I built a little cabinet out of maple, and I finished it with shellac. I would like to try rubbing it out with an automotive polishing compound and complete the project with a wax. What are some of the better products/brands to use for this application? I am happy to take any suggestions on technique, etc. that you may have. Thank you all in advance.
Cheers
Kyle
Fine Woodworking Recommended Products
Rikon 10-3061 10-in. Deluxe Bandsaw
The 1⁄2-hp motor has all the power needed to resaw at its maximum capacity of 5 in.
The saw has two speeds: 3,280 sfpm (surface feet per minute) for wood and 1,515 sfpm for soft metals and some plastics.
Glue Bottle
My favorite glue bottle is a ketchup dispenser. Inexpensive and you can cut the tip to customize glue distribution. If you always put the cap back on, it never clogs.
Makita LS1219L Miter Saw
This is the saw I want in my shop. For one, it’s easy to use. All of the controls are easy to reach and manipulate, and the glide mechanism is both robust and smooth. The handle works well for righties and lefties. Then there are added bonuses that no other saw has. For instance, its hold-down is superb, as it can move to different locations, hinges for a greater range of coverage, and actually holds down the work. In addition, the saw has two points of dust collection, letting it firmly beat the rest of the field. The one downside was the saw’s laser, which was so faint we had to turn off the shop lights to see it. Still, all these pluses in a package that fits tight to the wall? That’s a winner for me.
French Curves
An essential for drawing and designing with curves.
DeWalt 735X Planer
At high speed, the planer works fast and leaves a smooth surface. But the slower, finish speed produces an almost glass-smooth surface. Knife changes are easy.
Replies
Kyle,
I'm probably wrong...but I think the automotive polishes start at somewhere around the 2000 grit level and go up from there. I will start rubbing out shellac as low as 220 W/D grit with a spritz of water.....working up to 2000 grit. It seems to me you'll need to use W/D before you do the automotive thing. I have not tried any automotive products yet.
Either 3M or Meguires are excellent. I use 3M. Wet sand to at least 1500. I generally start at 600, but you can start at 400 if you take great care not to cut through. Don't use water or oil. Use odorless mineral spirits. Doesn't foul things up if you cut through and it dries faster. Make sure to wait a couple weeks after the last coat of shellac. It might look dry, but isn't. Start with swirl mark remover. Then hand rubbing compound, then glazing compound. 3M also has a silicone-free "show car" wax. Very good stuff. Can easily get a mirror finish with shellac.
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled