I am just a hobbist trying to build a few rods for close family and friends. I recently bought a lathe and shaped a few handles from walnut and cedar. However, I am having great difficutly getting a nice finish on the handles. I have tried 2 different epoxies with the same results. When I brush the epoxy on, the brush creates numerous bubbles which do not come out. I have tried loading the bristles with epoxy, I used a soft brisle as well as stiff bristle brush.

Can anyone offer tips on how to get a nice finish on the wood handles?

Don't use epoxy. try a good poly-urethane. You might also trry saturating the surface with tung oil finish, such as Formby's first and let it dry thoroughly before applying the urethane.

Just a thought, but can wood handles be rotated like rods to develop a level, even finish? Also, if whatever product you use allows, try application with a spatula and hopefully this will eliminate much of the bubble problems. Also, be careful when mixing finishes, do not stir vigorously, and then let set for a couple of minutes. This helps in the bubble issue too. Don't have any experience with this, but just some thoughts.

Give BirchWood @#$%& Tru-Oil a try. Put on coat and let dry overnight. Sand with 400 paper back down to the wood. Apply another coat and let dry. Sand with 400 back to the wood. Do it a third time and sand down again. That should even up any open grain or pores. Apply a final coat and that's it. (Use less coats if you have a very tight or pore-free wood.)

Easiest way to apply the stuff is with a piece of cheesecloth saturated with the Oil.. Just wipe the cloth down the handle making sure to cover all sides. That's all there is to applying it. Takes 10 seconds at best. Your final coat need not be sanded. This finish is tough and weather resistant. Easy to apply and work with.

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Ed,
I've had pretty good results using two part epoxy and rotating for a smooth level finish. It will take several coats to achieve this, and ends up with a very durable finish, as you can imagine. Also waterproof and longer lasting, but it does add weight if that's a concern to you.

Using high build Flex Coat and if the bubbles come up, will add heat from underneath with an alcohol lamp, but watch for any 'soot' carbon from forming. Do this by constant movement back and forth with the flame just providing heat and not scortching. Mainly just to pop the bubbles.

I use a soft bristle brush to apply the finish.

Rich
Solyrich Custom Rods

I just dip them in my varnish tube, and tru oil works great also.. You could also use a buffing wheel to get a nice shiny finish.. Knife builders just use a buffing wheel on their wood handles.. But these woods are impregnated, which you should do also.. Thanks Dave

It is also possible to finish the handle right on the lathe with a woodturners wax. That is all you need for protection and resistance to the weather. There is also a product called Turner's Magic and it is a friction polish that has laquer in it. It is also designed to be applied on the lathe and the heat from friction makes it flow and set. I believe you can get it from HUT products. Do a search and find their website. You can order online. I have used it and think its tops.