Ok, I finally got my vacuum/pressure system up and functioning, but not exactly working up to my expectations.
First some info, then the questions.
For my first run, I used sanding sealer cut in half with mineral spirits, pulling about 28in vac for 24 hours, drawing the mix into the chamber and immediatly pressurizing to 50psi for 24 hours, drain and dry for 24 hours at ambient. I put in some 2x2x5 blocks of plain walnut, a 1.75x2x5 block of white oak, , some 2x.5x5 scales of black walnut, mesquite, pink ivory, turkish briar burl, and some persian walnut burl as well as a couple of pieces of sambar stag.
Observations: About a pint of mix seemed to be absorbed, allowing for the usual loss. The mix definately didn't fully penetrate the blocks, but seemed to do better on the slabs. Some showed more significant weight gain than others (makes sense) just judging by feel. (gonna weigh them next time). The most significant penetration came from the end grain of the blocks, about 1 to 1.5in, side penetration was less than .5. Even the pieces that looked to have been penetrated didn't seem to increase in hardness as much as I had hoped. None of the materials showed much if any filling of grain or voids. The pieces buffed up better than raw wood, but didn't show the smooth glassy surface I was hoping for.
Questions;
1) Do those of you who do this at home get about the same results?
2) If I increase pressure and soak time to 60 psi for 2 days, can I reasonably expect penetration of a 2in block of walnut? (I pressure tested the chamber to 125 psi, so no prob there)
3) If i changed to a polyurethane varnish/thinner mix, will I get better void/grain filling and hardening?
4) Any reason I can't cut the blocks into 4 slab's and run them again?
Thanks for all the help, past and future. I would never have started this project without these people.
James
------------------
Those who are willing to trade freedom for security deserve neither, and in the end, seldom retain them!
First some info, then the questions.
For my first run, I used sanding sealer cut in half with mineral spirits, pulling about 28in vac for 24 hours, drawing the mix into the chamber and immediatly pressurizing to 50psi for 24 hours, drain and dry for 24 hours at ambient. I put in some 2x2x5 blocks of plain walnut, a 1.75x2x5 block of white oak, , some 2x.5x5 scales of black walnut, mesquite, pink ivory, turkish briar burl, and some persian walnut burl as well as a couple of pieces of sambar stag.
Observations: About a pint of mix seemed to be absorbed, allowing for the usual loss. The mix definately didn't fully penetrate the blocks, but seemed to do better on the slabs. Some showed more significant weight gain than others (makes sense) just judging by feel. (gonna weigh them next time). The most significant penetration came from the end grain of the blocks, about 1 to 1.5in, side penetration was less than .5. Even the pieces that looked to have been penetrated didn't seem to increase in hardness as much as I had hoped. None of the materials showed much if any filling of grain or voids. The pieces buffed up better than raw wood, but didn't show the smooth glassy surface I was hoping for.
Questions;
1) Do those of you who do this at home get about the same results?
2) If I increase pressure and soak time to 60 psi for 2 days, can I reasonably expect penetration of a 2in block of walnut? (I pressure tested the chamber to 125 psi, so no prob there)
3) If i changed to a polyurethane varnish/thinner mix, will I get better void/grain filling and hardening?
4) Any reason I can't cut the blocks into 4 slab's and run them again?
Thanks for all the help, past and future. I would never have started this project without these people.
James
------------------
Those who are willing to trade freedom for security deserve neither, and in the end, seldom retain them!
