How do i buff a linseed finish to a shine?

[Wayne Smith]

I shouldn't be giving away my secrets but I retired from full time Smithing years ago.
Rule #1: Never use steel wool.
Rule #2: Never use steel wool.
Steel wool snags and pulls the finish from the pores.
Rule #3: Use Naptha, never paint thinner.

Use refined Linseed or Tung oil, never raw. Thin it with Naptha; 25/75 Oil/Naptha. It will soak deep into the wood and it does fill the pores.
Once the pores are 90% filled, add additional thinned coats using 600 or finer scotchbrite dipped in the 25/75 solution. You do not want a buildup on the surface of the wood.
When the oil finish feels totally dry, apply a Carnuba Wax and buff dry with a cotton cloth. Add a fresh coat of Wax every year. This finish will last for decades and will not scratch white.

Not only will steel wool pull the finish, it will also leave little bits of itself behind in the wood. These are then prone to rust, leaving little brown spots.