, thanks Bob.
I will have to have a look at that the next time I get some elm on the lathe.. 
I knew he used to put something on the wood but didn't know what it was until I saw the burnt sienna in his shed when clearing it out and I think it may have been in a thread on here that I finally realised that's what he used it for..
Thanks for showing the pens and the "nod" Bob..
much appreciated.