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So I started this 3-in-1 project back many months ago. Did really well in the beginning and then the time came to sand and finish and somehow it wasn't on the fast track any longer. Mind you I can't say I hate to sand & finish but it's down lower on my list of favorites things. Kinda close to hemorrhoids and ulcers if you know what I mean. Now last year I went to the Woodworkers show and got a major boost in enthusiasm from meeting some really great people who share their knowledge of this hobby. And I sat in on some good talks one of which was Mr. Bush on finishing. My take away on that was the foam molded sanding blocks which I bought a set of along with some really good self sticking sandpaper. This stuff sat on the miter saw station for, well months, actually close to a year now as the show is again in March.
So while working away on the mortise sliding table I thought I really should use the time to finish off this other project so when I was using the epoxy putty, no fun at all (worst than sanding and finishing if you can believe it), it required a fair amount of time to set and this would be a good time to get the other project done. So over the past few days I've sanded initially, applied a top coat, sanded again now at 220, applied a coat, sanded at 400, applied a coat, and then a very very light sanding then applying another coat. Keep in min this is several days and my drying time was pronominal. The RH and temp couldn't have been more ideal. A couple of hours between coats was plenty. The final 5th coat was applied today and slightly buffed. It is satin smooth.
Keep in mind this is a glorified saw horse for the shop. One top has rollers, another wood, and the third (remember 3-in-1) is a small work table. Best part is the sanding was so much nicer with those molded sanding blocks and really good self adhering sand paper. I was having so much fun I actually put 5 coats on the mortiser table fence, back up clocks, clamp holder, and something else.........OK fun is a stretch but nothing like the last time I remember putting finish on. And it did a really nice job of bringing out the detail in the soft maple. Of course I sanded the edges and the satin finish makes it look like it should be next to my recliner in the living room.
Don't think Momma will go for that but at least it looks good. Now I realize I need to put finish on the router table, the outfeed assembly table, the rolling cabinet for the table saw, and the cabinet for the pocket hole machine. Still have 1/2 gallon of the General Top Coat finish and plenty of sponge applicators. Nough talk........
So while working away on the mortise sliding table I thought I really should use the time to finish off this other project so when I was using the epoxy putty, no fun at all (worst than sanding and finishing if you can believe it), it required a fair amount of time to set and this would be a good time to get the other project done. So over the past few days I've sanded initially, applied a top coat, sanded again now at 220, applied a coat, sanded at 400, applied a coat, and then a very very light sanding then applying another coat. Keep in min this is several days and my drying time was pronominal. The RH and temp couldn't have been more ideal. A couple of hours between coats was plenty. The final 5th coat was applied today and slightly buffed. It is satin smooth.
Keep in mind this is a glorified saw horse for the shop. One top has rollers, another wood, and the third (remember 3-in-1) is a small work table. Best part is the sanding was so much nicer with those molded sanding blocks and really good self adhering sand paper. I was having so much fun I actually put 5 coats on the mortiser table fence, back up clocks, clamp holder, and something else.........OK fun is a stretch but nothing like the last time I remember putting finish on. And it did a really nice job of bringing out the detail in the soft maple. Of course I sanded the edges and the satin finish makes it look like it should be next to my recliner in the living room.
Don't think Momma will go for that but at least it looks good. Now I realize I need to put finish on the router table, the outfeed assembly table, the rolling cabinet for the table saw, and the cabinet for the pocket hole machine. Still have 1/2 gallon of the General Top Coat finish and plenty of sponge applicators. Nough talk........
