Thread: Dubl Duck Special #1, CA Desert Ironwood

my first attempt at CA finish. White acrylic wedge. Edit- OOOPS. I forgot! This wedge is actually bleached cow bone. I forgot! It came out so clean and white

cut, shaped, sanded scales to 800 grit. applied 4 coats CA (3-4 drops of CA per coat). sanded with 400 grit paper. applied 4 coats CA, sanded with 400grit again...applied 4 coats CA..sanded with 400-600-800-1000-1500, then 1700rpm 4" loose cotton wheel with white rouge to buff it to a shine. 12 CA coats total on the outsides of the scales, 8 coats total on the insides of the scales. There are a still a few low marks in the finish from some deep grain patterns... i think I could have kept going with more coats of CA, but, I think the owner will be more than happy with this set.

It has re-opened my eyes to wood. I always hated the week long finishing process...but..here is an option that only takes about 24 hours to complete and it just feels better in the hand than oil and poly finishes. I haven't tried epoxy yet -- maybe I'd like that even more.











last pic there was during pinning u can see the nice wedgie wedge. heh.

looking great.

That's great work Brad...

I like the gloss finish on that wood. I agree the "grain" texture that you see on a lot of scales leaves a lot to be desired, but with that one it looks like you have the look of wood with the feel of acrylic/bakelite.

Also, the white wedge sets it off beautifully.

I have never been a big fan of wood scales.

This could change my mind.

Beautiful work.

That looks awesome!! Great work, as always.

I've been hesitant to try a CA finish - I haven't tried because I can just see myself walking around with multiple scales stuck to my fingers . . . you think I'd stop after the first one , but noooooo!

You're really selling me on using Desert Ironwood for scales though. Is it very hard to work? Similar to other woods, or closer to micarta??

Nice work and great pictures.thank you

It is similar to other woods.

For spreading the CA -- I came up with an awesome trick..

Take a ~3" long piece of clear packing tape -- the nice, thick 3M stuff...the cheapo stuff is..well..cheap...

stick the tape to your index finger, and wrap it so that it is PERFECTLY smooth on the pad of your finger (no tape seams, etc..)

Now, you have full control over the spreading process, can turn your finger around those little edges.... Far superiour to any sort of spreading device (brush, sponge, toothpick, etc)

When you are done spreading, that piece of tape goes straight in the trash.

I also put together a little stand from scrapwood and some 3" screws ground to very small diameter points to fit into pivot holes.

I use those finger guards that you put on your finger when you have a cut for spreading CA.

Those scales are really beautiful. That turned out a keeper in my book.

Those scales are just stunning!
I got some nice wood samples the other day to try and do a set of wood scales with cut metal inlay. I was looking at finishing with CA. Your pic and discription of your process was a huge help.
Thanks!!!