Mike McReynolds presented to us how he applies CA finish to various turned pieces. Mike explained the safety factors and considerations of using CA as a finish as well as the benefits. He showed some of the various objects he has finished with CA and explained the process. He said to be sure and use plenty of ventilation and a fan to blow the fumes away from you and to always have either debonder or acetone close at hand in case of contact to skin or other mishaps. Also, being careful to not to apply too much CA to you applicator because it can burn suddenly when it “flashes”.
     For the demonstration portion of his presentation, Mike applied a CA finish to a pen he had turned. After sanding to about 600, he applied 2 or 3 coats of thin CA followed by 3 or 4 coats of medium CA. Then starting with 220 sandpaper he lightly sanded to remove the high spots to make the finish level. Next, after sanding with 320, 400 and 600 he finished with all the Micro Mesh grits. All of these steps are done at a slow lathe speed of approximately 500 rpm.