Spare Parts #14 - French Polishing A Piece Of Red Morrel Burl
Тәжірибелік нұсқаулар және стиль
French Polishing A Piece Of Red Morrel Burl, by Clickspring.
In this video I use the traditional French Polishing technique to apply a shellac coating to the Large Wheel Skeleton Clock base.
This Spare parts video is related to the full length project video titled "How To Make A Clock In The Home Machine Shop - Part 19 - Making The Legs And Base": • Clockmaking - How To M...
If you would like to help support the creation of these videos, then head on over to the Clickspring Patreon page: / clickspring
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A very special thank you to Patrons Dan Keen, Samuel Irons and Sean Kuyper.
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Abbreviated Transcript:
00:05 I've just completed machining this piece of Red Morrel Burl that I'll be using for the base of the clock. Its a beautifully figured piece of wood, and I think an ideal candidate for a French Polish. But I do need to do some work on the surfac finish before I can get started.
00:22 For the most part its a case of going over each surface with fine grit abrasive paper, and filling the small cracks where necessary. The 2 large cavities on the underside I'll be leaving as is. They're what remains of the original surface of the wood when the burl was harvested, and I like the idea of them remaining in place as a feature of that surface.
00:53 The shellac solution can be purchased ready mixed, but it's also quite easy to make a fresh batc from raw shellac flakes and denatured alcohol. In this case I'm making what is referred to as a "2lb cut" solution, which seems to be a good general purpose mix. Check the description box below for some more information on the quantities.
01:23 The mix starts out quite thick, but after an hour or so the shellac flakes fully dissolve, and the solution can be transferred to a more convenient bottle. I need a small amount of olive oil, to lubricate the pad during the polishing process. And for the pad itself a section of linen, and some cotton wadding that'll go inside to act as a reservoir for the polish.
02:19 Now strictly speaking the term "French Polish" refers to the process of applying the shellac, rather than the shellac solution itself. Each wipe of the pad applies a thin film of the solution, and as the alcohol evaporates, the barest hint of a layer of shellac is left behind. Its a slow and repetitive process, that gradually builds up the coating, layer upon layer.
03:20 Again charging the pad with a small amount
of shellac, and then lubricating with a drop of oil as the friction increases. A good sign that all is going as it should, is a visible trail left by the alcohol as evaporates. That trail gets shorter and the alcohol flashes off faster as the pad continues to dry out.
:03:46 Eventually, a shiny crust of shellac forms on the surface of the pad, which makes its action across the surface sleek and smooth. It now becomes possible to burnish the surfac for the first time. I'm pressing quite firmly here, and you can see the sheen of the surface immediately start to improve.
04:05 Even with considerable pressure, the pad glides smoothly over the shellac coating which is still soft and pliable, so it gives a little under the pressure, evening out the fine stroke marks and forming a more uniform surface.
04:25 As the surface continues to develop over subsequent polishing sessions, I stop adding additional shellac, and instead add pure alcohol to the inside of the pad. This dissolves the residual shellac in the wadding, and so further dilutes the solution being applied. And with the completion of this third polishing session,
04:49 I'm going to leave the top surface as it is, and give it a light wipe with a dry pad to remove the majority of the oil. Another 12 hours of curing, and then I can safely flip the workpiece and apply a similar coating to the other surface.
05:44 Now there's no avoiding the fact that this is a very time consuming process, and I guess for that reason alone French Polishing has largely been replaced by more convenient wood finishing processes. Its reasonably fragile and susceptible to being marked by water and alcohol. But its also quite easy to repair, and for a cheap, environmentally friendly, and thoroughly traditional
wood finish, its certainly hard to beat.
Music:
"Manifested" By Ketsa.
www.ketsamusic.com
Quantities for a "2 lb Cut"
www.shellac.net/PoundCutChart...
Burl sourced from Djarilmari Timbers in Western Australia
www.djarilmari.com/
French Polishing A Piece Of Red Morrel Burl, by Clickspring.
Пікірлер: 482
French polish is actually quite easy. It does take time, but most of that is waiting between sessions. I think a lot of people never try it because it has a reputation of being difficult and exacting, but I’ve always enjoyed using it.
@bighands69
2 жыл бұрын
It does not take that long between each layer. You could do it in 10 minute intervals if you wanted to. As an alternative you could do a shellac buffed finish that gives a sort of french polish shine but not as pronounced. And that could take just 3 layers with the first being painted on and then the next two rubbed on with light sanding.
I can't get over how beautiful that wood is. Btw, your channel is one of my favorites.
@Clickspring
6 жыл бұрын
Thank you mate, terrific to have you watching :)
One CAN NOT OVERSTATE the importance of a *dust free environment* during application.
@stevez2158
7 жыл бұрын
ExtantFrodo2 Well, I guess I can't really do this in anywhere other than my kitchen, which then everyone will yell at me "YOU'RE WORKING WITH CHEMICALS IN THE HOUSE OH MY GOOOOD" and not allow me to explain what I'm doing.
@JevonLongdell
6 жыл бұрын
Steve Zukley This really isn't an issue with shellac. It is used as a food ingredient. The only thing 'toxic' is the alcohol.
Thank you. It's hard to find a video under 30 minutes long.
This is my go to comfort/relaxing video.
That is beautiful. I was taught always do the bottom or back of your project first. Saves accidental damage to the face side. Nice job.
oh my god that is probably the most beautiful wood i have ever seen
@ttiization
4 жыл бұрын
That's what she said
@thesage1096
4 жыл бұрын
@@ttiization man of culture. i tip my hat to you.
@chrislopez4122
4 жыл бұрын
ttiization I just was about to type that. Until I opened the comments. Lmao. Well done.
I don't understand something. What is not to like? Why give thumbs down? If you don't like the results, give credit for the skills and knowledge. Again Chris, another educating and wonderful video.
From some angles the wood looks like a marble pattern. It's gorgeous!
This is the best French Polish tutorial/example I've seen. So many have tried to explain this in a way that isn't like it's some magic process, but have, IMO, failed.
@Clickspring
8 жыл бұрын
Thanks Pete, much appreciated :)
@zohranbloedjes9770
8 жыл бұрын
jup
@eclipsesolar8345
4 жыл бұрын
You must haven't seen much, then. This is not the best or the most professional way.
@flexinriffs9926
4 жыл бұрын
Eclipse Solar 83 link to a better way?
@TheVergile
4 жыл бұрын
to be fair: this is a fairly basic method on a relatively easy workpiece.
This man is a real artist, one of very few youtubers that deserve a real prize: calm and soothing voice, outstanding A/V recording and video editing and lighting, the subject choices of the videos are absolutely delightful for the eyes (this could be a boring spray lacquer video), very precise and clean descriptions of what he's making, and of course the piece itself, the clock, with all the know how about turning, blueing, polishing, gearing, knurling, tempering... First in my personal youtube ranking. My compliments Sir.
@Clickspring
8 жыл бұрын
Thank you Luigi, very much appreciate the encouraging words :)
@mecabrico
4 жыл бұрын
Luigi & Clickspring : Since my English is very bad, I could hardly write a comment like that of Luigi. His comment renders very precisely my feeling. All the people I showed your video "1000 hours in 12 minutes" were amazed, regardless of their degree of machining skills.
@matze3596
4 жыл бұрын
its called carpenter.
@eclipsesolar8345
4 жыл бұрын
This is NOT how this is done in the right traditional way.
Dr DeVilbiss invented the spraygun in 1888. Many fine furniture makers resisted the temptation to switch to sprayed finishes, and continued to use french polishing, applied by hand. Having watched this video, I now know why! Another mouth-watering display of craftsmanship. Thank you so much. :o)
@Clickspring
8 жыл бұрын
Cheers John :)
I learned more from this than the teachers at my furniture school. I actually feel like giving french polishing another go now!
What a stunning piece of timber. I appreciate your clear thorough explanation of French polishing. I like the idea of adding alcohol to the pad towards the end.
very refreshing to see a french polish done plain and simple no hocus pocus or black magic nonsense, just good old fashion method with time, elbow grease and patience. It reminds me of my childhood sitting at the side of my fathers work bench being taught what had been taught to him by old masters. thank you for the very well done video and trip down memory lane. just incredible craftsmanship and much respect to you for sharing it.
@Clickspring
8 жыл бұрын
Terrific to have you watching mate :)
You know I just keep finding myself watching and rewatching and rewatching your videos, totally intranced and inspired. I do truly hope I can make some things as beautiful as you accomplish in the future. Truly a inspirational watch every one of your videos.
Shellac is an awesome finish! Even now it is used for making acoustic instruments, the instrument can vibrate so much better when finished with this technique! Thanks for sharing!
@TheVergile
4 жыл бұрын
hmm, there are quite a few asterisks tho. 1) the polish used on - for example - violins and concert guitars has a lot of addatives and is applied a bit differently. a pure shellac varnish is often used for the polish, but wouldnt stand up quite as well against sweat, rosin, etc. 2) it is not so much that shellac is sonically superior. the advantages come down to the relatively thin application and the fast curing time needed to reach full hardness. industrial coatings often take years or decades to reach the same level of cure that shellac achieves in the first two years. but this is mainly due to the fact that most lacquer formulas just werent developed with music instruments in mind. in general we love to use shellac bc it is easily repaired, easy to work with (regarding storage and safety), forms thin layers, is easily adjusted for viscosity and other properties like color, toughness, etc and cures fast. many of these properties could be achieved with other products too - we dont have enough buying power as instrument makers to be attractive targets for development of products tho. a lot of my colleagues achieve excellent results with oil, nitrocellulose or resin finishes though.
When finished the wood has what i can only describe as depth and it is simply beautiful. It looks like it come to life in some sort of lovecraftian way.
The wood looks like liquid fire caught in pause frame......superb
I am a woodworker in the US, and I am in awe of that wood. We have burl here but that piece is truly beautiful.
What a beautiful piece of wood, and a fine finish too.
being french, I clicked on this video just for the name of the practice, but I discovered the most beautiful and soft polishing method ever ^^
This is the best example of French polish I've seen to date. God job, bro.
Great job. That is the best description of how to french polish / apply shellac that I've ever heard. Thank you.
I was taught to French polish at the age of 10 years old. I have not done any for well over 60 years now, but I think that I will try it on some of my wood turned pieces.😀🇬🇧
Truly remarkable craftsmanship and material. What a pleasure to watch. Thank you.
that looks like a gorgeous base for a hand made clock
You should definitely make a chess set with brass and aluminium for the black and white with a burl frame on the board using the scraps from this if you have any!
@Clickspring
8 жыл бұрын
Yes that would be a great project, and I like your suggestion of materials,thank you Lee
@LeeMcC123
8 жыл бұрын
+Clickspring No problem, I'd love to see it :)
@LeeMcC123
8 жыл бұрын
+Clickspring Definitely gives you a chance to do a lot of freehand turning! (and possibly a bit of carving for the cross on the King and also the Knights)
Well ! I think this is just about the very best tutorial on French polishing I have seen, not only to you show the application technique, but how to mix the polish as well. And the piece of wood you have chosen is outstanding, an ideal piece for this application, it is nice that you applied a balancing coat to the underside as well, although I think a first time French polisher would perhaps be better off applying the underside finish first, to get enough confidence when he attempted the visable top side, where his rubber would get stuck to the finish! Many thanks for posting. Chris B.
@Clickspring
8 жыл бұрын
Cheers mate :)
You are an absolute master at your craft and your videos are extremely professional. Love them!
I have never seen this process before. Thanks for telling the steps and walking us through it. The finish is stunning! A fitting base for your beautiful clock.
It always makes me smile when I see click spring in the list of new uploads. And you never let me down when it comes to new information and the way it is supposed to be done. Thanks again for the smile on my face and greetings from the Netherlands
thank you for your clear and informative presentation.A Shellac finish is so complimentary to the eye and touch. A joy to watch
I had the opportunity to work with a bit of birch burl a while ago. What a lovely sort of wood to play with!
That piece of wood and the finis combo is unbelievable! :)
That burl is out of this world!
Excellent video as always Chris! Possibly the best quick demo on French Polishing I've ever seen, glad to see you staying with the old-school standard process. With some practice & dedication this is a process anyone can eventually master. Keep up the great work!
Perfect beautiful harmony with the clock. Almost like the finished wood has fallen from heaven! Strange how beauty has been forgotten in most houses,mat least in the UK, where mdf dominates. But beauty is the dominant force behind civilisation making when you see it, such as here, a profoundly moving & delightful experience.
Man you are a crazy person! Polishing the bottom of a base. Absolutely beautiful work
Holy mother of shellac! That’s GORGEOUS!!
Not only a metal magician, also a wood wizard!
Stunning finish, perfect teaching narration.
The Wood is beautiful, Outstanding finishing process, thanks again for sharing Chris
Great job. Such beautiful wood.
Best tutorial I've ever seen on the french polish. Well done, sir.
Magnificent, as usual... I always find myself smiling at the end of your videos. So much beauty...
Truly beautiful. Unreal level of craftsmanship throughout this whole project, you're a great inspiration.
Thank you - this is an excellent video tutorial. I look forward to watching all the rest in the compilation series.
the combination of that burl and the french polishing look amazing! WOW that looks SO GOOD!!!
That is one of the most beautiful burls i have ever seen. Just gorgeous!
That is a beautiful piece of wood, to go with a beautiful clock.
Fantastic piece of wood and great summary of a french polish. FYI, I developed a quicker way when refinishing a dresser top for a buddy to accomplish much the same thing. I applied the shellac with a brush, laying it on thick, then let it dry for 2 days. Then went over it with 220 followed by 320 grit sandpaper on a palm sander. After this, I used a french polish technique, but it took very little time & produced a much thicker, more protective, coat of shellac. (Doing a piece of wood this size would have taken me roughly 7-10 days after work to complete using traditional methods. This way took only 2 short days and it looks amazing.)
A beautiful piece of wood. Great job! Thanks for sharing!
That's one of the most beautiful pieces of wood I have ever seen.
I had your card press video recommended to me and I watched it. This was recommended a few hours later. After hearing your tutorial I’m subbed. 👍🏻
that is hands down the most beautiful piece of wood i have ever seen. totally making a guitar body out of it, or at least a vainer.
Chris, wow! Just...wow! That is amazingly beautiful! :D Thank you for sharing!
Holy cow! That is dedication to finishing wood! Great job Chris!
@Clickspring
8 жыл бұрын
Cheers Andrea!!
Never seen such a 3-dimensional finish on a wood. Amazing.
chris, i've been watching your videos for a while now. I really enjoy watching em, and i have to give you a huge compliment! i've never seen someone working with such passion an love to his workpiece! Keep the good work! keep the videos coming :)
It looks amazing already after the first session
5:50 wow that wood has a great depth to it after all that ploishing
@brokenacoustic
7 жыл бұрын
I was thinking the same thing. Dont know how it would sound, but that would make one beautiful guitar.
Wow, this is perfect! Tried it for the first time, and this quick video helped me tremendously!
wow that wood has so much depth and beautiful colors in it.... it looks amazing with that finish on it.
Gorgeous finish Chris! Well done!
Your videos are amazing. Not only the amazing craft you are sharing but as a picture itself, it is art. The camera, the angles, the light, the narration, the sound recoding, the editing, the storytelling...all of it. As far as i surfed in youtube (and did a lot!) your video production is the best among makers/craftsman (im not writing this this comment just because im hipnotized by the burls) thank you very very much.
Oh my god, so much depth in that wood.
Shellac is a waxy substance called lac excreted by female lac bugs, in case anyone didn't know. I think it's interesting that such a useful thing is made by insects off the top of my head I can only think of silk and honey as two other products we get from insects.
@gabedamien
5 жыл бұрын
Wax from the larva of the Ibota insect (Ericerus pela) is used in Japan for certain traditional crafts including lubricating the burnishing needle during the polishing of the ridge of Japanese swords. Cochineal extract, which is used as a red food colorant, comes from another scale insect - the cochineal. So the next time you have a "grapefruit" beer with bright pink color, yes, you are drinking powdered bugs. Yay!
@mattclaus7690
5 жыл бұрын
I believe there is a red food coloring made from a certain beetle, forget the details now.
@BeasleyStreet
4 жыл бұрын
@@mattclaus7690 cochineal!
@BeasleyStreet
4 жыл бұрын
how did you miss beeswax!!
@cyrus2728
4 жыл бұрын
@@gabedamien and lipstick and other womens makeup
what a beautiful finish chris
Beautyful!
I love your work. Your craftsmenship is outstanding. I make my own Shallac also and use it on nearly every project. I've never heard of Red Morrel Burl, I suppose it's something only available in Austrailia. Wonderful country and people, I was there in 1969 on R&R in Sydney.
Absolutely stunning. 👍👍
Gorgeous wood and beautiful finish you applied. Will look terrific with the brass clock!
This is the video that got me into your channel. I had been watching a lot of wood working videos, and this finishing video was great and I'm glad you were working with such a gorgeous piece of wood. Seeing that this was for a clock you were machining got me to start watching the rest of the videos on this channel. You make absolutely incredible videos and your work on the Antikythera mechanism is mesmerizing. I look forward to more videos from this channel.
Thanks for sharing this Chris, I learnt a lot about the process :) That piece of wood and finish look fantastic!
This looks amazing Chris, absolutely beautiful.
you're a very fine craftsman. it's a pleasure watching your videos.
Beautiful, Thank you.
he did one pass and it already looked gorgeous
this is the nicest piece of wood i've ever seen
Absolutely beautiful. Fantastic job, Chris.
I never knew what it was called before, but I love that kind of finish on wood. The grain of that particular piece of wood is really interesting. The underside looks like it could serve as a background for a painting of a scene from Dante's Inferno.
The french polishing is impressive but,, that is a stunning piece of wood!
Thanks now I know what french polishing is all about...I also figured morrel was WA timber.. I now live on the south coast and have been playing with the local sheoak..It also has a lovely freckled red tinge to the wood..It looks nice,,regards E
Thats gorgeous!
Very well done! Beautiful piece of wood, looks like marble!
It's so beautiful.... awesome job.
What a wonderful video!
Nothing but the best. Very good explanation.
Wow. Just amazing!
Excellent as always! Jim
yet again Chris your skills seem to be endless, a truly beautiful piece of wood worthy of the work of art you are making to sit on it, i found the whole polishing process immensely satisfying to watch, brilliant!!
Outstanding as always!!
wow now that looks amazing beautiful work
Beautiful
Looking beautiful
brilliant. top drawer work.
Thank you for all your videos! I really enjoyed to watching the progress of this clock. It came out beautiful! Have a peaceful Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Absolutely lovely work mate - well done.
@Clickspring
7 жыл бұрын
Cheers Stephen, I appreciate you taking the time to tune in :)
Great, succinct demo!