Good Idea?

[arcos]

I discovered a piece of horse chestnut today that had fallen from one of my trees. Not a very big piece but it had been hidden in some undergrowth for quite some time and is bone dry but sound!

I took a small pice of the branch and turned a little pendant just to see what the wood was like and if it was going to be useable.

When I put some oil onto it the wood just sucked it right in! I suspect because it is SO dry!

Anyway, my question....

After literally slapping on linseed oil and it being absorbed almost immediately I have dropped the pendant into a small jar and covered with linseed oil!

Is this a good idea? 

[Paul Disdle]

Two chances, how long do you intend to leave it in there?  I have found linseed oil can leave a  slightly unpleasant oil feel to wood that's been over fed with it.

Paul

[arcos]

Hmm... Well, its been in overnight and has certainly taken on quite a bit of oil.

I am leaving it on a piece of paper to see how much, of any oil comes out.

There is a very different weight to the wood now!

I'm going to leave it throughout today and see what its like. If it is 'holding' the oil then I will seal it with varnish and see what happens.

[thebowlerhattedturner]

Hi arcos,
           you might try wood stabilising fluid, pop some in a jar and drop your pendant in, when it stops bubbling take it out to dry.
Do this before you turn it and you can then get a good finish.
Regards
John BHT

[Bryan Milham]

Okay John, I've never heard of 'Wood Stabilising Fluid', care to give me a clue.

I'm assuming you don't mean Wood Hardener.

[thebowlerhattedturner]

Yep, wood hardener is the stuff, normally used for rotting wood but works well on good stuff too. The firm I worked for years ago used to by it in 45 gal drums(so I had a ready supply). Kept in an airtight jar it lasts for ages.
   I think the only reason it was called "stabiliser" was to impress the customers but is exactly the same as the Ronseal stuff.
Regards
John BHT

[BrianH]

Hi Arc
No idea about the oil bath but would be interested in hearing the results. My question would be the wisdom of varnishing the piece afterwards.
Brian

[arcos]

Yes I had thought about the varnishing of the piece too...

It's not looking too bad after the oil bath but has ZERO shine!

Maybe try my oil varnish mix on it and see what happens

[Bryan Milham]

The only problem I can see is the oil hardens by polymirison the the air. What soaks deep into the wood does not make contact with the atmosphere ans so would not set.
Imerse for maybe20 mins or so. Certainly not hours or days. 

[arcos]

Thanks dr4g0nfly

I kind of knew there would be a reason!

And some chemical reaction with air was going to be the one!

The piece has stopped leaking oil and has retained its weight. I am going to try and give it some shine tomorrow and see what it looks like.

If it looks ok I will post a photo!