dull wood, shiny wood

[Mike Minto]

i turn alot of cherry, and have noticed that occasionally a piece just doesn't polish up / shine as much as most pieces do; just stays a little dull - you guys ever get this effect on your turnings? what kind of wood does this happen to with you? mike

[Steve Schlumpf]

Mike - I've had that happen a few times but later realized that I had orientated the wood so that I turned it end-grain - and we all know how end-grain can suck in the finish!

[Mike Minto]

steve, yes it sure does. most of what i turn is end grain, i'm trying to maximize the size of the turning i get from my wood. maybe i just need to flood some pieces with more finish! will try some different oils soon. mike