FINISHING ELM

[Alexam]

I am nearing the finish of my second bandsaw box, with the Elm kindly donated by Glynne Roberts. I have given it three coats of sanding sealer, but now unsure of how to finish it off to get the best result.
download/file.php?mode=view&id=24035

download/file.php?mode=view&id=24035
Should I use, say Osmo Oil, or varnish or what please. New to woodworking and have no knowledge of finishing woodwork other than varnishing.

Thanks

Alex

 

[marcros]

i used a hardwax oil on an elm jewellery box, which worked well. The other one that I would suggest trying is tru-oil, which I actually prefer, but had the hardwax oil to use up.

I may be mistaken, but oil is normally applied without a sealer, so that it can soak in. Given that you have applied a sealer, I would probably recommend either a shellac, or simply a wax. I have black bison wax, others are available, in a teak and a clean (may be neutral). The teak worked well over the hardwax oil when I used it, although if I was buying again, a shade lighter would have been even better.

Shellac is a current favourite finish of mine, having just done an oak table.

 

[CHJ]

As you have basically sealed the wood and formed a surface skin with your three coats of sanding sealer I would just give it a buff-up with microcrystalline wax using a bristle brush, it's not likely to leave any visible deposits in the natural edge areas and due to its high melting point is very resistant to handling.

 

[Alexam]

As you have basically sealed the wood and formed a surface skin with your three coats of sanding sealer I would just give it a buff-up with microcrystalline wax using a bristle brush, it's not likely to leave any visible deposits in the natural edge areas and due to its high melting point is very resistant to handling.

Thanks Chas,

just looked that up and am a little wiser now ....................... I think!

Alex

 

[CHJ]

An example of the bristle brush I use is shown on Page7 of this pamphlet but if you don't have one then a stiff clothes, nail or shoe brush will work. (the bristles don't snag on the rough wood as cloth does)

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Your elm looks more like yew to me - it might just be the photos though.

 

[CHJ]

Your elm looks more like yew to me - it might just be the photos though.

+1 for Yew

 

[Grahamshed]

It looks very nice whatever it is !!

 

[NickWelford]

Definitely yew

 

[Alexam]

SORRY, your right, it is Yew, with a nice bit of centre rot that I picked out.

Alex

Well spotted the deliberate mistake (Ho Ho)

Anyone know where I can get some more like this please?