About the same – 8 to 10. I like to build up enough that there is no chance of sanding through when I level out the finish. Also, I find that once I’ve set up and finished 4 or 5 coats, it isn’t that much more work to do 8 or 10.
Mike did a good job talking about being careful not to sand thru the CA. One thing to emphasize with that is to be especially careful with any edges and corners like near the end of the handle. They are especially vulnerable to being oversanded.
Question for Mike:
When you use this Scratch Free/Micro Magic technique on a CA finish for a pen, how many coats of Thin CA do you typically use?
Thanks!
About the same – 8 to 10. I like to build up enough that there is no chance of sanding through when I level out the finish. Also, I find that once I’ve set up and finished 4 or 5 coats, it isn’t that much more work to do 8 or 10.
Mike did a good job talking about being careful not to sand thru the CA. One thing to emphasize with that is to be especially careful with any edges and corners like near the end of the handle. They are especially vulnerable to being oversanded.
What is the blank you used and does CSUSA sell them?
We don’t sell that exact blank. Mike stabilized and dyed it himself.
The dye color is the Cactus Juice Brilliant Blue – https://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/p/16/6962/cactus-juice-Stabilizing-Dye
These blanks are very similar – https://www.woodturnerscatalog.com/p/7/5043/pen-makers-choice-Stabilized-Dyed-Box-Elder-Burl-Pen-Blanks