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Question about applying shellac

Hello I fold up old cotton socks (washed and rinsed a couple times) to apply shellac on my bowls. They have proven to be quite a bit better than paper towels, at least for me. My question is the application of the shellac. I use, I believe, Bull's Eye Shellac. I cut it with an equal amount of denatured alcohol and about 3/4 part BLO. The latter seems to provide a lubrication. So the bowl is on the lathe and spinning at around 500. That's the slowest my Jet will go. Do I press hard on the bowl with my sock, moderate pressure, or just light pressure? I've tried all three and it seems that moderate to light is the way to go. Pressing hard, if done in relatively brief periods also works but there I run the risk of heat checking. Any hints will be appreciated.

thanks

Reply to
Kevin
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Kevin,

As is so often the case with self-teaching, we find that trial-and-error not only shows us the best way, but is also the way the "experts" arrived at their "expertise." I say "we" not in the royal sense, but in the sense that I do the same thing, and 99% of the time I find that whatever works best is the "best" way. Maybe not the "textbook" way, and certainly I'm willing to take pointers and advice, but generally speaking, what works is what ...well,..." works."

But for your situation, you have assessed the problem and the possible solutions and found the one that works best. Me, I'd go with that one. I mean, the best anyone else could offer would be, "Press only very lightly. It doesn't matter the results, just do it that way." Ya know what I mean?

Heck, you've already done the hard work, now rest on your laurels. : )

Reply to
Chuck

Sounds like you're going after what's called a French Polish. The applicator is called a "muneqa" (moon yeck ah) which means little doll. The traditional core is wool in a tight high thread count cotton or linen cover. Put the shellac in a squeeze bottle and squirt it into the core periodically to keep the applicator damp but not dripping. While applying pay attention. When the pad starts to drag apply more shellac.

Google "french polish" for more on the how and why.

charlie b

Reply to
charlie b

Well that's certainly more lyrical than calling the applicator a "rubber" or "tampon" - (both of which are traditional names). ;)

Reply to
Owen Lowe

Muneqa is a Spanish word. Spanish is a "romance language". English on the other hand is more of a "stuff descriptor" language. German - that one I'm not sure about. I do now that even reciting The Lord's Prayer in German can result in a fist fight. or even a war.

charlie b

Reply to
charlie b

German is the root language of English. Not that we're slightly off-topic or anything...

Reply to
Bob Becker

More romance than Nordic roots. Does the year 1066 ring a bell?

Reply to
George

Ah, but the descriptive words auf Deutsch!

Amerikanischestrassenkreuzer - a Large American car. Circa just post WWII.

And two I wish I could recall. One translates as 'cloud cuckoo land' and the other as 'the blind obedience of a corpse'.

Anyone know them?

Reply to
Lobby Dosser

We haven't all been around that long George. Bet you've seen a lot of changes over the years!

...Kevin

Reply to
Kevin Miller

Kevin, I was a young COC at the time, but not much has changed. The one with the most tools still wins, a good horse is still hard to find and Normans still shellac clueless Anglo-Saxons with their invasive French polish. AARRGH!

Turn to Safety, Arch Fortiter

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Reply to
Arch

Arch:

Beautiiiiiifulllllll -- I couldn't have said it better!

Bill

Arch wrote:

Reply to
Bill Rubenstein

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

Reply to
Lobby Dosser

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