Hi

Did you manage to catch our Conkers LIVE Christmas Party last week, starring Emma Cook? It was great fun, and thank you to everyone who joined in by sending in pictures of themselves enjoying the show or by contributing jokes (at least, I think that’s what they were!). The demo is available for another week or so, catch it while you can, using this link: https://youtu.be/ckjE0lE9Hvs. While you’re there, why not set up a reminder for our Twixmas quiz on 29 December? It’s a great way to spend the evening.
Now let’s do a few questions..

There was some confusion this week about the order of using Buffing Wheel compounds and sealers. The answer is, the Buffing System works best on a coating of some type (oil, sealer, lacquer etc) so the sealer should be applied before using the first wheel. Once an item has been brought to the Buffing System, the only coating that should be applied afterwards is when using the C Wheel. This would be the Carnauba Stick Wax, or the Microcrystalline Wax (stick or paste).

Another question was regarding a house sign made from a slab of natural edge wood. What would be a suitable finish for outdoor use? I suggested either Finishing Oil or Acrylic Gloss Lacquer, depending on what sort of look was required. Both will stand up to a lot of weathering, and will offer a good amount of protection. Ideally, a clean-up and another coat every year or so would be good, to keep the sign in best condition.
My only slight concern was the ‘natural edge’, which I took to mean some of the bark is still on the slab. The finish is unlikely to keep it in place, so there might be a need to resort to some glue for this.

It’s always nice to end with a happy customer; so this time, I have a question for you. Do you remember that we had a question recently about a finish for a shelf unit being made to display after shaves and perfumes? Because these are based on alcohols, and could be used in a wet environment, I recommended Acrylic Gloss Lacquer, and it will withstand both.
Mick reported that the finish worked out beautifully and the spraying was easy. The shelves are 30cm long, made from Purpleheart with an Ash infil. Thanks for sharing Mick, they look great.

And that’s not only it for this week, but also for this year. The Newsletter will take a short break, but will return in 2022, so keep those questions rolling in.
As always, thanks for all of your support during the year, in whatever form that may have taken. It is very much appreciated.

So finally, as our friendly Father Christmas Gonk (courtesy of Nigel O) says, have a great Christmas and lets hope for a happy and healthy New Year.

All the best

Terry