BLO & CA together = I'm confused

[MrJoshua]

Ok guys, hopefully this is an easy one and a dumb question on my part but I don't quite 'get' the way BLO and CA glue can be used interactively as it appears.

I.e. BLO is an oil that can be applied by itself as a finish, rubbed into the turned item, and left at that. The same can be done with CA and then smoothed of course, but I'm sure I keep reading stuff about about either rubbing with BLO then adding CA finish - surely the oil on the wood prevents the CA from adhering well to the wood and will then flake off or easily chip/crack??

And I'm sure I even saw a video where a guy put a blotch of BLO on a cloth, then added some ca directly to it on the same bit of cloth, and then applied that to his pen on the lathe!

Surely these two things would work against each other with one being a lubricant and the other an adhesive, or have I got the whole wrong idea about how they are used together?
Just doesn't make sense to me that you would use two apparently opposing products together and would strictly use either one or the other but not both.

Could someone patient perhaps explain to me what I'm obviously missing, or why it's not an issue?

Many thanks :)
Jim

 

[bassethound]

Funny enough it does work Jim, I have done it a few times I have always used a blob of BLO first and then carried on with several coats of CA and sometimes one after the other! Try it on a spare bit of wood mate..

 

[Buckeye]

Not to worry you, but dispose of any rags or cloths carefully.

Peter

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cXOT23F-N0

https://www.google.co.uk/#q=BLO+and+CA+spontaneous+combustion

 

[Phil Dart]

The BLO is a lubricant. The principle is exactly the same as french polishing.

 

[Philly]

I do believe it is to stop the CA reacting with the tissue and to prevent it sticking.

 

[Dalboy]

I have always used the BLO/CA combination on my pens I don't go into the why's and where fors of how it works. I know some will say that there is no need for BLO but I find it works for me as I find that when I use CA by its self I mess the finish up. As they say if it works for you use it.

 

[cookie21]

BLO/CA works for me,little or no sanding required, great

 

[MrJoshua]

Wow - ok, thanks on all counts guys. So let me get this straight this is actually mixing the two together when applying, or doing separate layers?

I've got some BLO so am keen to try this later. No worries if you don't know the science but it just works for you - I was just so curious as it seemed like such an unlikely combination to use together yet is so common.
It's fascinating.

Phil - other than being familiar with the phrase 'french polishing', I'm afraid I've no idea how it's actually done so I'll have to look it up.

 

[Dalboy]

This is what started me off explains it better than I could.

 

[cookie21]

same here,works well for me

 

[Phil Dart]

Jim - I was only trying to make the point that if you knew what went on with french polish, you would then know what goes on with CA. French polish by the way is the application of a solution of shellac disolved in alcohol. It is traditionally applied with a cloth "rubber" which is first dipped in BLO to act as a lubricant.

I think Dereks video will sort you out now though. which shows the principle perfectly. The BLO is a lubricant to stop the rubber (in the case of the video, a tissue rubber) binding to the wood. It's not a question of mixing the CA with the BLO.

 

[Jim]

I don't use it like shown or said here, but i do use BLO on certain pens leave overnight to dry then use CA ..

 

[Penpal]

Not to worry you, but dispose of any rags or cloths carefully.

Peter

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7cXOT23F-N0

https://www.google.co.uk/#q=BLO+and+CA+spontaneous+combustion

I was quite relieved after observing the initial stream to put it out I felt exposing ones member to such risk in front of the family appalling the realised it was a hose. A timely warning Peter.

 

[MrJoshua]

Ahh ok thanks guys. I will have a play around and see then.

When I use CA by itself it never really sticks to the paper towel unless I try using too much, or apply until it's tacky then foolishly try to continue at that point.
But one think I note from the video above is that it seems that the BLO possibly helps the CA to go off, and or to get a smoother layer from people's descriptions of not needing to do much smoothing afterwards.

Thanks for the info guys. Sorry if I ask any stupid questions but I really appreciate the explanations from you all. I'm getting a great deal of enjoyment from learning & doing this stuff, second only probably to photography (so far) which I admittedly haven't done much of lately.
Here's my site if anyone is interested at all, or wants to see what parts of the Isle of Man look like!
IOMscapes

 

[Penpal]

I like the illustrations on how, when where and why, the safety message via Peter and the video Derek clearly says come follow me. I do not use the BLO any more restrict the CA to one coat for my healths sake.

Glad you asked the question initially sure was interesting the result.

Peter.

 

[MrJoshua]

I think I remember hearing/reading something years ago about certain oils left on rags potentially combusting. May well have been linseed but I shall certainly be keeping an eye on it all!

 

[donwatson]

I think I remember hearing/reading something years ago about certain oils left on rags potentially combusting. May well have been linseed but I shall certainly be keeping an eye on it all!

Danish Oil for sure. I keep mine in a jam jar with a screw lid.

 

[Jim]

Sorry if I ask any stupid questions but I really appreciate the explanations from you all.

No one here will see any stupid questions Jim, only questions my friend ..

 

[Walter]

The BLO is a lubricant. The principle is exactly the same as french polishing.

Factual, concise and all you need to know to answer your question.

 

[Penpal]

End results are so many good to kick them around.

Peter.