I've finally started making some quality sounding inserts, but I can't seem to get a CA finish to hold up.
The attached picture shows my problem with the CA finish peeling at the edges where I cut the inserts. The piece of paper is wedged between the peeling CA and the wood.
I have let the wood settle for several days or longer after turning, so it shouldn't be a shrinking problem. I sand the whole insert to 800 grit, allow to settle, then apply 3-4 coats thin CA (first 1 or 2 coats I don't use accelerator) then 3-8 coats medium CA then sand back to 1500. I have used BLO on the inserts before or after applying finish and doesn't seem to make a difference either way. (Saw a pen turner put BLO on paper towel before putting CA on it which was neat, but didn't help either).
I finish with CA before drilling. Could the heat from drilling cause the wood to swell and loosen the finish? There are no visible signs of cracking or stress or clouding on the finish after drilling and before cutting.
I know some guys might say to just finish the external part of the insert that sticks out of the barrel, but I don't like the way that looks. I've seen calls with the whole insert finished, so I know its possible to make it work.
Any suggestions? Something I'm doing is not allowing it to stick properly to the wood. Yes, some woods are worse than others, but the one in the picture is persimmon so it shouldn't be an oily wood problem.
Thanks for the help.