Thread: Jarrah Kitchen Benches - What glue to use ? and What oil finish

Thanks for the WIP shots - the end result is brilliant!

Im very happy with the result. Worth the effort.

Originally Posted by Sir Stinkalot

I have just glued up a couple of Spotted Gum tops to be used for vanities. For glue I used West Systems Epoxy (https://www.carbatec.com.au/joinery-...n-pack-a-500ml). I had planned on using Titebond III however I too was concerned about stuffing it up and didn't want any glue creep (not that I have experienced it with Titebond III but have with other similar glues). The West Systems was surprisingly easy to use.

I agree with SS. West Systems epoxy is the go.

Apropos of nothing, I note the Carbatec description states the viscosity as about 1000 centipoises leaving me to wonder who writes this stuff. My original trade was industrial chemistry so I'm one of the lucky ones. BTW, 1000 cps is about as thick as SAE30 motor oil.

mick

Mick, I've used west system for over two decades now. I reckon west system is about as runny as motor oil when unthickened. Thickening with fibres ect is essential for all but finishing coatings.

With some fibers its great stuff for gluing benches.

Thanks for the comments about glue but i ended up using polyurethane. Durabond. Happy with the result

Well it has been a few months since the bench was installed. Overall i am happy but i do have a few fine surface cracks that have opened up even though the timber was very dry and aged. I am wondering if i couple perhaps fill the fine cracks with say bees wax? to prevent grit/crumbs going into them ?

From what I know, Bee's wax is a very poor choice for crack filling as it remains soft.

Perhaps you will need to use something like restorer's wax sticks or shellac sticks.