Page 2 of 2 FirstFirst 12
Results 16 to 22 of 22
  1. #16
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    Nerang Queensland
    Age
    66
    Posts
    10,766

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by RSD View Post
    What do people recommend for sealing? I've been using bees wax but I'm not sure if there are better options?
    Bees wax is too flexible/soft, paraffin with 5% beeswax is better, but for actual blanks only not logs. For logs, the best is Log Sealer, but if you can't get that use PVA glue.

    Normal paint is next to useless as it doesn't stick to wet/green wood and usually too brittle so soon cracks. A rubberised paint can be used as a last resort, as it is more flexible, but generally has trouble sticking and bubbles allowing mould to grow underneath.
    Neil
    ____________________________________________
    Every day presents an opportunity to learn something new

  2. # ADS
    Google Adsense Advertisement
    Join Date
    Always
    Location
    Advertising world
    Age
    2010
    Posts
    Many





     
  3. #17
    Join Date
    Apr 2020
    Location
    Seaford, Vic
    Posts
    397

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by dai sensei View Post
    Bees wax is too flexible/soft, paraffin with 5% beeswax is better, but for actual blanks only not logs. For logs, the best is Log Sealer, but if you can't get that use PVA glue.

    Normal paint is next to useless as it doesn't stick to wet/green wood and usually too brittle so soon cracks. A rubberised paint can be used as a last resort, as it is more flexible, but generally has trouble sticking and bubbles allowing mould to grow underneath.
    Cheers Neil - will see if I can find some log sealer down here.

  4. #18
    Join Date
    Feb 2006
    Location
    Perth
    Posts
    27,757

    Default

    One problem with things like waxes and even Log sealer is the grit can easily embed itself into the sealed ends of the log although this can be gotten around by docking the ends off before milling.

    I've experimented with various wax/solvent mixes with limited success.

    I've had fair results with multiple coats of plastic paint on trees especially on logs that have been down for some time but I would not buy paint for this purpose. As Neil said, on most freshly fallen trees the paint doesn't adhere all that well but maybe my success is because I usually don't get access to logs immediately after they are felled (maybe two or three weeks after) and this seems to make a difference but just be aware that cracks can start to develop immediately. Not sealing right away can be significant for some trees especially on really hot days as they develop cracks while you watch but for those situations even proper log sealer might not help that much.

    For the last few years I've been using BondCrete (it's basically a PVA derivative) and I dilute it with ~50% water.

    I first tried it back in 1995 on some large "cookies" (cross cut discs of timber) that I still have stored under the house and they have have only develop a few small cracks - compared to what usually happens, ie fall apart. I stopped using the Bondcrete a few years later because of the cost. In small quantities, Bondcrete from Bunnings is about the same price as Log sealer from Carbatech ( 2L ~$15/L) but a few years back I saw that Bondcrete can be readily purchase in bigger quantities and the last 15L pail I bought from Bunnings was ~$9/L.

    If you only have a few logs to mill then I'd just get the Log sealer.

  5. #19
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    Nerang Queensland
    Age
    66
    Posts
    10,766

    Default

    These days I use Parfix PVA (only because Log Sealer has gone up and harder to get), normally $20 for 4L, but on checking noticed it's gone up again Parfix 4L PVA Wood Glue | Bunnings Warehouse.
    Neil
    ____________________________________________
    Every day presents an opportunity to learn something new

  6. #20
    Join Date
    Apr 2020
    Location
    Seaford, Vic
    Posts
    397

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by dai sensei View Post
    These days I use Parfix PVA (only because Log Sealer has gone up and harder to get), normally $20 for 4L, but on checking noticed it's gone up again Parfix 4L PVA Wood Glue | Bunnings Warehouse.
    Neil do you dilute the Parfix PVA or just use it straight?

  7. #21
    Join Date
    Apr 2005
    Location
    Nerang Queensland
    Age
    66
    Posts
    10,766

    Default

    I often water down the first layer up to 50% to help with penetration but I always use full strength for final (min 2 layers). While out in the dry middle I use it straight as water is precious.
    Neil
    ____________________________________________
    Every day presents an opportunity to learn something new

  8. #22
    Join Date
    Apr 2020
    Location
    Seaford, Vic
    Posts
    397

    Default

    Cheers Neil - off to Bunnings shortly

Page 2 of 2 FirstFirst 12

Similar Threads

  1. Fallen trees- firewood or useful to someone here?
    By fred99999au in forum TIMBER
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 11th January 2014, 08:50 AM
  2. preserving & drying green wood ? gum trees
    By steamingbill in forum SMALL TIMBER MILLING
    Replies: 3
    Last Post: 5th April 2013, 09:23 AM
  3. Drying timber from fruit trees
    By Frank&Earnest in forum WOODWORK - GENERAL
    Replies: 9
    Last Post: 8th November 2007, 04:01 PM
  4. So many women....sorry...trees... so little time.......
    By Greg Ward in forum NOTHING AT ALL TO DO WITH WOODWORK
    Replies: 2
    Last Post: 21st December 2005, 12:08 PM
  5. Where do the fallen trees end up?
    By MarpleMan in forum WOODWORK - GENERAL
    Replies: 11
    Last Post: 4th February 2005, 11:39 AM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •