I used to use those pen mills to trim to final length, but after blowing a few out, I've switched to using a miter gauge on my disk sander. It takes a little longer, but no blowouts.
Finish, I usually go with Maloof's Oil/Wax finish, followed by several coats of Renissance Wax. It doesn't look all glossy like you get with CA, but it feels like wood in your hand and not plastic.
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Frank
WWACOAUX#1
"I love the smell of Sawdust in the morning, it smells like, victory."
WWA'ers I've met: Popeye, Ed Avery, Stephen Wolf, Rockfish, Rodedon