Hello again

I’m starting this with the Woodturning Weekender still very fresh in my mind – we’re still buzzing! If you were there, thank you for making it such a memorable event. If you couldn’t make it, I think it’s safe to say you missed something special – not my words, those of a guest.
I spoke to absolutely loads of people over the weekend and answered loads of questions, but I’m afraid it’s all a blur right now. But fortunately questions keep coming in via other routes so I’ll use them…

The hot weather we’ve had recently has raised the question of waxes melting in the tin. There’s no problem with this, they will nearly always set back to how they’re supposed to be, but someone asked how come Microcrystalline Wax melts as well as it’s supposed to have a higher melting point than other waxes. This is true, it does, but one needs to bear in mind that the wax in the can is already in solvent, and the paste will melt much sooner than a solid block. The applied wax is more akin to the solid block, and in that situation the higher melting point is more relevant and useful.

Confusion reigned about Tung Oil this week and whether or not it is food safe. In it’s purest form it probably is (leaving aside the whole nut allergy thing for now) but is the can on the shelf pure? By that I mean has it been handled correctly every step of the way…or has it been left in an open vat somewhere with who knows what able to land on it? That’s an extreme of course, but I’d be cautious about any claims made that can’t be backed up with a certificate. If it doesn’t specifically say ‘Food Safe’ don’t assume it is, and even then some sort of test report or attestation should be available to back it up.

Another question was about using Acrylic Lacquer over chalk paints. We’re not really sure to be honest, but we think it’d be ok. As long as the paint is dry and sound – not flaky or loose – then the lacquer should stick well and help protect the paint. A wax should also be good for this, although not quite as hard wearing. As with all unknowns though a test patch first is always strongly recommended.

That’s all the questions for this week but I’ll be back next week, never fear.
In the meantime we’ll be making an announcement about the Woodturning Weekender very soon, if you want to be amongst the first to hear you might want to sign up for the irregular bulletins we send out about them. Just head over the Woodturning Weekender website to subscribe.

Have a great week, whatever you’re doing I hope you enjoy it and I’ll see you soon!

Cheers

Terry