Hi Woodenfish,
Thank you for the kind comments.
I guess theanswer lies in several areas. So I'll note them.
1. Firstly, I believe that wax gives a character to an oil finish like very little else and requires some patience and effort. In addition, the wax I use (UBeaut Traditional wax;
http://www.ubeaut.com.au/ubhome.htm) has a very low Bees wax component and gives a very resilient finish, if applied properly. You will find NA distributors at this URL. I would also consider acquiring some EEE creme. This takes the raw finish up about 4 fold.
I sand to 400g, then saturate with oil and sand again through from 400, 600, 800, 1200, 1500 then to 2000 and 4000g, the last two discs are a 2000g and 4000g Platin 2 pad. I find that the better the friction seal, the better the end result is.
This gives a very well sealed surface and I have actually left this surface for 6 months or more with no degradation. The sheen at this point is as good as many Poly or wax finishes done only to 4-600g. (Adding the wax just adds a 4th dimension!!)
I have found that leaving the timber in this state for up to a week before applying the first coat of wax is very beneficial. Repeat waxing for a further 3-4 coats at 3-5 days apart really builds up a high patina and resilience. I have a coffee table which is in use daily, which was prepared using this method (its the one on Brice's site) and requires only a wipe down and possibly a buff as routine maintenance. Waxing is a last resort.
2. I find it very useful to involve the customer in the process of construction of their piece. I create a sub domain off my web page, dedicated to their piece and update it as I go. This gives them a feeling of being an integral part of the construction in what they have chosen to purchase. They become quite excited about the arrival of their new acquisition. When it comes to what finish they want, almost invariably they ask for wax. Particularly when you explain the warmth and depth that the wax brings. They want nothing less that the best by this stage.
3. Along with a "care and feeding" guide, I give them a pot of the wax so that they can continue to feel that it is their baby and has been since day #1.
The Jarrah table here is going to a house with two under 5 year olds and still the parents have insisted on a wax finish after seeing the finish in person. They know the potential problems, but are prepared to accept them for the final warmth and appearance they will get.
This may sound like Dodgy Brothers sales, but I believe so strongly that a wax and oil finish is the best way to go for quality furniture that I will do almost anything to ensure people are made to see this.
4. Fast and immediate are a problem for furniture makers all over the world I believe, but someone has to maintain the art that is involved in fine furniture making and that falls to those of us who care enough.
"Do not go quietly into the night, but rage against the machine".
Hope that helps,
Regards,
Rob
