Strengthening Wood Products.

[shedhead]

Are there other ways to stabilize and strengthen wood like splatted and parts of burrs? Other than using Pentacryl and Polyacryl, can this be done some other way?
Maybe someone has an old Grampa's remedy using household materials. From what i know about these products, it is best to immerse the wood into the fluid. I have never used this but it looks like it could be quite expensive to use. Turners Retreat sell both in 40fl.ozs £13.50 for Pentacryl and £10.75 Polyacryl.
Also how long does the fluids last, does it lose strength the more often it is used.

 

[Bodrighy]

Make sure that the wood is really dry before you turn it or it just rips up. Wear some kind of protection against the dust as spalted wood is full of nasty bugs (not to mention woodlice and millipedes :lol: )I find that diluted sealer works well for most spalted wood (50% with thinners) and use a really sharp tool. Don't bother with scrapers 'cos they just tear. If the wood is worth it, Super glue (the thin one) works. Paint it on with a brush and leave to dry. Look in the pound shops, you can get it in packs of 6 for £1. Make sure it is dry befoe you turn tho' as it is nasty stuff if you get it on your body and always wear eye protection if you do this.

Pete

 

[jpt]

HI

try a 50/50 mixture of washing up liquid and water, it works for me.

The only problem is it darkens the wood a bit.

A fuller explanation here

john

 

[shedhead]

One of the problems i have had is when turning Pen blanks that i got from US. They were a burr type and had quite a soft feel to them. They did not drill very well bursting out slightly at the ends. Even though i took my time to clear the drill bit and started the hole at the other end of the blank first it still was not the best cut. This is okay when it is a cheep blank but these were a bit dearer to get.
Would soaking them in the 50% sealer and thinner then letting it dry before working on it help this problem.

 

[shedhead]

Thanks John
I will give it a go.

 

[Bodrighy]

Would soaking them in the 50% sealer and thinner then letting it dry before working on it help this problem.

I have never tried turning pens or drilling anything that thin so I honestly don't know. I suspect not as the forces on the wood are different but I guess the only way to find out is to try it unless someoe else who does do pens has an idea.

try a 50/50 mixture of washing up liquid and water, it works for me.

Never heard of that one John, I have a few rather soft pieces that I'll give it a try with.

Pete

 

[Anonymous]

Were you using a twist drill or lip and spur? The latter is probably the best...

 

[TEP]

Hi. I tend to use Ronseal Wood Hardener, BUT ONLY if the wood is something really special. I tend to initially debate whether it is worth doing anything with the timber, and more often than not I chuck it. It just doesn't seem worth spending the time on it generally.

There is always something better over the hill. :lol: