Wood working before sandpaper?

Ditch Sand Paper (make a polisher)

I’m not sure why, but I’ve developed an aversion to sandpaper. Maybe it’s the dust, maybe it’s because it’s not traditional, maybe I’ve contracted a terminal case of Hipster-ism… oh, boy, I hope not. Anyhow, this irrational perspective has had me using hand planes, spokeshaves and scrapers, and now I’ve stumbled upon a new tool - The Polissoir - (Well, new to me. Andre Roubo described their use in the 18th century.) I discuss how to make your own in this video:

I was introduced to the polisher while watching an interview with Wood Worker and former Smithsonian Conservator: Don Williams (donsbarn.com). He explained how this tool both burnished wood and filled the grain in one step. I immediately wanted to try one out, and desired to purchase one of the very finely crafted ones he offers…. but, there’s something about making your own tools. So I whipped together my own functional, but homely, version. (Maybe someday I’ll learn how to weave a nice one.) And you know what? I like the way it works.

You can make your own too with just 3 supplies:

Straw broom
Yarn
Beeswax

Check out my video for instructions on how to make this simple yet effective finishing tool. If you build one tell me what you think.

For all my social media contact info check out: https://www.theolsonoutfit.com/find-me ==========================
Sources: Barb Makes Things: https://youtu.be/5U5_Ipyfjxo
Wood and Shop: https://youtu.be/AtUN8obqB-A
Don Williams: http://donsbarn.com

Thanks for Visiting