Question about Stabilizing wood

[Alain M-D]

Hello!
I have just bought a batch of maple burl block and I would like to make them stabilized. I have also some pieces of Palmwood, purpleheart and blackwood.

1- After reading several treads, it seem that the majority of the peoples here use Wood Stabilising Specialists Int (WSSI). Did somebody have tryed Lumberlady? The prices seem interesting and are calculated according to quantity and not by weight's (See price here )

2 - I need blocks and scales; is it better to stabilize block only and to cut them in scales after stabilzing ?

3- Which is the best dimension to make stabilize my wood (my pieces are about 3.5 "X 1.5" X 8" or larger) I imagine than the ideal is to cut them to good dimensions before stabilization (What you suggest me? Which is the ideal thickness to make average and large knives (bowies style)

4- How to know if my pieces of wood are rather dry? When I bought on e-bay, it was indicated: Air dryed... ? It's enought ?

5- Does stabilization tend to make wood darker? To emphasize texture? Putting water on wood can give an idea? (Many picture of wood are taked wet and try, that is representative)

Thank you for information which you will be able to give me...

Alain M-D

 

[Brett Bennett]

1. I've only used WSSI.
2. I recommend cutting them into scales after stabilization.
3. Those dimensions are thin enough to stabilize, as is.
4. It should be, but WSSI does check moisture content prior to stabilizing. They are only able to check moisture to a certain depth, so thick cross sections are not a good idea unless you are certain they are dry.
5. I would say not quite as dark as water, but it will make the wood darker. It enhances most woods, IMO.

 

[Mike Hull]

What Brett said.