WWA Info Exchange

I am building 2 Craftsman style end tables to match a Morris chair and an
ottoman.
The wood that I am using is quarter sawn white oak that has beautiful rays.The 2
tables will have a total of 36 spindles which will make finishing more
difficult.
I will want a finish that is easy to use,not labor intensive,using as few
steps as
possible and can be purchased at Rockler,Woodcraft or a big box store.What type
AND brand name do you suggest? Thanks,Chris

Liberon oil finish. Rub it in with 220 then wipe it off & let it dry, then with 320. I like to use at least 3 coats but you could get by with 2 if you choose.

Don

I like to use Minwax Wipe on Poly. Usually I put a #1 cut of shellac on first then lightly sand with 320 before the poly.


BTW, Welcome to the WWA, if you have been lurking then you know we like pictures and a small story of what you like to make.

Bill

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Amateur Bill
O'Fallon, MO
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If a man speaks in the forest, and no woman hears him, is he still wrong?

I'm in shape, round is a shape.

My favorite finish is Waterlox. http://www.waterlox.com/ . Also available at Woodcraft.com . I used it on a large QSWO kitchen island a few years ago and fell in love with it.

PS: Just noticed you're new. Welcome aboard.

_________________
I bring to life, I bring to death:
The spirit does but mean the breath:
I know no more. (Tennyson, In Memoriam)

My favorite from Rocklers is Maloof's poly/oil finish. Easy wipe on and is basicly R&C in a can. It's an even 3 way mix of pure tung oil, BLO, and poly. They recommend 5 coats of the oil/poly, and then 5 more coats of the oil/wax. Although I usually go with about 3 coats of each.

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Frank
WWACOAUX#1
"I love the smell of Sawdust in the morning, it smells like, victory."
WWA'ers I've met: Popeye, Ed Avery, Stephen Wolf, Rockfish, Rodedon

DARN CHRIS!!!!
After reading the responses you got., I'm sure you have made a decision allready!!!
Out of four responses you have four different ideas on what to use!
I'm not going to add to the confusion by suggesting a finish. I just wanted to welcome you to the MOST helpful site on the net.

Rog

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Dont badmouth no strangers, they just friends you aint met yet.

An ounce of responsibility is worth a pound of State and Federal laws.

I spent most of my money on woodworking
tools and beer, the rest I just wasted.

CHRIS 2010: Would you consider finishing before final assembly? Taping glueable surfaces might be easier than abrading surfaces while finishing after assembly. Just a thought.

Welcome to the group! Chime in when you have ideas for our work.

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Everything was new once.
newtooth 311
Rochester, MN

Chris: I second newtooth's recommendation. I've done a number of craftsman tables with lots of spindles and M&T joints. I tape all of the joints and then completely finish the parts before I do the glueup. I even made a rack that allows me to finish all four sides of the spindles and then put them up to dry.

First welcome to the fold!!!

If you are trying to achieve the classic Craftsman color you will need to stain it. I have had the best luck with oil based stains, using the 2 rag method rub until you achieve the look you want then wipe the excess stain off.
As for finish danish oil to bring out the grain, then wipe on poly for a final finish for added protection and durability. Both the danish oil and the wipe on poly are very simple.

Test the stains and finishes on some scrap wood.

PS: We like photos.

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"It is not a mistake it is a learning experience"
Monte

I will apply the stain and topcoat before assembling.Thanks to all for the
replies.PK if you will please email me pics of your finishing rack for
spindles or post them here. Chris Hays

Chris,

When I wanted to match an oak side table to a Morris chair I used Watco Medium Walnut Danish Oil. I applied three coats of this (wiped on - wiped off). Once this cured I top-coated with a with a wiping varnish. Today I would topcoat with a gel urethane like the General Finishes product.

Picture with the Morris Chair (that I DID NOT build!) for comparison here:
http://www.ssoastro.org/Woodworking/Sti ... 0Table.htm

Good Luck - show us pictures!

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Clay

WWA-MICH-AUX #5
Official "Welcome Wagon" for the SEMIWW

Here is the plan that I am working from:
http://plansnow.com/misend.html
Of course mine will be darker.Am thinking of adding corbels at each
leg.What are your opinions about that?
Chris Hays....A.K.A. 'fixitgood'

Hey Chris,

Welcome to the WWA.

My favorite wipe on poly is Daly's ProFin. It's about like any wipe on poly but it's manufactured in my home town. You can often get it at Rockler's. I second the suggestion to pre finish before assembly. You may find it frustrating in the beginning, but you will appreciate the convenience by the end.
Oh, and I think that the corbels are a nice idea, if they're long and slender.

Tom

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Mohandas K. Ghandi