I am very impressed with how easy it is to use and the results it provides. I’m really looking forward to continuing to use it for years to come.
As a wood turner I’ve used a variety of processes and techniques for getting the right finish on whatever piece may be on the lathe. Considering one day I may be making something that’ll be in contact with food, then a tool handle and then a bowl to toss my keys into, the variety of finishing strategies is often different and require a variety of application techniques. Be it an oil, wax, lacquer or even CA glue I’ve used them all, but I had never used an abrasive paste before, so this opportunity to test out Superior Grit was one I couldn’t pass up.
Manufacturer: Woodslee Summercraft
Price: $24.99 (two 2oz containers)
My first project using Superior Grit was a fun challenge. I had been asked to make a plotting rod for a Dungeons & Dragons Dungeon Master, he needed a way to reach the game pieces in the world he created for the players. Since there’s nothing quite as enjoyable as a fun challenge I turned a multipiece handle. Sanded up to 220, used a tack cloth to clean the excess dust, then proceeded to apply the Original Grit Paste, almost immediately you could see the vibrancy of the wood leap out at you. Moving up to the Microfine past gave the pieces a spectacular gloss.
Application is a breeze just using a piece of lint free cloth, and only needing a small amount with each stage makes even the small jars something that will last you a long time depending on how much you turn.
I’ll admit I was really impressed with the finish right from the get go, the piece was dry to the touch right off the lathe, but I still let it cure overnight, and by the next day it was a lovely hard finish yet had a soft to the touch feel about it.
Knowing the plotting rod project would not be something used often, it really wouldn’t see any real abuse, unlike a mallet handle. Which I’m sure you can see where I’m going with this. Next, I decided I needed a new mallet, I love making mallets, especially with turned handles. Having a tool on the bench that is custom made to fit my own grip is unlike anything else, but I digress. Knowing a mallet would go through some serious use, I felt this would be a perfect test.
Just like the plotting rod, I turned the handle to where I wanted it, sanded up to 220, cleaned and finished with the Original and then Microfine. After the cure time and final glue up I was able to start using the mallet, which was ideal timing, I had a lot of mortises to chop. After an amount of sometimes sweaty use the handle still had a soft and glossy feel, now even after a few months of use, the mallet handle finish is still holding up beautifully making me think this is a finish I could use on so many other applications. It offers a truly durable yet beautiful finish.
Woodslee Summercraft the maker of Superior Grit is a Canadian manufacturer based in Ontario since 2017 and has quickly become one of the go-to finishes for my woodturning. I am very impressed with how easy it is to use and the results it provides. I’m really looking forward to continuing to use it for years to come.
