The Lost Art Press storefront in Covington, Ky., will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. this Saturday, and we hope you can stop by to say hello.
The special (and free) lecture for that day will be about the non-toxic finishes that we use all the time in the shop. I’ll be mixing up some soap finish, plus I’ll show you the beeswax/linseed oil finish we use on chairs, how to use a polissoir for a burnished finish and demonstrate shou sugi ban – a charred finish (weather permitting).
And we’re all happy to answer your questions about finishing. The lecture starts at 2 p.m. and is free.
As always, we’ll be working at our benches and are happy to discuss or demonstrate any techniques that you have been struggling with. Want to learn to use a beading plane? Just ask. Sharpen a travisher or auger bit? We know how.
On the commerce side of things, we now have stock of the special historical reprint of “The Joiner & Cabinet Maker.” It’s as cute as a bug’s ear and is just $12 American. We also have Crucible lump hammers and scrapers in stock. Plus all our regular titles.
If you are looking for a good place to eat during your visit, we can’t get enough of Libby’s Southern Comfort. The fried chicken is aces. The bourbon slushes are dangerous. And the staff is wonderful. Also, the Covington Farmer’s Market is a great place to pick up baked goods. It closes at noon, so be sure to stop by the North South Baking tent and get an almond croissant.
Gawd, I’m making myself hungry.
— Christopher Schwarz
Chris,
I remember you telling us that video streaming or recording of the outstanding events at the Store Front is not possible. I respect your decision. You a quite a distance from Iowa.
It would be very helpful, however, if you could share a typed up transcript of the presentation.
Thank you,
Greg
While Iowa is not within walking distance of LAP, you are practically next door compared to most of the world. I am literally jealous of how close you are.
That being said. My vote would be for Chris and Brendan to do an interpretative dance depicting the plight of traditional finishes in a post-modern world.
But that’s just me.
If they do that, I will take and share the video.
I’m gonna need a lot of baked goods to sustain the 779 mile walk to the Covington Farmers Market!
One time I was trying to use this film finish – I won’t say their name out of fear of retaliation – and it was terrible. Every time I used it, I felt drained, exhausted, and anxious. It kept manipulating me into stripping it off and reapplying it because it wouldn’t flow and self-level. I had so much trouble with getting a good finish on my project, and I felt like it was always my fault.
But then I got woke. I saw the light. And I kicked that toxic finish out of my life forever! So no more toxic finishes for me!
Coming from a construction background I’m relatively new to woodworking. And honestly I’m having a hard time wrapping my head around “shou sugi ban”.
I’ve seen it mentioned as a finish, and read a number of articles that claim that the process is used to preserve wood. I.E… build project, burn, clean off char, oil.
It seems to me that if the object is to help preserve/finish a project, couldn’t you eliminate the burning and cleaning off the char steps and go right to the oil finish?
I don’t understand how fire fits into the preserve/finish process.
Try this link for a specific explanation of what happens in the process: https://nakamotoforestry.com/the-science-behind-flame-retardancy-of-shou-sugi-ban-yakisugi/
In furniture pieces, the practice is more cosmetic than protective in my opinion. I think it looks cool on small items, not so much on larger pieces.
Compared to aniline dyes and waterproofing products, the price can’t be beat.
I recently discovered that leftover soap finish is great for ring around the collar. Doesn’t do so well with polly-urea bicycle grease, but mayo and mustard stains disappear.
I’m not joking.
Kurt