Turning wood inserts is just too much fun. I got hold of some fiddleback, tiger,curly, birdseye,(this grain is just crazy)Maple, and it's just blowing me away. I'm gonna be reluctant to go back to graphite seats. If anyone out there has a real "darling" of a finish for such things please tell me what "You" like....in the way of finishes.I've used Minwax-helmsman spar urathane for the first five and so far really like it,It's U V,Moisture protected,but it may be a bit thick for seat inserts....I've used Helmsman on the teak in my boat for years and I've been satisfied with the longevity......... does anyone have thoughts on this subject?

Some guys use tru oil and also you can use Flex Coat or any other rod finish will work.. Thanks Dave's Rods

I know what you mean about getting hooked on turning these things out. I bought a 15 pound grab bag from Eisenbran with at least 10 varieties of exotics in it. The denser, heavy resin woods like Rosewood won't take a finish very well. Per Tom Kirkman's advice I've just buffed them out after working them 600 grit paper. The less dense and open grained woods I've finished with Tru-oil applied with my finger and have been pleased with the results.

Tru-Oil from Birchwood Casey works great. Per the tip in RodMaker, I started sanding between coats with 400 grit paper all the way back down to the wood each time. This will fills the open grain and pores and once everything is level and smooth you put on a final coat and it will look like glass! It's a little more work, but it sure looks good.

For finishes, you can use HardWare Store Products that also come with colours. ETC, co.- Petrilac, VarthaLac.

Permagloss makes an excellent insert finish -- very hard, clear, and fast-drying. My second choice is Tru-oil.

I like the Tru-Oil on non-oily wood. If you will go to:

[www.momentoffame.com]

You can see a Kingwood insert that has been finished with Tru-Oil and in the manner that William describes above. The insert is in the very center of the photo.

One of the fellows from the ACRB goup is making me an insert dip-tank which we may feature in an upcoming issue of RodMaker. I have seen his inserts which have been finished in such a tank and they are truly fine pieces of work.

...............

There was a recent article in Fine Woodworking Magazine that described using spar varnish thinned 3 to 1 and applied with 600 grit paper. This creates a "slurry" from the insert material and fills the pores. After it dries, regular applications of spar varnish are applied. I'll be using this on some test pieces I'm turning now. I'll let you all know how it turns out.

Thanks again everyone, for the help.That "concave" turned kingswood on moment of fame was very cool, the" idea "alarms are going off again.