cactus juice wood stabilization

[maddox]

Hi, I was wondering if anyone would share their experience using the product cactus juice, I was curious of the quality of product produced vs a professional stabilization such as k&g. I understand they both are done under vacuum, but k&g utilizes high pressure and cactus juice is done only with atmospheric pressure. Any info is appreciated thank you.

 

[i4Marc]

K&G and WSSI are the leaders in the industry for thorough high quality stabilization. Cactus juice, by most reports works very well but is not at the same level as the other two. I would say go with the pros if you can. If you already have the Cactus Juice system or if you are interested in going that way, use it for knives you make for yourself, family and friends. If you are at the point with your knives that you are selling professionally to actual paying customers, go ahead and get the wood stabilized by the best (WSSI or K&G).

I have the Cactus Juice equipment and it does work well. I also tried making my own Mycarta for a while. The thing is, it's good to know how to do as much as you can by yourself. But there are limitations to what individuals can do at home with limited budgets, time, equipment and space. Eventually most people come to the realization that it is better for people who specialize in certain services or products to supply those things. They can do it better and it allows you to concentrate on what YOU do best (or what is more profitable for you).

 

[Bob Ohlemann]

Hi, I was wondering if anyone would share their experience using the product cactus juice, I was curious of the quality of product produced vs a professional stabilization such as k&g. I understand k&g utilizes high pressure and cactus juice is done under vacuum. Any info is appreciated thank you.

It is all done under vacuum. The air must be drawn out of the wood before the stabilizer can fill the voids.

Bob

 

[The Gopher]

Vacuum is used on all stabilization processes, pressure can be applied after vacuum if desired.

 

[maddox]

Sorry my wording was confusing I edited my post to make more sense.

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

Where the home stabilization kits sold by Woodcraft, pen turning suppliers, and cactus Juice excel is surface sealing and stabilizing wood to be turned on lathes. It can make punky areas firmer, and seal porous woods a lot. It aids in final sanding, too.

The stabilization done by K&G and WSSI is similar, but much more extreme and deeper penetrating. The final impregnation is a harder acrylic, also.

The comparison to Mycarta and Micarta is a good one. They may look similar, but even the best epoxy resin from West System won't match the hardness and durability of the phenolic resin and high pressure/temperature manufacturing methods from Westinghouse and other manufacturers.