Welcome to woodturning! Your stopper needs sanding before you apply any finish.
Thanks! It's sanded down for the most part. I just need to do a final round or two of sanding. I forgot to sand before I took it off the lathe, so I've been having to do all the sanding by hand and since I didn't have any oils yet I've been doing it slowly. But I should be able to get it worked on today
I've got no lathing tips for you because I've only used a lathe once and I'm more of a carver but you've done a great job there for a first attempt! For the finish I'd recommend smoothing it out with some 240 grit sandpaper, cleaning it off with white spirits or similar then giving it a couple of coats of Danish or boiled linseed oil. The grain will look absolutely beautiful.
Be sure to post an update photo!
Thanks! It does still need a little sanding, I forgot to sand before I took it off the lathe lol. I'll have to check out the oils you suggested. Thanks for the advice!
Woodworking
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