HiHow has your week been? It’s been another busy – but enjoyable – one here, including a last minute Zoom meeting with the North London Woodturners Club. It was fun, and if you were watching I managed to get out for my meal on time as well, thanks!
Virtual meetings are becoming more popular all the time, don’t forget we’ve got our own online demo next week on Conkers LIVE, featuring Chris Fisher. We’ve hijacked our Virtual Weekender webpage (for now) to provide details about this if, somehow, you haven’t heard already.
Now let’s sort out some questions…

We were asked about whether using Food Safe Finish on a spalted bowl would make it completely food safe. We don’t know for certain, but we suspect not and would not recommend that this is done. The spalting is caused by fungi so whilst not dangerous by itself in most cases, there is a risk that it could affect food in contact with it. Food Safe Finish (or Microcrystalline Wax, which is also food safe) probably won’t create enough of a barrier to prevent contamination. In summary, these products will maintain the ‘safety’ and offer some protection to the timber, but they won’t upgrade an already poisonous/dangerous wood.

When you think about it, there are many different ways to shake an aerosol can – and that’s without including one of our favourite turners who has his own Rattle Can Dance (we have the video!)
But there is conflicting advice about the BEST way, and we were asked about this recently; is shaking really the best way, or maybe a stirring motion?
We checked with our aerosol experts, who tell us that the very best way to get a good mix in the can is to invert it and shake vigorously for at least 30 seconds after you hear the ball rattling. Shaking the inverted can ‘washes’ any settlement from the base. So now you know!

And finally for this week, another favourite question, what’s the best way to store Cyanoacrylate Superglues? Again, I consulted our experts…
Some people keep their glues in the fridge, which is ok, but the most important thing (after keeping the lid on!) is to avoid heat sources and direct sunlight; cool and dark is best for Cyanocrylates. Fridge storage works well in places like Dubai; it’s probably not always necessary in the UK, although we have just had a heatwave. Don’t freeze them though, as this can have adverse effects.

And once again we’ve come to the end of a Newsletter. We’re constantly getting new subscribers, which is great – if you’re new here, a warm welcome. If you enjoy these ramblings don’t forget to tell your friends and club members, I don’t think you can ever have too much information.

I’ll see you again in a week.

Cheers

Terry