I'm expecting to turn a set of chessmen (pretty aggressive first project
in many years on a lathe) of probably Juniper and probably Maple, pine
or another light colored wood. I'm trying to figure out what would be a
good finish for the set. I'm considered wax as I think I can do a lot
of it while the pieces are still on the lathe but am unsure of how often
I may have to rewax it - never used wax on wood before. Any comments on
using wax for a chess set?


I've also considered lacquer or one of its derivitives or similar
products and dipping the pieces several times to build up a nice thick
finish & shine. Did this many years ago with a gearshift knob(60's,
what else?). I know how it'll turn out with this but really am curious
about using wax. FWIW, the chess board will be etched glass set in a
nice wooden box yet to be made.

You don't want to use wax as an only finish. It just doesn't hold up to the
use (I assume it's to be actually used as opposed to just a display) even
with a good hard carnauba wax job.

Use the lacquer or a polyurethane but I wouldn't think you would want to
have a heavy feeling to it as you would with many coats. Just 5 or 6 thin
even coats of good quality spray lacquer (with sanding between) and then a
light buffing would wear very well and look great.

- Andrew


"Grandpa" jsdebooATcomcast.net wrote in message
...
I'm expecting to turn a set of chessmen (pretty aggressive first project
in many years on a lathe) of probably Juniper and probably Maple, pine
or another light colored wood. I'm trying to figure out what would be a
good finish for the set. I'm considered wax as I think I can do a lot
of it while the pieces are still on the lathe but am unsure of how often
I may have to rewax it - never used wax on wood before. Any comments on
using wax for a chess set?


I've also considered lacquer or one of its derivitives or similar
products and dipping the pieces several times to build up a nice thick
finish & shine. Did this many years ago with a gearshift knob(60's,
what else?). I know how it'll turn out with this but really am curious
about using wax. FWIW, the chess board will be etched glass set in a
nice wooden box yet to be made.

Grandpa" jsdebooATcomcast.net wrote in message
...
I'm expecting to turn a set of chessmen (pretty aggressive first project
in many years on a lathe) of probably Juniper and probably Maple, pine
or another light colored wood. I'm trying to figure out what would be a
good finish for the set. I'm considered wax as I think I can do a lot
of it while the pieces are still on the lathe but am unsure of how often
I may have to rewax it - never used wax on wood before. Any comments on
using wax for a chess set?


I've also considered lacquer or one of its derivitives or similar
products and dipping the pieces several times to build up a nice thick
finish & shine. Did this many years ago with a gearshift knob(60's,
what else?). I know how it'll turn out with this but really am curious
about using wax. FWIW, the chess board will be etched glass set in a
nice wooden box yet to be made.

If just decroative, then whatever finish looks good. For a working chess
set, then you need polyurethane. Suggest dark walnut for black pieces and
clear poly for white

bw wrote:
Grandpa" jsdebooATcomcast.net wrote in message
...

I'm expecting to turn a set of chessmen (pretty aggressive first project
in many years on a lathe) of probably Juniper and probably Maple, pine
or another light colored wood. I'm trying to figure out what would be a
good finish for the set. I'm considered wax as I think I can do a lot
of it while the pieces are still on the lathe but am unsure of how often
I may have to rewax it - never used wax on wood before. Any comments on
using wax for a chess set?


I've also considered lacquer or one of its derivitives or similar
products and dipping the pieces several times to build up a nice thick
finish & shine. Did this many years ago with a gearshift knob(60's,
what else?). I know how it'll turn out with this but really am curious
about using wax. FWIW, the chess board will be etched glass set in a
nice wooden box yet to be made.


If just decroative, then whatever finish looks good. For a working chess
set, then you need polyurethane. Suggest dark walnut for black pieces and
clear poly for white

Hmmm, good points you and Andrew make. It will be used on occasion but
not very often. In fact, if I whoop my oldest son's butt like I expect,
it'll probably get used even lessG. Sounds like Poly is the way to
go. Thanks!

I'd probably use an oil plus wax finish. Film finishes like poly or
lacquer will eventually wear off. You might also do a search on this
newsgroup for pen finishes. There have been several discussions about
the best finish for something that is meant to be handled.

Grandpa jsdebooATcomcast.net wrote in message ...
bw wrote:
Grandpa" jsdebooATcomcast.net wrote in message
...

I'm expecting to turn a set of chessmen (pretty aggressive first project
in many years on a lathe) of probably Juniper and probably Maple, pine
or another light colored wood. I'm trying to figure out what would be a
good finish for the set. I'm considered wax as I think I can do a lot
of it while the pieces are still on the lathe but am unsure of how often
I may have to rewax it - never used wax on wood before. Any comments on
using wax for a chess set?


I've also considered lacquer or one of its derivitives or similar
products and dipping the pieces several times to build up a nice thick
finish & shine. Did this many years ago with a gearshift knob(60's,
what else?). I know how it'll turn out with this but really am curious
about using wax. FWIW, the chess board will be etched glass set in a
nice wooden box yet to be made.


If just decroative, then whatever finish looks good. For a working chess
set, then you need polyurethane. Suggest dark walnut for black pieces and
clear poly for white

Hmmm, good points you and Andrew make. It will be used on occasion but
not very often. In fact, if I whoop my oldest son's butt like I expect,
it'll probably get used even lessG. Sounds like Poly is the way to
go. Thanks!

.... and an oil/wax finish is near last place for a lasting, high-use finish.


- Andrew



"ed french" wrote in message
om...
I'd probably use an oil plus wax finish. Film finishes like poly or
lacquer will eventually wear off. You might also do a search on this
newsgroup for pen finishes. There have been several discussions about
the best finish for something that is meant to be handled.

...and in near first place for an easily renewed, attractive finish.
Arch

Fortiter,

AHilton wrote:

... and an oil/wax finish is near last place for a lasting, high-use
finish.

What would be last place? Rubbed on forehead grease?

--
Michael McIntyre ---- Silvan
Linux fanatic, and certified Geek; registered Linux user #243621
http://www.geocities.com/Paris/Rue/5407/

I used water base dye and Watco Oil on the dark pieces and just plain Watco Oil on the light pieces.
Check it out: https://home.comcast.net/~phileen/Gallery.htm Phil




On Fri, 28 Nov 2003 13:22:21 -0700, Grandpa jsdebooATcomcast.net wrote:

I'm expecting to turn a set of chessmen (pretty aggressive first project
in many years on a lathe) of probably Juniper and probably Maple, pine
or another light colored wood. I'm trying to figure out what would be a
good finish for the set. I'm considered wax as I think I can do a lot
of it while the pieces are still on the lathe but am unsure of how often
I may have to rewax it - never used wax on wood before. Any comments on
using wax for a chess set?


I've also considered lacquer or one of its derivitives or similar
products and dipping the pieces several times to build up a nice thick
finish & shine. Did this many years ago with a gearshift knob(60's,
what else?). I know how it'll turn out with this but really am curious
about using wax. FWIW, the chess board will be etched glass set in a
nice wooden box yet to be made.

Which is, in essence, polyurethane and linseed oil. Not a bad wearing
finish as long as you make it thick. But, somewhat like epoxy, too thick a
coating doesn't feel good. You have to balance feel, looks, and protection.

- Andrew


"fipster" wrote in message
...
I used water base dye and Watco Oil on the dark pieces and just plain
Watco Oil on the light pieces.
Check it out: https://home.comcast.net/~phileen/Gallery.htm
Phil