can this be stabilized and is it needed?

[spketch]

I have a couple nice pieces of koa that have been thoroughly coated with superglue. Can this be stabilized or will the glue prevent the stabilant from absorbing? I assume I'll need to sand the surfaces at least.

Bigger question is, does it even need to be stabilized? I'll be using it for thin folder scales. It has been in the desert for some time so I'm sure it's thoroughly dried.

Thanks for any information.

 

[Fish30114]

I'd sand the sides and go through the stabilizing process--can't hurt!

 

[tim37a]

Mark at Burl Source always (as far as I know) stabilizes Koa, so I would assume it should be stabilized. You will probably need to sand of the superglue.

Tim

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

I consider koa a wood that requires stabilizing for use as a knife handle.

 

[spketch]

Thanks for the input guys. Off to K&G it goes then.

 

[Ken H>]

Yes, KOA will need stabilizing as it's a fairly low density wood. I would think for thin folder scales would make stabilizing more important. The CA glue shouldn't hurt anything, it will be very shallow and easy to sand off. From what I've read on Cactus Juice folks most of the stabilizing resin flows up from the end rather than the sides of wood.

Later

 

[mete]

Koa the accacia of Hawaii .Capable of beautiful figure. sand off the glue, make sure it's properly dry then stabilise.

 

[spketch]

Since we all love pictures: