Stabilizing (yet again)

Jim Rehrer

Jim Rehrer

Joined
Jan 11, 2006
Messages
686
i know this is like beating a dead horse and I read all the posts about this but I still have a question. I know of the most common mentioned products for stabilizing however I am looking for a product that will add density to the wood...I send my wood to WSSI and i like it and all its just that if the wood is soft it comes back soft...its like sanding chalk, and for instance if you clear stabilize a lighter colored wood and buff it the wood turns black. Ive bought wood that was stabilized and it was almost like it was plastic injected...how would one go about such a feat? does anyone offer stabilizing like this?
Jim
 
I've noticed the same thing, and I don't know either... The "plasticized" blocks are great but they are pretty expensive.
 
I have heard that Minwax Wood Hardener works pretty good to stiffen up soft wood. I've tried it as a finish and works great. I'm getting ready to try my hand at stabilizing some Maple Burl and some Cedar with it.

Charles
 
Thanks CShepherd,
That should be easy enough to come by...i also have some maple here to be stabilized...ill give it a try!
 
Minwax wood hardener can also be stained by mixing the stain with acetone. It is a bit slower then staining regular wood since it takes several coats.

I use minwax wood hardener in a wide mouth canning jar and a foodsaver plus to pull a vacuum.
 
I just had WSSI do a box of wood for me and it's good but not has heavy and hard as stabilized wood I've used in the past from wild woods and K&G. Smells the same though :)

I'm going to send some to the other guys just to compare.
 
I think the correct procedure is to stain the wood all the way through using vacuum, let it dry perfectly, THEN stabilize it (again, with vacuum) and finally shape it.
 
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