<HTML style="FONT-SIZE: medium; FONT-FAMILY: AGaramond Bold"><HEAD> <META http-equiv=Content-Type content="text/html; charset=windows-1251"> <META content="MSHTML 6.00.2800.1522" name=GENERATOR></HEAD> <BODY> <P> <DIV>William asked: "<FONT size=+0>For those of you who make your own tool handles, I'm curious what you like</FONT> <DIV><FONT size=+0>to use as a finish. Lacquer, Varnish, Shellac, Oil and Wax????? What and</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>why would be appreciated.</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>Thanks,"</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=3></FONT> </DIV> <DIV><FONT size=+0>William,</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=3>I prefer Tung Oil. It leaves a "soft" feel to the tool handle. And, it is easy to rejuvinate the finish if it gets icky. Also, glue won't stick to it. Lacquer, on the other hand, chips and starts looking icky, with normal use. Also it's slippery. Same with Shellac, except the moisture of your hands makes it sticky and icky.</FONT></DIV> <DIV><FONT size=3>the only down side to tung oil is the smell, which goes away fairly quickly, but smells , (and tastes icky<G>).</FONT></DIV></DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV>Joe Garrett, R.P.T. (Oregon)</DIV> <DIV>Captain, Tool Police</DIV> <DIV>Squares R I</DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <DIV> </DIV> <P></P></BODY></HTML>