This is what it looks like! Man I love it! (Zoom in !)

Edited January 9Jan 9 by MrRick

Beautiful! I’d be afraid to use it for fear of destroying the finish 

Certainly further enhances the spalting as well as the grain characteristics.

I shot a video of a small test project that I French Polished to test how I was going to do my acoustic guitar build.  The video isn't that long and includes making the test inlay piece but if you want to skip to just the French Polish section it's a little after the 13 minute mark.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RWS7cRXH2J0

 

1 hour ago, difalkner said:

I shot a video of a small test project that I French Polished to test how I was going to do my acoustic guitar build

Very impressive overall David. I'm amazed watching a 1/16" router bit perform the repeated tasks that it did and remain intact. The finished, end piece was magnificent. Thanks for sharing. Pray you're continuing to improve physically.

12 hours ago, lew said:

Beautiful! I’d be afraid to use it for fear of destroying the finish 

 

Lew... French Polishing (FP) to my knowledge is a finish never seen on moulding planes. FP is probably one if not the only finish that truly is refined and superior to many many others. It's main job is to "pop" the grain and show the beauty of it. Which it does nicely. 

FP does not wear well to friction so I try not to put on the sole where the cutting action is when planing. 

Never be afraid to experiment. The experience is two fold: 1) the beauty of the finish itself and 2) learning and gaining the experience and the Joy in the Journey. 

Not being afraid affords you learning something new or improving on what experience you may already have. 

Being afraid or not trying at all is a loss in that joy you could have had. 

 

12 hours ago, Grandpadave52 said:

Certainly further enhances the spalting as well as the grain characteristics.

IMO You can't beat the way French polishing enhances the grain. However where you apply on moulding planes matters.

22 hours ago, difalkner said:

but if you want to skip to just the French Polish section it's a little after the 13 minute mark.

Falkner, that is badass. I loved the dark stuff you brushed on to make the veins stand out, man, so much to learn about finishing! Also, the guitar and playing sound beautiful. 🙂 

 

@MrRick, you too, wonderful job on that plane!

Thank you so much - very kind comments!!

My experience with French Polish started several times as I would mess up and basically have to start over. I think it is only 4 pieces but it started with this stand modified from a NYW plan as a shaving stand. This is my side table.

 

This is the only FP on it.

 

Have to say it is both frustrating and fun ( that is at the time you have finally figured it out).

This is one of the best instructional videos I've ever seen for French polishing -

I'm not sure why the videos I post are showing as an error because I've posted plenty before and they didn't do this.  Either way, this is a great video but here's the link if that helps - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxRIPkzgUTM

 

11 hours ago, Gerald said:

My experience with French Polish started several times as I would mess up and basically have to start over. I think it is only 4 pieces but it started with this stand modified from a NYW plan as a shaving stand. This is my side table.

 

This is the only FP on it.

 

Have to say it is both frustrating and fun ( that is at the time you have finally figured it out).

 

Gerald...FP Can be frustrating but once you figure it out it is awesome. I find most woodworkers don't allow enough drying time in between coats. They get impatient. They also don't understand when to add more oil or more alcohol to the rubber (fad). The other thing is how you sweep into the surface and out. There are a bunch of little things but once you get them you're in your way. 

1 hour ago, difalkner said:

This is one of the best instructional videos I've ever seen for French polishing -

I'm not sure why the videos I post are showing as an error because I've posted plenty before and they didn't do this.  Either way, this is a great video but here's the link if that helps - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MxRIPkzgUTM

 

 

That is a good one. I remember looking at it a few times. The guy is good. But there are others as good or better. 

14 minutes ago, MrRick said:

But there are others as good or better.

Please point me to them; I've put French polish on test pieces, the acoustic guitar I built, and some other small pieces but always willing to learn more.

38 minutes ago, difalkner said:

Please point me to them; I've put French polish on test pieces, the acoustic guitar I built, and some other small pieces but always willing to learn more.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4 hours ago, difalkner said:

I'm not sure why the videos I post are showing as an error because I've posted plenty before and they didn't do this.

Well, I just pulled this thread up on my phone and all the videos show as they should.  Looks like I've got some sleuthing to do on my computer! 🤔

 

Btw, this is how they're showing on my computer but I'll find the issue - 

Here's another good instructional video that I've used before - 

 

Edited January 10Jan 10 by difalkner

Here's another one of my moulding planes that I French Polished with shellac. It's a #2 (¼”) Round Moulding Plane.

 

 

Gorgeous, just gorgeous!!

1 minute ago, difalkner said:

Gorgeous, just gorgeous!!

Thank you @difalkner !