Bloodwood Satin Nickel Cigar

[Paul Heely]

Got to spent most of the weekend in the shop turning, much to the detriment of my lawn and now really filthy truck....

This is the first from a batch where I've started using Enduro instead of CA/BLO. The CA fumes absolutely kill me and with the prospect of doing dozens of pens for the upcoming craft show season I needed something different. So far I like the Enduro, easy to apply and the finish is as good as my CA finish was. Only downside is the longer wait until done.

Unfortunately my photo setup does not do this pen justice, need to go get all the phrugal parts this week. The wood is bloodwood, MM to 12000 and finished with Enduro, buffed and waxed. I've been experimenting with MMing the final finish vs tripoli, white diamond and wax. This one did not get MM on the final finish coat.

Thanks for looking.

[Ken Fitzgerald]

I like that pen Paul!

[Steve Schlumpf]

Nice form - beautiful color! You shouldn't have any problem selling your pens! Really nice work!

[Patrick Taylor]

Sweet! Nice job. The finish looks good.

FYI, I MM (4000 & up) the top coat of whatever finish I use (CA for wood) then buff also. I like the uber-gloss.

[Jeffrey Fusaro]

paul--

nice looking pen. good job on the finish.

[Brodie Brickey]

Paul,

The pen looks very sharp. The low gloss finish makes it look like it will take any abuse that is sent its way and not show it.

What kit did you use for that?

[Paul Heely]

Brodie, the kit is from Berea.

I'm hopefully that the Enduro finish will hold up well. From what I read on the pen turners forum it is at least has hard as a CA finish once its fully cured.



Thank you all for the kind words.

[Patrick Taylor]

at least has hard as a CA finish once its fully cured.

How long is the cure? Also, what's the general procedure for enduro? I know nothing about it.

[Paul Heely]

The manufacturer states that its dry in 10 - 20 minutes and can sand in 30 minutes to 2 hours. Based on the discussions I read on the pen forum I'm letting it sit overnight before I sand it and I've seen a couple of references to it taking a week or 2 to fully cure.

The procedure I'm following is:
MM the blanks to 12000
Apply 3 coats of sanding sealer. Its applied by dripping a couple of drops on and smoothing with paper towel. Takes a minute or so in my shop for each coat to dry enough to apply another.
Let sit overnight
MM to 12000 the sealed blanks to level the sealer and polish.
Apply 3 coats of the gloss finish (same application as the sealer)
Let sit overnight.
MM to 12000 the finished blanks and buff.

On the pen I posted I skipped the final MM as a test to see how the finish would come out. Its level and smooth but not as shiny as if I had MM'ed it.

The hardness comment was based on a discussion on the pen forum. Search IAP for enduro hardness and you should find the thread.