We all know that the finish on a piece of turned work either makes or ruins the project. Well here's a little tip to help you achieve a better finish. Having turned the profile that you require and before you start sanding apply a coat of Robert Sorby Danish Oil to your work. Before the oil is dry start up the lathe and sand in your normal manner. The oil and the dust mix together to form a slurry which acts as a grain filler as well as a sanding lubricant. When it is time to move onto the next grade of abrasive apply a little more oil prior to sanding. Start with 120 grit ( if you have to ) don't worry all woods are different and every piece should be approached separately, and work through to 240 grit. The end result is that the surface of the project takes on a lustrous silky appearance and feel. A coat of wax can be applied over the top if necessary, but the finish is excellent in its own right. It's water, heat, acid, alkali and fingermark resistant truly a king among finishes. It is also very easy to maintain. Just wipe a coat on every so often to keep the project in tip top condition.This method can be employed on most woods but care has to be taken when working with high contrasting heart and sapwood e.g. African Blackwood and Padauk both of these woods have highly coloured heartwoods and creamy coloured sapwoods The slurry will be coloured so fill the pores of the sapwood with a coloured mixture which may detract from the overall finish and look a little murky.You could also try this with our Paste Wax. It is not as durable a finish as Danish oil but it leaves a beautiful finish.There is an added bonus with this method of finishing it cuts out a lot of the dust produced when sanding. This is definitely a help.In another Top Tip we will cover how to get the best results from Lemon Oil and Universal Laquer.Important:Lung and face protection should always be worn when turning. Dust is a hazard and appropriate measures taken to control it.