rarefish383 Posted June 20, 2023 Report Share Posted June 20, 2023 I have several slabs of Black Walnut I milled about ten years ago. There is some pretty crotch wood. The thing is, I've seen crotch wood chip, flake or just come apart between lines. Is there a way to stabilize and strengthen this week point? I want a hand rubbed oil finish. I don't want a shiny plastic finish like on 70's and 80's rifles. Here's a couple pieces. I have 3 more to plane tomorrow. Thanks Joe. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted June 21, 2023 Report Share Posted June 21, 2023 Sort of impregnating the wood with resin under vacuum, I don't know of a way to really ensure that wild crotch grain won't fail under stress, it is just the nature of the beast. However, I've seen a lot of pieces turned from such stabilized material, and it looks pretty dang good, plastic or no. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Just Bob Posted June 21, 2023 Report Share Posted June 21, 2023 This stabilizer is a brush on product that does not require a vacuum. I use it, both with and without a vacuum chamber. I have no long term experience with it, and just have to believe it works. Minwax wood hardener is a another, but it does not seem to penetrate very well. Neither product will affect your finish. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rarefish383 Posted June 21, 2023 Author Report Share Posted June 21, 2023 Thanks, I'll start looking up wood impregnators and how to do's. I've had pieces of crotch like the first pic just shatter when it hit the planer. I had some last year that I sanded down to 1000 grit and it was amazing how that wood felt. I hope to try that on one of these. I still have 3 more to run through the planer and see what they look like inside? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Coop Posted June 22, 2023 Report Share Posted June 22, 2023 Good luck. Keep us posted. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rarefish383 Posted June 29, 2023 Author Report Share Posted June 29, 2023 I'll try and keep you up to date, I have 3 more blanks to plane. I've been letting these air dry for somewhere around 10 years. I hope to get back faster than that, Joe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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