Q&A Archive

What features should I look for in purchasing a quality mid-sized lathe? The lathe is to be used for both spindle and bowl turning.—Anon

What woods are best for bending?—Anon

What benefit if any is there in using hook or ring tools on the lathe?—Joe Barry

I am finishing a small chest of drawers made with black walnut. The top piece for the chest has an open knot hole (elliptical 1/2" x 1"). There are other closed knot holes in the piece and I want to keep the look but want to fill the gap. What are the best ways to fill that which will preserve the dark look of the surrounding wood and take a finish varnish coat?—Billy Brown

What is the most effective way to eliminate or avoid streaks in finish, particularly in the interior of hollow forms or bowls?—Jim Forbes

What are some good ways to put a writing surface on the inside of the lid of a desk using baize or leather?—Herb Kettler

Can you sharpen a bandsaw blade by hand and if so how?—Claude Dupuis

Woodworking stores have a huge range of expensive color pigments. What pigments would constitute a basic color set that would give one the ability to mix most common wood tones and colors? Also, what is the best type of pigment? I have both TransFast powder and TransTint liquid pigments. What is each type best suited for?—Tony Immorlica

What is the best applied finish for exterior wood surfaces such as doors, windows or boats (clear finish)?—Harvey Best

I have put a tung oil/turpentine/urethane mix on my finished work and it is not drying (it must be a stale mixture). What do I do now? How do I clean it off or what can I add to harden the finish?—Jim Forbes