I was perusing Nakashima Woodworking’s new website and came across the following (please click on the below and go to 3 of 4 and look at the large bottom photo of the guy using some type of pheumatic sander with a very soft pad to “rub” (NOT rub out) a finish”):
http://www.nakashimawoodworker.com/custom/3
What does it seem that he is doing? I know he is using an oil/varnish blend bc that’s the only tpye of finish that Nakashima uses. To my untrained eye, it appears that he is using the machine to replicate a “hand rubbed” appearance, perhaps putting the final touches on the finish. Does that make sense? If so, what are the benefits of using the machine and how might that be replicated without a pneumatic set up? Maybe a rotary/rotex sander with a cloth buffing pad?
Thanks for any insights, tony.
Replies
The pneumatic sander is often called a jitterbug, it is orbital but not random orbit. Likely polishing the final coats which may be a paste furniture wax or the dried surface of the varnish. They use Cabots oil based varnish but don't allow a noticable film to build on the surface, applying, then wiping it off. This leaves a finish that looks like just an oil was applied, such as linseed oil (BLO) and has a silky touch. BLO wouldn't offer much protection but has a pleasing appearance, the varnish adds the necessary resins that gives protection and comes close to an oil only appearance and feel. Buffing essentially smooths the surface without abrading away the light application of varnish. There also isn't any sanding or steel wool debris to lodge in the open grain and rough surfaces that are often part of their look. You can do the same either by hand or with any orbital sander, you need a light touch and sufficient padding to prevent marking the surface with a sander.
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