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  1. #1
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    Mar 2015
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    Default Epoxy or resin for cracked black heart sassy boards

    Hi all,
    I have 12 stunning kiln dried blackheart sassy boards I've resawn for the drawer fronts on 2 chests of drawers. A bit disappointed but not overly surprised that they have checked & split a bit post resaw. They also have a few borer grooves & knots. See pics attached.
    I've used both tinted epoxy & fibreglass resin to fill voids knots on other woods successfully on different occasions but never cracks/splits. My question is which is better, or is there something else better than either of those? I'm particularly concerned about those where the defect is at the end of the board where it will be half dovetailed via Leigh D4R.
    would appreciate any advice tips 😊
    Thanks
    K
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  3. #2
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    Aug 2012
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    Imbil
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    Hi KelvinM,
    The best by far would be epoxy resin as opposed to polyester resin (fiber glass resin) epoxy is far more stable than polyester and once set machines very well it has great gluing and filling properties it will be the best way to go.
    Regards Rod.
    Rod Gilbert.

  4. #3
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    Thanks Rod. Appreciate that. I had no experience with machining epoxy resin so good to know.

  5. #4
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    Nov 2010
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    Perth W.A
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    Hi Kevin,that's some nice looking timber.
    West systems works very well for filling voids and crack of all size.

    I notice a couple of knots at the ends of the boards and would suggest maybe trimming them off as I don't think they will be nice to doevetail into.

  6. #5
    Join Date
    Jun 2014
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    Seattle, Washington, USA
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    I love Blackheart Sassafras. I think it may be one of the world's most beautiful timbers.

    But I've all but given up on it for just this reason.

    Nonetheless, to answer your question, I've had a lot of luck with techniglue. If you're filling cracks less than a mil or so it's probably fine to use it as is. For larger stuff you may consider a slurry of it with some sanding dust (not sawdust). I wouldn't consider any epoxy to be a preventative measure for further checking. I would consider something mechanical, either wooden or metallic, to physically stabilize any cracks which could interfere with joinery. You could potentially put your stabilization measures on the inside of the drawer to effectively hide them.

    Best of luck,
    Luke

  7. #6
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    Jul 2015
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    Phoenix
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    Default Epoxy or resin for cracked black heart sassy boards

    All good tips- I agree cutting off knots on end. Too hard, too unstable right where you want a joint. Looks like there are checks that continue beyond the knot. So I would cut off knot, and butterfly through inlay contrasting wood. You may end of dovetailing into the inlay but you're probably going to have a a few more inlays that will balance it out.

    The other philosophy is treat every board as if it were pine- would you try to salvage a stick of pine like this? Usually this prevents you from being emotionally invested in something that's going to get you in serious trouble when you're working with it. Or worse AFTER you've built it.

  8. #7
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    Mar 2015
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    Thanks Mark.
    yes, I planned to fill them, then cut off the knots. I heard Bote-cote epoxy is good too. Will try source some of that first I think.
    also think I will leave them another couple of weeks just in case they are still adjusting ��
    Cheers,
    K

  9. #8
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    Mar 2015
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    Hmmm, yes I might have to consider something on the inside to brace them. Thanks

  10. #9
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    Mar 2015
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    Lol, your philosophy might have some truth to it but I don't like it! These are my babies! I've been waiting for them for 2 yrs. if they split more after I've finished I'll just have to make them again but with veneer. Hope it doesn't come to that
    Cheers
    K

  11. #10
    Join Date
    Mar 2015
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    Brisbane
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    Well, it's been a year since I was looking for some help. I ended up using Bote Core expoxy resin with Feast Watson proof tint (black) & I'm very happy with the outcome. No issues so far. I finished them with Feast Watson floor seal. Couple of pics attached. Thanks again for the help.
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  12. #11
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    Port Sorell, Tasmania
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    Thanks for taking the time to post. I appreciate seeing followup like this where something has worked (or didn't work if that was the case). The chests look stunning.
    Tony
    You can't use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have. ~Oscar Wilde

  13. #12
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    That is a stunning outcome.

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