Replies

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Nov 13, 2005 06:43am | #1

   One coat of BLO is good for popping the grain in maple, or helping cherry along with its suntan.  Its also good as binder (along with some varnish) in making oil based stains.  But as a finish its not much good.  It never develops protective qualities from water.  Trying to build a finish is no good since it will also remain soft which also means it offers no protection to scratches and abrasion. 

   I suggest you let the BLO on the hammer cure for 48 hours or so and then use shellac for a good looking handle that feels good in your hand.   

    

2. 
   HowardAcheson | Nov 13, 2005 07:20am | #2

   Raw linseed oil is the traditional treatment for tool handles from chisels, hammers to shovels.  It does not provide any real protection but it does not slip in sweaty hands and does not promote blisters.  Boil linseed oil works well to.

   I would avoid any film finish as it can get slippery.  Shellac is rapidly softened by sweat in the hands.

   For funiture, I consider BLO as a coloring treatment to "pop" the grain.  However, it offers no water or watervapor protection or abrasion resistance.  Overcoating with a film finish is necessary for long term protection.

   If you like the "close to the wood" look and feel, I recommend an oil/varnish mixture.  Mix your favorite varnish or poly varnish and BLO and mineral spirits in equal proportion.  Wipe it on heavily, let it set 15-30 minutes and then wipe it dry.  The varnish in the mix makes this a much more protective finish.

   Howie.........
1. 
   skyecore | Nov 13, 2005 01:01pm | #3

   thanks. so mixing an oil (like BLO) with a poly is okay? I allways thought you couldnt mix the two together. If i mix them, will the properties of the oil(BLO in this case) make the hammer handle less slippery than using only a poly?______________________________________________

   --> measure once / scribble several lines / spend some time figuring out wich scribble / cut the wrong line / get mad

1. 
   HowardAcheson | Nov 13, 2005 04:18pm | #4

   >> so mixing an oil (like BLO) with a poly is okay?

   First, poly is varnish.  It's just a varnish made with a urethane resin.  The resin and linseed oil--or other oils--is mixed together and heated.  It then changes into a new compound called "varnish".  Mixing additional linseed oil later just makes it a more oily type product.

   If i mix them, will the properties of the oil(BLO in this case) make the hammer handle less slippery than using only a poly?

   Basically yes.  As long as you use no more that two coats and wipe the excess off well.Howie.........