desisto@corvus.DEC (Sometimes nothing can be a real cool hand.) (02/21/86)
Fellow woodworkers- I recently 'completed' a maple sea-chest (supposedly a X-Mas gift for my mother- maybe I'll get it to her for Mothers' Day) and need some help to do a good job. Generally, I work hard on a project, do it well and then do a poor job with the finishing work. As the sea-chest is somewhat elaborate, I don't want this to happen. I need some finishing techniques and recommendations. I am considering using an oil (perhaps the walnut finishing oil by Minwax), but have no experience with this type of finishing. Any thoughts? Maple has a tendency to blotch when stained, which is why I am considering the oil. I prefer a lighter color than the walnut so that the wood grain is hi-lighted, and am looking at Provincial Pine or a ruddy color if I opt to stain. Also, I would like some input as what hardware I should use. I am leaning towards brass, butterfly hinges and some type of brass latch. For the inside, I am considering either a small link brass chain or a sturdy piece of leather as a lid stop/support. I am not interested in the friction lid supports. Leather, too, for the handles??? If anyone knows of any mail order firm which specializes in such hardware I would appreciate it if you sent the name and address to me. Please respond via the NET or directly to me. Chris DeSisto desisto%hydra.dec@decwrl