moisture meters/ stabalizers

[Greg Scott]

Alot of folks helped me out on a prior question so I'll ask another. I am considering trying to stabalize my own scales. I have had a small problem but none the less a problem with some of scales I have purchased that developed a slight warp after gluing. I suspect this to be due to damp or inproperly dried wood. I'm thinking that firstly I should check the moisture of the wood just prior to glueing and or stabalize the scale. Can anyone recommend a good but accurate moisture meter? Also are there suppliers of stabalizing resins other than Cactus Juice that are recommended?

 

[Stacy E. Apelt - Bladesmith]

In won't try and talk you out of it, but will say that doing proper wood stabilizing isn't practical, economical, or simple.

Once stabilized, it should not be warping due to too moisture....that will make it warp/twist/crack when it is stabilized. I suspect the problem was related to the attaching, sanding, and shaping the handle.

The resin used can be purchased from several sources, but is very expensive and has a short shelf life.

Try searching Ultraseal wood stabilizer, Loctite 90C, and ZK-TR90 for resin sources.