Thread: Question re stabilizing wood

I've read that people will use Minwax hardener heated to almost boiling in a canning jar, then seal it and let it cool to create a light vacuum which will draw the hardener into the wood.

I would like to stabilize some 1/8" thick by 3" wide x 6" wide lengths of exotic woods which I'll be using to create scales. I am wondering if vacuum penetration and/or microwaving might be useful to really soak the stabilizer in, or if I should just soak them in water, then Pentacryl at room temperature. The pieces are fairly dry, having come from a thin stock exotic assortment rack at a woodworking supply store. Any help or advice you could give me would be truly appreciated.

- John

The tutorial I am referencing can be found here. I got it from Bill Ellis' CD. Bill, come back, some of miss you...

Hi,

You said exotic woods. Many of the denser stuff like cocobolo, rosewood, bocote, ebonys don't require any stabilization.

Steve

Understood. I thought it couldn't hurt as I was processing a batch anyhow. I have some Cocobolo, Bocote, Purpleheart, Honduran Rosewood and plain Maple that I'm going to make my first batch of scales from. I like the feel of dense woods as well, with some weight to them. I figure this will also increase the weight of the planks. thx - John

PEG

http://www.craft-supplies.co.uk/cgi-...1,0,0,1%7C4%7C


PuFF

Thanks much.

I contacted the people who make Pentacryl, Preservation Solutions regarding the methods to get the best penetration into the wood. They agreed that heating the solution would work, but cautioned me on the temperature. Apparently it boils at approx. 240 degrees F. I placed the entire jar into a crock-pot and set it at low. It remained at approx. 140 degrees for 5 or 6 hours. I then sealed the jar, hoping the cooling inside the jar will create the vacuum I am looking for. I plan to let them soak for about a week in the Pentacryl. I'll keep you updated on the status.

Side note, I had planned to weigh the wood before and after the application, but forgot. Next time...

Regards,
John