Chiff and Fipple Forums

What would the best finish be to put on a whistle be? Epoxy, varnish, or finishing wax?
Thanks. Wes.

One could reasonably infer that you are inquiring about the finish for a wooden whistle. Is that correct?

These have been used to put a finish on too.

I thought those were for making flat chanters.

Mr.Gumby wrote:I thought those were for making flat chanters.

Multiple uses. Very versatile.

oleorezinator wrote:

Mr.Gumby wrote:I thought those were for making flat chanters.

Multiple uses. Very versatile.

Right you are. It's a banjo tuner, too.

Yes it is for a wood whistle. That looks like a mallet.

I would consider the variety of wood used and Google what is, generally speaking, the best way to finish it. The best general-purpose coating might be inadequate for a whistle, but other members will doubtless be better-qualified than I to confirm or deny that.

Countrypiper wrote:Yes it is for a wood whistle. That looks like a mallet.

When I was an apprentice in the metal trades, I was told it was a 4 lb. button set.
When I worked in the construction trades along with many scandinavians, I was told it was a Norwegian/Swedish plumb bob.

Bob

Dan A. wrote:I would consider the variety of wood used and Google what is, generally speaking, the best way to finish it.

For example, if the whistle's of blackwood, no finish is needed. Ebony OTOH tends eventually to crack from moisture, so a finish of some kind, especially in the bore, would I think be advisable. I'd say Dan's advice is a great way to start. Once you get into mouthblown wind instruments, though, it's a good idea to expect the best thing for them to be different from what would suffice for cabinets and the like. Loren comes to mind as someone worth asking.

Maybe Paul Busman could add a thought or two also...

Or Tommy, Whistles of Wood.

Best wishes,

Steve

Thanks everyone. I am working with manzanita, and agarita/barberry, both of which are very hard, with the manzanita being somewhat brittle, both of them have incredible grain pattern. I just wanted to get an idea of what other people are using to put a finish on their instruments.

Here's somebody who says he's made whistles out of manzanita. Don't know anything about him other than the newspaper article but maybe he could be of help....

Best wishes.

Steve

Countrypiper wrote:What would the best finish be to put on a whistle be? Epoxy, varnish, or finishing wax?
Thanks. Wes.

Yes, epoxy, varnish or finishing wax would be fine.
Burnishing makes a nice finish also.

Do you want to make it shiney, seal it, or both?

Mr.Gumby wrote:I thought those were for making flat chanters.

Unless the broken shards of wood make it a sharp chanter.