Q. re that 'orrible stuff....wood!

[J. Tranter]

This is for making Pens but it should work here. http://www.thepenshop.net/cablo.pdf
Hope this helps.
John T.

 

[rickharris]

Your wood doesn't look like mahogany - Not dark/red enough - But that could be the photo. In fact on my monitor it looks like beech - Not that that matters.

Did you use wire wool and make sure each coat was totally dry before cutting back for the next one - The edges look a bit chewed up.

Good results are out there for wood