Wet sanding handles with wd40

[Matt Rochester]

So, a while back I was having some issues finishing some ivory micarta. Someone here told me to wet sand it with wd40(thanks to whoever that was!). I did this and it worked perfectly. It got me thinking if I could do this with other materials like stabilized woods. So I just finished up a batch of 8 Bird & Trout knives with stabilized curly maple and used this technique on all 8. I went from 60,220,400,800,1500, and then buffed. It worked great and seemed to cut down on the finish time. Is anyone else doing anything like this? I was wondering if it could damage the integrity of the stabilization? I do clean them off with windex before buffing.

 

[Kevin McGovern]

WD-40 doesn't contain a solvent that can damage acrylic so I say no problem. I believe any oil will work for what you are doing if you are worried about it. WD-40 is mostly mineral oil.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

I personally don't like the smell or feel of WD-40 on wood. But, I also don't like any uncured oil on handles.

On stabilized woods, fine sanding to above 1000 grit and a light buff will make it shine. If you are using oil to get that look, it will just rub off and leave the handle looking unfinished again. Additionally, any oil on the wood will trap and absorb dirt, gunk, sweat, etc. form hands and other contaminants - which will quickly make the handle look dull or dirty.

 

[Matt Rochester]

Maybe my post is a little misleading. I was just sharing a tip I have used on other materials and did use on these last few. I was wondering about it damaging the stabilization but that seems to not be an issue. It helps my paper stay clean and last longer. Also I seem to be able to finish a handle faster. I am not leaving the oil on it or using it to make the handle look better either. I clean the oil off and then buff. Just thought I would share this but it may be common practice for others. Just seeing if anyone else did it this way.

 

[Ken H>]

Sounds like you are using WD-40 in place of water for wet sanding - do you notice much improvement with WD-40 vs water when wet sanding? I suspect there is some WD-40 being absorbed in the small pores of even the stabilized wood. You're then depending on the Windex to remove the oil left from WD-40?

 

[Matt Rochester]

Essentially yes. I think it does work better as it seems to hang around longer. I guess a little of it is being absorbed but it doesn't feel oily and yes I'm removing it with the windex.

Sounds like you are using WD-40 in place of water for wet sanding - do you notice much improvement with WD-40 vs water when wet sanding? I suspect there is some WD-40 being absorbed in the small pores of even the stabilized wood. You're then depending on the Windex to remove the oil left from WD-40?