WEEK COMMENCING 31 AUGUST 2025

Hi

Phew! Another busy week at Chestnut HQ! Pleased to say we’re getting lots done, I might tell you about some of it next week.
Have you had a productive week? The nights are drawing in, the weather has a definite nip in the air, Autumn is on its way for sure. Time to get out into the workshop, I’d say. (Although, actually, I’m going on holiday at the end of next week, so you’re on your own there!)
If you do get out producing stuff, we’d love it if you shared some pictures with us, we can put them in a future Newsletter if you’d like!

I like to think all the questions we have are interesting in their own way, and this fits the bill as it’s something I hadn’t considered before.

A correspondent had asked for advice on finishing an item, and after a short discussion about Sanding Sealers, he asked how easy they are to sand off the lathe, as he was unable to remount it.

The answer here is very easy; they’re designed for use on or off the lathe. Indeed, there’s a sanding agent in them which acts as a lubricant to make the process easier. Of course, nothing much beats having something spinning on the lathe for ease of sanding, but doing it by hand might be boring, but it’s not hard work!

I’ve done these in reverse order, not that it matters; the question above started off about which finish to use to avoid any yellowing of the timber, which was particularly white, in this case. And, a satin finish was required.

The water based finishes are usually best for this, and as a subtle finish was required, it would come down to either the Acrylic Satin Lacquer or the Satin Wipe-On Poly. Either will do the job, it depends on what method of application is preferred.

Lemon Oil is also a candidate here, but, being an oil, this can darken the timber more than is desired.

Food Safe Finish is an endless source of questions, and we’re always happy to answer them.

This one asked if there was any danger of it containing nuts or nut oil, due to an extreme nut allergy in the family.

We’re happy to say that Food Safe Finish doesn’t contain any nuts or nut extracts, and is perfectly safe for anyone allergic to them.

I’m sitting in the office just polishing off this Newsletter before heading up the road a bit to Dallinghoo to give a demo to Suffolk Mid Coastal Woodturners. It’s nice and local, and should be fun. If you’re reading this on Friday, and saw me there, I hope you enjoyed it!
I’ll be back next week with one more Newsletter before taking a short holiday break, but fear not, there are plans for the Newsletter during my absence.

See you next week,

Terry