I've had good luck using foam backed sanding pads to steady work (mostly
bowls), but you might give one a try... 100 or 220 grit. I use enough
pressure to keep the item from flexing, but back off if I feel the pad
heating up. It has the added benefit of smoothing out the piece.

I get the sanding pads at Sherwin Williams store for about 70 cents apiece.

-------------------------------
Mike Mills
Boca Raton FL


charlie b wrote:
I've managed to grind off the finger prints of several fingers while
sharpening tools, both on a Tormek and japanese waterstones.

Today, while turning "hair sticks" (the inspiration from another
thread in this group) with a bedan, I was dampening the vibration
with the the index and middle finger of my left hand, left thumb
on top of the bedan at the piece. Couple of hours later I come
in for lunch and wash my hands. Soap is a great way to find
injured tissue!

Learned

Rosewood is more abrasive than maple.
Padouk is more abrasive than Cherry.
Teak really is abrasive

Literally hands on turning maple can cause the
turner to taste "maple".

fun stuff this woodworking thing.

charlie b