Abrasive Paste Review for Woodturning

In Abrasive Paste Review for Woodturning, I review different wax based abrasive paste used like liquid sandpaper to eliminate fine scratches in your woodturning with less sanding. I include my homemade abrasive paste of mineral oil, beeswax and diatomaceous earth including using a 500X digital microscope to evaluate the wood surface.
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[@ACKSWOODPASTE]

We couldnt agree more, we have tried our paste over and under, polys, shellacs, lacquers and did not have any problems, there are a few videos stating the abrasive pastes is not compatible with shellac for instance, it leaves "rings", we have never found any of those videos to be the truth., or the finish will not adhere no matter what you are using for a final finish. Lately we have had a lot of our users using and experimenting with our pastes over and under different finishes and everyone is having good luck with all finishes from what we are hearing. Personally we use the abrasive over CA finish to take down ripples and shine it up which works well, there are so many combinations. For the record, we never put the carnuba in our abrasive paste, We use a large amount of carnuba in our polish only. and we never, never use D .Earth in our abrasive, we pay top dollar for our lapidary company that refines our tripoli grit to certain QA standards to assure the very same grit and size is added to our paste. so one container of abrasive paste is identical to the next and the all perform exactly the same which we feel is important. Thanks for the video, it was very well done and very informative. Tom n Annette

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks for sharing that.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Sorry for the false start with the first version of this that did not have sound and thanks to you guys who let me know.

[@curtisstacy5829]

Great video. We can never get enough knowledge. Thanks again.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@denverlewis5087]

Very good info, thanks for taking the time to do these kind of thing, so we don't have to. It's a big help.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Glad it was helpful!

[@claytonbink1647]

Thank you, Mike, for a very informative video!!

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@ffaubert1]

Thanks Mike. Very informative and timely since I've started using Yorkshire grit and Aussie oil for finishing. Loved the look on your face when your phone went off lol.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks 👍 Trying to keep it real.

[@chucksmith9633]

Thanks, Mike. Very informative. I've never used paste. I sand to 400 grit stopping between grit to sand with the grain. Then finish with the sanding sealer, then sand again with 400 grit and finish with lacquer.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

I dobut if paste would give you a better finish. But you might want to experiment and see if you can stop at 280 or 320, skip the sanding sealer, then use lacquer and save time.

[@GordonRock1]

Very interesting, Mike. Great information to have! Thanks!! 👍👍

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Glad it was helpful, Gord!

[@whsii1318]

Mike, I use abrasive pasts much differently than you do. I sand the raw wood to at least 800 grit, 800 grit will still have scratches, but not detectable by the human eye. Once you have reached 220 grit sanding, the 320/ 400 sanding, the 500/600 sanding and the 800 grit sanding are quick and clean. Half the time or less that it takes to do a good 220 grit sanding. I then use sealer or preferably, Parfix 3408, which is a thin superglue, that sets up slowly. It can be wiped on, without the lathe running, and then wiped off. A light spray of accelerator sets it. THEN, use the pastes as you described. I have used Axe and Yorkshire products in the manner that you described, with great results. I then put a coat of Renaissance wax over the bowl and I am done. You get a great shine before the wax, the wax adds depth and protection. From what I have experienced, the pastes work best working on a sealed / finished item, but will surprise you with a richness on wood finished to 800 plus grit. The pastes do fill minor imperfections. Hope this helps, WH

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks for sharing. I guess I am just not as industrious. I have not worked with many domestic woods that are noticeably improved by sanding past 400 where the human eye can rarely discern scratches that fine. But that is my opinion. If you have not tried doing a test comparison, you might give it a try.

[@scottsimpey2965]

Another great video Mike. I’ve been using the Acks abrasive paste and polish and have been pleased with it. I haven’t tried any of the other brands yet as the Acks is the only one that I have bought so far, bought the set probably 2-3 months ago and haven’t hardly made a dent in it yet lol. So far I have only used a shellac finish over it but recently have been using the OB shine juice mix over it and have had great results I know that the shine juice leaves basically just the shellac as the finial finish though. Your channel is one of my favorites and I almost always learn something new. Keep up the great work. Hope that you and your family are doing well.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks for your kind words, Scott. Hope your family is doing well also.

[@johngriffiths4874]

When your video about making one's own abrasive paste came out I cooked up a batch as well as the sanding paste then made up enough of each til my beeswax ran out. Have not used it as much as I could have but am going to do that. Have not tried Acks or Yorshire Grit. Very informative and a scientific look at the topic, thanks.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks for your feedback! Stay safe.

[@dougrowe1583]

Hey Mike thanks for the information. As always you make me a smarter woodturner every time I watch your videos. I also want to send you an invite to Eddie Castlin's world wide woodturners zoom meeting on Wednesdays. We had a new turner ask what is the best way to store his turning tools. I pointed him in your direction. I told him to watch your shop tips and to look for the triple tier tool holder you made from an old office chair. Thanks again for all you do for the woodturning community.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Cool, thanks.

[@jamesstanlake4064]

Thanks for your review on the electric chain saw. I liked it so much I ordered one and it arrived today. Long time viewer of your channel and while some of the content is geared for new turners there is always something a well seasoned woodworker like myself can always learn something new. While you are talking about abrasive pastes and sandpaper you shouls know there are many different sandpapers out there. I like the micro sandpaper as all the grit is the same size to you get a variety of grit size with the big stocks sell. This is important as when you sand through the grits removing the scratch lines of the previous grit is the goal. I have found that I don't have to use finer grits than 220 grit along with abrasive paste..

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks for sharing, James.

[@bcrash11]

Glad you were able to fix the sound.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks for coming back!

[@jerrystark3587]

Good information. Thank you!

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Our pleasure!

[@MCsCreations]

Pretty interesting, Mike! 😃 Thanks a lot for the tips! Stay safe there with your family! 🖖😊

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks, you too!

[@cjoe5977]

Ayyye another fpv guy

[@MCsCreations]

@@cjoe5977 FPV is life, dude. 😊

[@mitchellmanning7887]

Very informative,, thanks for sharing

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

My pleasure

[@marcellongpre4381]

Very good information Thank you

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Most welcome.

[@prsearls]

I've not used abrasive paste yet but would like to try some for maple and cherry turnings. Thanks for your comments and conclusions; this will help me make a more informed purchase.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Glad it was helpful!

[@RickTurnsWoodturning]

Excellent video, Mike! I love the microscopic images showing the sandpaper grits. Have you thought about using your microscope on tool edges - such as before and after sharpening regular tools and carbide bits. Merry Christmas, Mike.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Yes I have and plan to do so in a future video.

[@robertcloosterman9336]

Hi Mike. Thank you, very informative. I looked at your link to making your own. Mmm, must try that some day. Not a fan of abrasive paste but I can change. Thanks again. Rob

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

If you just do bowls, you do as well with a beal buff. If you are not buffing, don't give up yet on the abrasive paste.

[@robertcloosterman9336]

@@MikePeaceWoodturning Thanks Mike. I'm interested in, and looking into the buffs. I have some buffing equipment left from my automotive painting days to experiment with before getting serious. Mmmm excited now

[@josephciro6614]

Thanks this help me a lot

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Glad to hear it!

[@bernardfutter5327]

I agree with you, Mike, that sanding sealer definitely helps at times with filling the two end grain sites on some items, but otherwise it's use is just an unnecessary inconvenience. When I can, I minimise sanding by giving a final scrape with a carbon steel edge. Also, pure beeswax directly applied to work looks wonderful and smells good, but really does pick up dirt. Generally, Danish Oil remains my first choice. Bernard.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Great minds think alike!😉

[@jarmstrong2843]

Thanks, Mike! I did an evaluation on different abrasive pastes for my own knowledge. I basically came to the same conclusions as what you indicated. I did mention in another wood turner’s KZbin channel that I found no difference between the commercially available pastes to the homemade. The only noticeable difference was their cost vs the $2.00 to make your own. One manufacturer disagreed with my evaluation; which is understandable. But, when I heated the different commercial pastes and put them into a centrifuge to separate the components, I basically found the same materials as the home brew stuff. The only noticeable difference was their use of carnauba wax that seems to provide a more durable finish. One manufacturer uses some stabilizers in their mixture, but does not improve or degrade the finish. It just keeps the mixture more homogenous without constant stirring prior to hardening. One other manufacturer uses a combination of abrasives in the paste, but found little or no difference from the others in the end result. The only noticeable difference was a lighter wallet. In conclusion, proper sanding is the key to a good finish as you indicated and the paste can only do so much without that important step.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks for your corroboration! A centrifuge, wow. Never thought of that, but then I do not have one or ever used one.

[@nickjan67]

Like Mike, I’m impressed with your ‘reverse engineering’ of the abrasives. I would appreciate knowing where the discussion took place with one of the manufacturers. Also, a write up or video on your centrifuge work would be valuable. Thanks.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

@@nickjan67 No reverse engineering. Links to the related videos were at the end of the video. Credit give to the YT creator who shared his recipe. Never used a centrifuge.

[@jimrobb6325]

Hi Mike thanks again for an informative video and agree that removal of tooling marks and any deep scratches with proper sanding technique is key before any application of abrasive paste. For the past couple of years now I have been using abrasive paste as per your formula (November 16th 2018) and would use no other. I have passed on your formula to my friends and they all have been delighted with the results. Adding scented oils such as Clotted cream and Fudge. Lavender Lilic and wild Jasmine made for interesting workshop visits before Covid called a halt. Another challenge has been what to name the paste one makes. More Fun. By way of introduction to the merits of Diatomaceous Earth Mineral oil and Bees wax I gave all my mates a starter pack. Having bought one bag of the Diatomaceous Earth Ive had loads spare to share out. Ive never had any issues with final finishes (oils, waxes shellac etc) as result of using the paste, either with or without a sealer coat first or later. Trust that all is well with you and your family in these troubled times. We are all well here in Scotland, keeping busy and safe in our workshops. Regards Jim

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks for sharing your experience, Jim. All is well. Still in physical therapy trying to recover from back surgery. But still able to turn.

[@billgannon8550]

Thank you for this video. I always wondered what you can put over the abrasive pastes after you were done applying them. I tried to look up this information and found nothing. Very informative video!

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Glad it was helpful!

[@brentbeacroft3363]

Very interesting, thanks

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@sodacan1011111111111]

Much better Brother 💯🇺🇸

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks, you. I should have double checked it after uploading the first one.

[@sammeandro3996]

Thanks very much for your information! I have found that after using the paste and then using either tung or BLO to protect the wood for use, it seems to puddle or bead, therefore not penetrating and sealing the wood as I hope. I have tried to remove all the residual paste as you mentioned. I think with the mineral oil being part of the blend interferes with it? For some projects it is fine.. I particularly like using the Beall buffing system AFTER you seal with tung oil.. It does a great job removing scratches and help build a lustrous shine,,, kind of the reverse way of doing things😁 Thanks again.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

I am with you on using the beal buff after using minwax AO. I would generally do this on larger pieces like bowls and not smaller items like ornaments that I would finish on the lathe.

[@dennyyoung4775]

Thanks Mike. I've been using Yorkshire grit for about a year and get results that are very close to mocromesh 12000. I could probably see a difference if I used a micro scope, but I doubt any of my customers will.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Good stuff!

[@monophoto1]

Mike - thanks. The advertising for commercial products inevitably includes a certain amount of exaggeration and misinformation. There's nothing like practical testing to filter out the BS and get to the true story.. This is a very useful video!

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Thanks for your support.

[@exotictones1054]

Good info.ty

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Glad it was helpful!

[@chrismartin1638]

There is some people out there that do think this will work as a final finish... Nice info Mike ...

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

I am one of them. I do not consider wax a finish as it will attract dust and dull quickly.

[@tomcoker9882]

Hi Mike, thanks for fixing the audio. I was right, there was some useful info you were trying to tell us. Thanks. Just one question; When did you get your scanning electron microscope? 😁 BTW, I’ve been using your mix for about six months and it works great. I still have 1/2 container of Ack’s (which also worked very well), but is more expensive than your recipe. Thanks again. Stay safe and well. Cheers, Tom

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Glad to help. I got the picture from Wikipedia. I do not have an electronic scanning microscope. My 50x-500x digital microscope is all I could afford or need. 😃

[@jackthompson8019]

I have made my own abrasive pastes. One using pumice, wax and mineral oil and the other using rotten stone, wax and mineral oil. I find the rotten stone to be much finer than the pumice. Thanks for the video.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Good stuff!

[@bcrigg9388]

Good day Mr. Peace and thank you for my continuing education. I have a question regarding the use of Regular Yorkshire Grit, followed by Yorkshire Grit Micro Fine, AFTER curing 3 coats of Tung Oil/Mineral spirits finish. I typically dry sand from 80 or 180 up to 400 for most of the woods I work with here in the Philippines. I like the way my pieces “feel” in my hands after the Yorkshire Grit, but do not really like the “feel” of the cured Tung Oil finish in my hands. Have you experiences abrasive paste After Tung Oil yourself or do you see a reason why I should not try this process? Thank you in advance for your time Sir. BC Rigg

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

You will have to try and see. I buff larger pieces after the finish cures for a smooth, silky feel.

[@davidnickell9381]

What is the comparison on cost between. abrasive finish and sandpaper?

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Lots of variables. Making or buying the abrasive paste? Klingspor barbain box or buying sandpaper at HomeDepot. How much do you value your time?

[@glasgowjohn7831]

could you use a paste with colour through it so when used on the wood it would colour it as it sanded and polished and is there something that could be added to make a paste the final finish?

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

I don't think so.

[@glasgowjohn7831]

@@MikePeaceWoodturning yeah i didn't think so it was just an idea i had floating around my head but wanted an experts view, cheers

[@diydarkmatter]

i use the acks wood paste mike i love that stuff i really dont know how much the grit takes you up to but i do know i sand up to 500 to 1000 grit sand paper . when i use the paste even at 1000 grit i can still hear the paste sanding . now weather or not it is sanding to a higher grit then 1000 grit i dont know but it always has a really smooth surface and the waxes in it seal the wood so that the finish will not sink into the wood . i use less finish and get a great even coat most of the time . would love to see what your microscope could tell us about how far the sanding paste can go . if sanding it up to 1000 grit is even worth the time . i know most wood turner's dont sand much higher then 600 grit most of the time but i sure would like to know how far that sanding paste will go to . be great to say hey its sanded to . if you know what im saying . thanks mike real interesting watching you work that toy of yours .

[@diydarkmatter]

never had a issue with lacquer with the acks any way and i dont think there is any real difference . between them to much . other then brands of wax types of wax or what not . i like using lacquer i know alot of turners and wood workers dont to much but i like it i love the finish it gives . and ill take it over friction polish any day . even though friction polish is easier . but sanding paste has never really gave me any trouble . i will say that if your going to do a epoxy finish skip the sanding paste . the wax dont allow the epoxy to stick i guess it must soak into the pores and bond with the wax it cant and it messes up the finish .

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Personally, when using abrasive paste I would rarely go past 320 unless turning exotics.

[@diydarkmatter]

@@MikePeaceWoodturning sounds good to me i hate sanding lol .

[@pauldodge9707]

Mike good information, thanks. I have been using Acks and Renaissance, do not see much of a difference. My turning will slow down, trying to get ready to teach taxes for 2020 tax year.

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

I hear you. I am going to be a trainer this year as well. Let's compare notes in a couple of days. 770-362-4308

[@richardschaffling9882]

I made my own but I think I used to much bees wax it is a little hard

[@MikePeaceWoodturning]

Reheat with a bit more mineral oil stirred in.