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Oil vs lacquer
I am experimenting with an oiled finish instead of the lacquer I have used so far. Oil has the advantage that it is easy to top up the finish each season with a rub of teak oil, or similar product for preserving hardwoods. The oil used in the picture below was darker than usual, but it is a very good preservative. The wood is mahogany and the oiled head is in the rear. I have found that the white from boundary lines gets deposited on the bottom and can be difficult to remove if left.
Initials on handle top
Initials on the top of the handle as required when you have an oiled finish to the head.
Dot marker for US rules
For US rules play you need a 9" marker and instead of a line, as shown earlier, some players prefer a simple dot, as shown here. The wood is purpleheart.
