Thread: Dry wood, how to keep it from cracking?

Originally Posted by Neil Miller

I have worked a lot of teak and mahogany over the years - capping and rubbing strips, decking and planking, interior fitting, etc on boats and in building houses when staircases have had to be fitted. It does have some inherent problems, like localised tear out and change of grain direction that make planing some strips a nightmare. These are mostly due to defects in the wood - not a lot you can do about that.

And yes, it does dry out. I suppose the oil content does not change significantly, but the moisture content does - old grey weathered teak splits and cracks and skews. Throwing sea water over the deck swells it up again and stops the leaks.

If your problem is that of splits, cracks and fissures that have happened in the timber, then I fail to see what you can do about it - oil won't 'stick' it all together. Maybe some sort of stabilising fluid or resin that hardens at the same time might help - but I don't know if they are successful with hardwoods like teak.

Good luck with the oil treatment, though. If it does nothing else, it will get rid of a few sheets of clogged-up sandpaper for you!

Regards,
Neil

Indeed Mr Miller is very well versed with teak wood for sure, i remember him talking about a beautiful bench he built himself for his dear Mother in Law, a masterpiece in my eyes.

Ohh, no!
My wide chisel isn't sharp, maybe I can find something to sharpen it on...

Originally Posted by Martin103

Indeed Mr Miller is very well versed with teak wood for sure, i remember him talking about a beautiful bench he built himself for his dear Mother in Law, a masterpiece in my eyes.

Fantastic!

The only thing that could be desired is a long-shot, to show the lake of burning oil and the Nantucket harpooners standing by in the unlikely event of asbestos underwear defeating the lake....

Ah, simple joys to while away the trials of everyday life - thanks Martin!

Regards,
Neil

It's all done!



The base is Teak 22 x 12 cm and the stone a Hideriyama tomae.

For being submerged in salt water for 100yrs, looks almost new,and laminated

Haha, yeah it looks like it's been glued together but it's not, at least I can't see it.
Better pic of the wood here; http://i.imgur.com/2cNwdzk.jpg