jaustin said:
I am new to grip making so not sure what kind of finish to put on the grips.
With stabilized blanks I just polish them out with a buffing wheel.
But for natural wood not sure what I should use.
I a currently working on a set of Irish bog oak not sure what type of finish to use.
If bog oak is like any other oak, it'll be considered an "open grain" species. I'd want to fill the grain well before applying finish coat. I like Crystlac for this, and i apply it liberally and wiping excess puddles and streaks off with a rag. When dry, sand to 400 grit, blow and wipe clean, then apply another coat of Crystlac wiping as before. Give it day to dry completely then sand to 600 grit.
My finish of choice will be a "long" oil/varnish mixed thin by about 1/2 oil/ vranish** to 1/2 turps. or paint thinner, Wipe obvious overcoated areas and leave it to dry (24 hrs)..... sand that with 600 then give a good rub with four ought steel wool. The next application (2nd) might be your last, but probably you'll go at
least one more. Your 50/50 tung oil varnish should be cut back with just 25% thinner this time You can skip the sanding unless you see some buggers or holidays, otherwise rub it good with the four ought. Now, your fourth application COULD be your final. You'll put it on pretty thick with just 10% turps for thinner. No wiping off after this coat and you should be done with applying product. If your wood, or expectation for wet-hard use, cause you to consider another coat....go ahead, but rub with the steel wool first. It's OK to get all that product into checkered or carved areas, but as before, you'll want to clean off good before it gets sticky. A tooth brush and dry towel will get that handled.
**A "long oil" varnish is one with 50% or more oil to varnish.
Tru-Oil* is an off-the-shelf product (and a good one) that will allow a very similar protocol, withou making up your own.
**I always choose "McCloskey's" for the varnish and for a pistol grip, I would choose the "Marine" grade. As it contains some U.V. blockers
Hope this helps
MIke Jones
in redding, (107* today*)
