Hello to the Finishing Experts and those who Want To Be

[J.E. Mike Tobey]

I introduced myself to the handtools Neanderthals and the Sharpening "Fools" downstairs two or so weeks ago. I would link that post If I knew how to do so.

For many years( I am 61) I have primarily finished highly figured American Black Walnut. I would frequently start with a good filler, a few sealcoats of shellac and then do what we call a sanded-in oil( with harderers) finish. This was my choice and I could choose to finish with rubbed out high gloss or take it down to semi- and /or satin.

Over the years, from time to time I dabbled in luthiery and recently got back to it. I can do a decent acoustic but nowhere near the excellence my betters display. But, that re-sparked my interest in handtools and their use, tuning and building. As I did more and more wooden plane prototypes and rehandled vintage chisels and restored vintage french polish flatwork, I became curious about any new developments in shellac.

Through just luck( here we call it 'dumb luck') I learned of U-Beaut Hard Shellac. It was a small shipment to the US that was somewhat scooped up by US luthiers and their enthusiam for it that caused me to find all of you and a generous friend put one of those precious few 500ml bottles in my hands. To say I quickly became very impressed with the HS is an understatement. I could even lay it on with an FP "rubber/muneca" full strength and french polish with cuts. Other luthiers who tried it were impressed with its stability, predicable application, reliable cure and "blond+ color." I have experienced the same positive results.

I am making a concerted effort to provide this special product and accessory products of U-Beaut to craftsmen in the US. A few folks from Australia have told me of the acceptance of HS by eminent restorers and dedicated luthiers in Australia. You see, as of now, the interest in HS is coming mostly from luthiers. I would very much like to hear from commission cabinetmakers, fine piece restorers and others here who use the HS for significant projects. My email address with a bit of spam blocker is [email protected]. I would also really enjoy experienced information right here on the forum. That may well be even better.

I have been fortunate to become a true friend to one of your number here on the forum sections. Neil has been kind enough to support my efforts to have U-Beaut Hard Shellac and other non-polish products shipped to the US for distribution. I have begun interviewing customs representatives and working through my country's bureaucracy regarding the importation of relatively low flash-point materials. I am a true believer- Neil's Hard Shellac is, indeed, a superior product. So, in closing, I would appreciate your stories and any photos you care to post showing the qualities of U-Beaut Hard Shellac, Blonde Shellac and the other products, not including EEE Polish, Shellawax and the like. They are well known here.

Thank you for your consideration.
Mike Tobey

[Sebastiaan56]

Hi Mike,

I know from other forums that the Hard Shellac is held in very high regard by those Luthiers who have used it. OLF is full of praise. I was going to PM Neil on the issue but it seems you have it well in hand.

My experience as a finisher is pretty limited but I have used it on a number of instruments now and they seem to be holding up OK,

Sebastiaan

[MacS]

Hi Mike,

I would also concentrate on furniture restorers, refinishing shops, and furniture service companies, and the retail furniture stores that deluxe their furniture and also do- in home service.

They are the biggest users of padding and polishing mediums.

Good Luck

MacS

[RufflyRustic]

Hi Mike,

I am a huge fan of UBeaut's White and Hard Shellac, the Water Dyes, EEE and Traditional Wax, oh and the Swansdown mops.

The White shellac is brilliant for projects where I'm desparate to keep the natural wet wood look and the Hard Shellac I use for projects where they will get a bit more handling, or I'm looking to get a deep feel in the finish.

Some projects I will EEE and then polish with Trad wax. Other times, they will just need a trad wax finish.

Finishing my work has become a lot easier with the use of UBeaut's products. I personally, highly recommend them and appreciate them everytime I use them.

Cheers
Wendy

[Honorary Bloke]

Finishing my work has become a lot easier with the use of UBeaut's products. I personally, highly recommend them and appreciate them everytime I use them.

Cheers
Wendy

Will you sign a testimonial release to this effect? May we use this in our promotion of the U-Beaut products?

The sooner they are available in the States, the sooner I can throw over Zinsser for U-Beaut.

[MacS]

They are availible in the USA already here are the U-Beaut distributors.

AMERICAN DISTRIBUTORS

MI - Ionia
NUFFSAID WOODWORKING
2510 West Main Street Ionia MI 48846
Phone: 616 527 2147

MI - Grand Rapids
WOOD SOURCE, INC
2715-29th Sreet SE, Grand Rapids MI 49512
Phone: 616-285-0600 Fax: 616-285-0172

MO - Pittsburg
THE WOODEN POST
HC79-BOX 3369 Pittsburg MO 65724
Phone: 417-852-7126

NC - Tyrone
PACKARD WOODWORKS
646 North Trade Street Tryon NC 28782
Phone: 800-683-8876 Fax: 828-859-5551

NE - Lincoln
HARDWOOD HEAVEN
3822 South 14th Street Lincoln NE 68502
Phone: 402-423-5993 Fax: 402 423 6337

OH - Hartville
HARTVILLE TOOL
940 West Maple Street Hartville OH 44632
Phone: 330-877-4685 Fax: 330-877-4682


PA - Philadelphia
PENN STATE INDUSTRIES (RETAIL ONLY)
2800 Comly Road, Philadelphia, PA 19154
Customer Svc & Orders Toll-Free: 800 377-7297 Tech Support Toll-Free: 800 656-4767
Local phone: 215 676-7609 Fax: 215 676-7603
Web Site: www.pennstateind.com
E-mail: [email protected]
Retail suppliers of Shellawax,
Shellawax Cream & EEE-Ultra Shine.

UT - Provo
CRAFT SUPPLIES - US
1287 East, 1120 South, Provo Utah 84606
Phone: 800-551-8876 Fax: 801-377-7742

TX - Lubbock
ACACIA HARDWOODS INC.
4614 FM 1585 Lubbock, TX 79424
Phone: 806-794-5099 Fax:806-794-3955

WV - Parkersberg
WOODCRAFT SUPPLIES CORP
1177 Rosemar Rd Parkersberg WV 26102
Phone: 800-225-1153 Fax: 304-428-8271

WA - Sumner
SUMNER WOODWORKER STORE
908 Cherry Avenue Sumner WA 98390
Phone: 253-891-9413 Fax: 253-891-1753

[RufflyRustic]

Hi HB

Yes, I would be happy to sign a testimonial