This may be nothing to worry about, but I bought a pound jar of Behlen shellac flakes from a local supplier, and while there are some flakes, 80% of the jar is a lump. When I pointed this out, they said to “just break it up with a screwdriver or something.”
Am I asking too much for my flakes to be in flake form?
Tim
Fine Woodworking Recommended Products
Ridgid R4251 Miter Saw
The Ridgid R4251 was a pleasant surprise. It uses two articulating arms to let it sit against a wall. The mechanism had me skeptical, but it performed excellently. The controls are conveniently placed and easy to use. The bevel and tilt locks for working off of the stops were my favorite of the field. Its LED results in a nice, accurate shadow.
Ridgid R4331 Planer
Priced nearly $300 less than the DeWalt 735X, the Ridgid R4331 is an excellent value. Its three-knife cutterhead left wonderfully clean surfaces on plainsawn white oak and white pine. It did not perform nearly as well on curly maple as the 735X.
Makita 9903 Belt Sander
Weight: 9.5 lb. Amps: 8.8 Variable speed: Yes Belt alignment: Excellent Material removal rate: Very good Sanding flatness: Excellent Shaping/scribing: Very good Handling on side: Fair Dust collection with hose: Fair
Foundations of Woodworking
Veritas Micro-Adjust Wheel Marking Gauge
The adjuster runs through the beam from a small knob at the back end right to the cutting wheel, which moves in and out as you turn the knob. This arrangement works well but makes adjustments a two-handed operation, requiring a little more effort.
Replies
I buy shellac flakes too, I do not recall any containers that had to be pounded . Take it back, open the next can before you buy.
mike
Yeah, that was my thought, too, and when I went to return it, that's when I was given the screwdriver tip and sent on my way. For what it's worth, it was my local Rockler store.I usually buy Hock flakes from the Woodcraft store, but I was buying a different color and needed another jar (Hock flakes come in a bag). I figured the Behlen jar would get both birds with one stone. I'm beginning to think I should be dealing with different suppliers, but who?Tim
I'd do what the Rockler guy says.
Don't you know that a blue denim apron grant's it's wearer knowledge of all that is and all that will be woodworking thoughout eternity?
Whatssamatta fa u.
I would take them back. Sounds like they got damp.
Troy
Thanks. That's what I was suspecting, just wanted other opinions. I'm taking them back tomorrow.Tim
ohio,
I've had the same thing happen with Hock flakes from Woodcraft...took a couple of weeks to melt out...
A clump like that will disolve in alcohol.......but it will take ,like ,a week. If you can return the product and get flakes.
Philip
Thanks, good to know. I wasn't sure it would dissolve at all, and even if it did, doubted it would set up/dry properly. And I definitely don't want to wait a week for my shellac to dissolve!
I wouldn't trust them. Shellac flakes also have a shelf life; your lot sounds dubious. But it's easy enough to put them in a cloth sack and smash 'em up with a hammer. Then check to see if they dissolve OK, and (most important) if the shellac dries hard. If it stays sticky, the shellac is old and toast.
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled