Replies

1. 
   Pondfish | Jan 02, 2006 03:51pm | #1

   Jeff is an accomplished finisher and a good writer.  He's written more than one book on the subject; I have his "Finishing", which is one of a Taunton's "Complete Illustrated Guide" books of recent vintage.  It is a nice reference and covers finshing extensively, although not at great depth (such a book would be a couple volumes).  The subjects you are interested are included in the book.

   Recommending the use of "Hide Signatures" option under "My Preferences" since 2005
2. 
   DonStephan | Jan 03, 2006 09:19pm | #2

   See if your public library has the book. I preview most books by checking them out first from our library system.

3. 
   JohnH | Jan 06, 2006 06:03pm | #3

   I have Jewitt's book and agree with the other responders. Although it is almost 300 pages, it is still mostly descriptive, general, and lacks specifics. For example, when I wanted to know why aniline dye stains didn't enhance the figure in bird's-eye maple, the only mention is in a figure caption on the page before the discussion of aniline dyes begins. To be fair, such specifics would require more volumes, as the other responder said.

   I also have Flexner's book, Understanding Wood Finishing, where p. 283 tells the reader to use dye stain on bird's-eye maple. What he doesn't say is that it doesn't enhance the figure more than unstained oil/varnish finish. It just changes the overall color in tone and darkness.

   In a nutshell, these books are a good beginning. But in finishing, a lot depends on the character of the wood in hand. So no book can replace systematic experimentation on sample pieces.

   
   

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   Edited 1/6/2006 10:21 am by JohnH

1. 
   SteveSchoene | Jan 06, 2006 08:50pm | #4

   By the way, Flexner has changed the treatment in the current revised edition.  He uses the dye in a very diluted fashion and suggests sanding or scraping off the color between the curls or bird's eyes between each application of dye.  He then intensifies the impact with a coat of BLO after the dye has dried.  (p. 237)

1. 
   JohnH | Jan 06, 2006 11:28pm | #5

   Hi Steve,

   Thanks for the update on Jewitt's newest edition. Call me lazy, I think that I'll be happy with the figure resulting from a good oil/varnish finish.

   Best regards, John