John,
The table looks terrific. You used the french polish, as described in Jeff's book? I have to finish the night stand I just made. I'm leaning toward shellac but not sure.
The lip on the edge of the top; is that applied or did you rout that into the blank for the top? That's another thing I'd love to try.
Thanks for sharing.
I did use the method from Jeff's book. Before I used his recipe I did apply trans tint (amber then mahogany) then added mahogany gel stain.
Here is my version of Jeff Jewitts french polish I hope its OK to put this on the site If not delete.
I did start with a solid top and carved and hand routed out the center. a little challenging. Did not want to add a separate piece to the edge.
Hope that helps. Good luck. I like the shellac. Very forgiving at 1lb cut.
one lb cut shellac for brushing or french polishing
1lb shellac / 1 gal denatured alcohol
1lb Shellac 16oz 1oz (28grams)
--------------- = -------- = -------
1 gal Etoh 128oz 8oz (1cup)
french polishing use 1-2 lb cut
trans tint dye (amber then red brown)
Mahogany gel stain.
BLO plus rottenstone 2-3 coats
let cure for 3 days.
make a “rubber”
14 inch square unbleached muslin 80 thread /inch count (1.99/sq yard @ joanne fabrics).
wrap around wool batting ball (joanne fabrics 8.00$)
charge the batting with denatured alcohol.
wrap the wad in muslin
flatten and re open
add 1lb cut shellac to the batting
straight strokes; cover 3 times
recharge shellac as needed
Let dry
Reapply but this time
rub in circles and figure of 8.
if shellac is tacky add a few drops of baby oil
shine after 15 minutes
when covered let dry over night
next am light sanding with 600 grit lubricated with mineral spirits
000 steel wool
reapply shellac
when shellac dries out don’t add more press harder (30 lbs pressure).
baby oil as needed.
done when no longer see pores.
let dry a day or two then remove oil
remove oil:
wipe with naphtha
"my version..based on “Finishing” Page 249 by Jeff Jewitt.
