How do I work and finish Paduak?

[pixelhack]

Hi all,

I have a block of paduak that I keep setting aside after seeing how large and numerous the pores in this wood are. Anybody have hints on how to work and finish this wood?

Thanks

 

[Tom Lewis]

Paduak does have large pores. I finish sand to 400 grit, then fill the pores with super glue, then lightly sand flush with the wood. That way, when the Paduak is buffed, it does not pick up bufing compound in the pores.

 

[Atlas Knife Company]

I did the same finish, only I used several coats of super glue. If I did it over again, I would use really thick coats to fill the pores and aggressively sand until smooth. Then do a normal CA finish. I used Padauk on a Christmas present bowie for my wife and she loved it.

 

[BenR.T.]

I hand sand down to 600 grit, and then seal it with teak oil. I like the texture of the small pores.

 

[johnnym]

I recently made this highchair for my granddaughter. I used Paduak for the two heart inlays. They were a beautiful orange when i made it, but have turned a dark brown, they almost look like walnut now. I should have used a finish with UV protection. I suspect the same thing would happen with scales but i have never used it as handle material.

-John

 

[pixelhack]

Sigh...both the CA and teak oil finishes sound interesting. Now I am going to have to make 2 knives so I can see how they turn out.

That highchair looks awesome John. I did a knife with purpleheart scales a few years ago and finished with Watco topped with a poly that had a UV protectant in it. It still looks kind of purple if you have a good imagination.

 

[PeterB]

Vermillion or African Paduak will sand bright orange then turn to a deep red then to brown. Weatherby's sometimes had this as tip & cap material. I don't know what finishes are UV resistant. Any suggestions? If not, get ready to resand now and then.