Can Finish Prevent Tearout? (plus more of your questions!) | Ask TWW

Sponsored by Woodcraft! 

Want your question answered in a video? Join us! Become a YouTube Member  or Become a Patron

On this episode of Ask TWW, we’ll not only see a new trick for taming tearout, but we’ll discuss everything below:

🪵 Topics Covered:

Hard Wax Oil on Countertops: Got a worn-out Rubio finish? Just give it a light sanding and reapply. No need to switch products—Rubio’s ease of repair is one of its biggest perks. Want to learn how to apply Rubio (or any hardwax oil) to furniture? Check out this video!

• Natura Onecoat (A cheaper alternative to Rubio)
• Bumblechutes Bee’Nooba Oil/Wax – Save 10% with code TWW10

Skipping Sanding Grits: Can you jump from 120 to 180 grit? Technically yes, but adding 150 grit makes things more efficient and helps avoid swirl marks.

Epoxy for Soft Wood: Penetrating epoxies can toughen up soft woods like cypress. They’re not magic, but they do help.

• Total Boat Penetrating Epoxy Sealer
• Total Boat Table Top Epoxy

Finish as Tear-Out Prevention: Tearout is as old as woodworking. Could there be a new trick for tackling tearout? Someone asked if applying finish firms up the fibers enough to help keep them intact during a cut. Initial tests show a some improvement, but more testing is needed.

Dust Filter Cleaning: Compressed air works, if you’re gentle. Manual tapping helps, too. For a serious upgrade, check out agitators from Myers Woodshop.

• Myer Woodworks Filter Shakers

T1-11 Wall Prep: A quick sanding and optional stain can make shop walls look cleaner and film better on camera—but it’s all personal preference.

• Watco Walnut Danish Oil

Handling Criticism: Whether online or in person, some advice is worth considering… and some you can politely ignore.

📚 Bonus:

Don’t forget to check out my books Essential Joinery and Hybrid Woodworking, available as signed copies from TWWSTore.com Great resources for woodworkers at any level!