Shellac, tell me all you know!

[astrid]

interestingly enough, i believe that traditionaly the french dont french polish.
astrid

[silentC]

And they don't make french fries either

[MacS]

I think I will stop now, because this thread is now going no where.

There is more then one way of doing things, those of who prefer Neils' or Jeff's method then do it their way.

It makes no difference to me how you do it, most of you seem to be so closed minded and don't want to think that maybe there is another way that it can be done.. Its not for me to say which is the best way, and just because it is in print it don't mean its the right, or only way that it can be done.

I wrote a one page condensed article on how it can be done, Neil and Jeff wrote a book on the subject, do you expect the same amount of information in an article as in a book?

[Honorary Bloke]

Shallac.... want to learn everything there is to know about it....tell me more....who ever reads this...if you know anything...

Just another case of "Watch what you ask for, you might get it!"

[kekemo]

Gee Bob...this thread worked so well ...... thinking about putting it in the personal add...you know....tallented "wood buterfly"...looking for millionaire...with woodmill....must have own coffee machine....& 4WD...with room for excess wood....willing to share....most tools...BUT don't touch the FESTO...that's mine!!!!.......>>>>>>>>LOL...workshop comes with Airconditioning & enough power points to keep Alinta solvent!
......then ask if they know anything about SHELLAC? LOL....rolf..

No, really what a fantastic thread....now I have to keep just sitting here and reading it all the time....so information sinks in....trying to get copy of book....hey...I don't mind reading on all the techniques....know I will do it my way anyway....LOL.....but, hey my way hasn't been written...and yet to be experienced!!!

Just a little worried sounded like I had WW3 going on for a while....hope no-one got to upset.....

Just wanted to keep it light...and friendly...hey...promise I won't ask anymore questions....true!

Bedbase & bedhead....coming up a treat....should finish this by Friday....
Cheers KEKEMO

[silentC]

those of who prefer Neils' or Jeff's method then do it their way

I don't think either of them lay claim to it as being their way.

most of you seem to be so closed minded and don't want to think

That's a bit rude. Apart from Jerry having a couple of comments, which I found to be conciliatory, I'm the only one who has challenged your words. So how does that extend to 'most' of us?

I wrote a one page condensed article on how it can be done, Neil and Jeff wrote a book on the subject, do you expect the same amount of information in an article as in a book?

Jeff's French polishing section in his book covers a total of 2 pages, half of which is photos. He still manages to convey the fundamentals of the technique.

OK, ok, I will stop.

[Honorary Bloke]

Just wanted to keep it light...and friendly...hey...promise I won't ask anymore questions....true!

Kekemo,

Whatever you do, don't stop asking questions!! That's what the forum is all about. We're all adults (mostly) here and you can't get an answer if you don't ask the question.

[silentC]

Whatever you do, don't stop asking questions!!

Yes, I apologise to Kekemo for being such an argumentative sod.

[jerryc]

Most noticeable feature of forums and life in general is "a LITTLE knowledge is a dangerous thing." So never take what is said as absolute truth. Always question and always be prepared to try things for yourself.

I'll give an example (Not woodwork) When I was learning to fly I was told "NEVER" side slip a high winged aircraft. It will spin and kill you. So I went up several thousand feet and did it. No problem. Flying with a crop duster pilot we were making an approach and he said we'd never make the field. I said I'd side slip. A crop duster pilot gripping the dash with white knuckles? It was quite a sight to see. Then he said "Can I try it? " A professional who had never tested the boundaries.

Whatever you do, within the bounds of safety, push the limits. Make mistakes and learn.

For example in using shellac I said I rarely use abrasives. What I didn't say was when I do sometimes in the early stages I don't clean of the dust but apply another coat straight over the work. The abrasive and shellac dust fills the grain quickly. Never saw it in print, although it might be, never been told to do it. Just thought about it and felt it worth a try.

Main thing is to enjoy the forum, enjoy the debate, and don't get personal.


Jerry

Everyone is entitled to my opinion

[RufflyRustic]

So back to Shellac, hints and tips of applying it.

Sebastian, What is 'chatoyance'? Any chance some photos of your work might help demonstrate this for me? I'm very intrigued with your idea of using different shellacs for, what was it, different tonings?



Mixed Shellac containers - I prefer to use a glass jar with a lid size that I can fit my fist through. Preferably a short, squat jar so that I only mix the amount of shellac needed for the job and a bit more.

cheers
Wendy

[Honorary Bloke]

Wendy,

Chatoyancy is the way the light is reflected from the finish, in other words, how the finish looks in different lights. It is borrowed from the jeweler's trade, which uses it to describe light reflection in gemstones.

[silentC]

I mix mine in old Maccona Coffee jars and I use empty U-Beaut bottles with the flip top lid to dispense it.

Jerry, I agree that experimentation is a good thing and to be encouraged - otherwise none of these things would ever have been discovered.

However I remember a conversation I had with my Dad when I was 19 and wanted to borrow $4,000 to buy a motorbike. He said "if only I could make you understand. I've been through all these things and if you'd only listen, I could stop you making the same mistakes I did". Another bloke once said "if I have seen further it is by standing on ye shoulders of Giants".

[Honorary Bloke]

However I remember a conversation I had with my Dad when I was 19 and wanted to borrow $4,000 to buy a motorbike. He said "if only I could make you understand. I've been through all these things and if you'd only listen, I could stop you making the same mistakes I did".

Another vain hope, as I see it. I never did. Had to make 'em all meself. Did a right proper job of it too.

[jerryc]

Silent,

I did say within the bounds of safety. As for standing on the shoulders of giants it can be dangerous if he gets irritable and shakes you off.
Trouble with all these wise sayings there's always a counter. Could be the subject of a thread

Faint heart never won fair lady. Look before you leap.

I know your dad when he gave advice about m'cycle was following "You can't put an old head on young shoulders." Problem is if you could do so it wouldn't fit.

Jerry

Everyone is entitled to my opinion

[silentC]

OK here's another analogy. I'm a drummer. Well, when I say that, I play drums in a band, but I have never had a lesson. I have enough of an intuitive feel for it that I can get away with it and most casual observers are fooled into thinking I know what I'm doing.

However, they might be surprised to know that I cannot do the most basic of stick techniques. Paradiddles are beyond me, as are Swiss Army triplets or any of those marching band rudiments. This lets me down badly and prevents me from being the drummer I could be, if only I knew the basics. I also find it difficult to go off beat with the kick (bass) drum.

These things are the type of technique that a few lessons when I was starting out would have instilled in me so that they became second nature. Then I could have built on these fundamentals. It's probably too late for me now, but my advice to anyone wanting to play the drums is to concentrate on the fundamentals and the flamboyance will come.

I think this applies to many things in life.