did you get the sanding mandrel? I cannot find one anywhere. I am having my finish crack because I'm not getting all the glue off the ends.
This looks similar, but I don't see how or where to get them either.www.penturners.org/threads/barrel-trimming-on-a-disc-sander-problems.41382/post-789089
nice vid mate, very enjoyable. incidentally, I live near Lisburn Co. Down in Northern Ireland - where's your Lisburn?
Thanks Mark! That's very cool. You are the original location. I'm in a little place in southcenteral Pennsylvania in the USA.
PS What is your pre finish sanding sequence ??
New subscriber.
Question: Where did you get the sanding mandrel? Thanks. JimE
On the penturners.org site (IAP) there is a guy named Rick Herrell (sp?) who makes them. He also makes tool tests to order.
Thanks Dan.
I searched the sight in a number of different ways and with different spellings and came up blank.
Do you have any other information on this gentleman, his website, product line or anything else that might help find him? JimE
Here is the actual link for you. The sanding mandrel is down toward the bottom of this product page. www.penturners.org/forum/f172/custom-made-penturning-tools-accessories-92501/
Great! Thanks for the help Dan. Keep the videos coming. JimE
Where can I get the sanding mandrel that you used?
Looks really good. But I'm just not a fan of CA as a finish I think wood should look and feel like wood. Not plastic coating over wood just my opinion
If it is going to be your personal pen by all means just go with the wood. If giving them away as gifts or selling chances are the recipient will want the look they received to last. I used friction polishes at first but in a short time you could see where your fingers are used to hold the pen. Some call that patina but can take away from its appearance. Some come back and ask what's wrong with my pen? I know CA feels like plastic but it is durable. People will take notice of a nicely finished pen. But to each their own. IMHO
Excuse me: After I finish my pen, why does it have its own cracks?
CA is a kind of plastic at last so just u could use plastic polish and not need wax ;)
Good demo. However, for a soft and natural look don't use CA.
"Frustrated with CA finish because it takes too much time"? It dries in seconds. WTF? BTW, as an experiment I put a CA finish on a scrap piece of wood with dollar store super glue and it worked. No accelerator.
The reason it takes too much time is a lot of turners use 6-10 coats, the more you do the longer the dry time. Once you have done all the coats you do a full micro mesh sanding, its not a fast process.
Painter's tape ? That ain't painter's tape ! That is what is known as a MAN-DAIDE....for MEN. I thought you cut yourself.....reeeal deep. Like a MAN ! Who needs a bandaid when you have a roll of green or blue MAN-DAIDES ? Black electrical MAN-DAIDES is available. Pro-wrestlers use it too.
Bill Hrn haha. I am a cable tech and use plenty of electrical tape!!
Excuse me: After I finish my pen, why does it have its own cracks?
thats one of the many problems with CA finish - CA is very hard if you drop your pen on almost any surface other than carpet it will crack. If you applied too much CA in wonky weather (too dry or too humid) it ill crack as it cures. If you did not get the first coats to seal well, when you wet sand the water gets under the CA and cracks or fogs it, if you spray too much accelerator it can cause cracks or fog
PhotoArt Teacher I learned that the hard way. Moisture is a killer! I had a few foggy moments myself and drove me crazy until I found that answer.
@@photoartteacher903 look