Experience needed with finishes in tropical climates

Ernie Newman (Australia) and I are going to Samoa in February to set up a production turning capability at a school there to help in the recovery from the recent earthquake/tsunami. One of the issues we are facing is the finish that will work best in that environment. Equatorial, sea level, local wood. I would like to hear from turners with experience in that environment to give us a jump start! We expect these products to be sold at the local tourist markets, and are looking for opportunities for them to sell overseas as well. Large portions of these islands were devastated by this tsunami in September - our goal is to help them help themselves.

Ernie and I are paying all of our own expenses, but are seeking donations for the equipment and supplies needed to set up this project

- we are about half way there. If you want to keep abreast of our progress and experience on Samoa - I will be posting on the Turning Aid for Samoa page on Facebook, reachable as a friend of snipped-for-privacy@yahoo.com

Reply to
hwahl
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I live in Northern Baja California and during the summer we have a climate that sounds like what you'll be working in: hot, HUMID, etc... Main problem that I have is that I prefer Danish oil and buffing for a finish and it's hard to use in humidity... Sets up and soaks in fine but takes up to a week to cure hard enough to buff.. I'm guessing that in the conditions that you'll be working, you'll need a fast, easy and quick drying finish such as (yuk) friction polish... Not very durable, but quick.. Maybe rubbing poly or thinned down Danish Oil?

mac

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Reply to
mac davis

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