How to make Diamondwood?

[Elison]

Hi guys!    

I was reading some topics and got curious in how to make this material called diamondwood.
It's similar to make micarta, but using wood?
If yes, how to color the wood?

Sorry if this was already talked here, but I tryed to search and I didn't found nothing.

Thanks very much!

[Troy D. Breeding]

Unless you have some sort of heavy vacuum system I doubt you will be able to make anything like Diamondwood.

I've made several different blocks similar to Actionwood by glueing thin ground slats together. They have worked well as riser blocks.

[mikkekeswick]

It's dyed and stabilized at the same time so you need a vacuum chamber as big as the wood you want to use. You need a batch of stabilizing resin already dyed in the colours you want to use. Then of course another press is needed to squeeze the plys together for glue-up.

[Buemaker]

Piece of cake then.   :D  Bue--.

[Crooked Stic]

I just stabilized a piece of spectraply with the TurnTex acrylic method. It added the weight and give the wood a more desirable texture. I don't think the original dymondwood used acrylic though.

[Elison]

Got it!
I'll study this process of stabilizing and let see what I can do.
Thanks very much guys!

Cheers!

[Brock]

ought to call Dave Windauer (Schafer) as I believe Paul and initially Dave used dymondwood in their risers....might have some tips or source if they bought it like that so you can talk to them as well.  Even if it is to discuss techniques or pitfalls....

[Robertfishes]

From what I remember Dymondwood was made from Dyed Birch veneers and some kind of  "resin" was applied and then put under high pressure, maybe a press?? I don't think any vacuume was used, anybody know any former Rutland plywood workers?

[Mad Max]

you need vacuum to get the dye all the way threw the wood
Ask Troy Breeding if you can soak the wood in dye and it goes all the way threw?


I made one of these to stabilize some knife scales
you can see all the air bubbles coming out of the wood.

   

[talkingcabbage]

I've tried soaking, pressure, and vacuum, and vacuum works best.  If you can pull around -20 psi, that seems to be the best.  Length of time under vacuum depends on the type and size of wood.  After you release vacuum, you need to let it set submerged in the liquid for a few hours to finish absorbing all it can.  Then let it set out and dry for a week or so.  Its kind of a pain, but you can get amazing results if done right.  I've used Minwax wood hardener for a stabilizing resin with favorable results.

[Troy D. Breeding]

When I used to make footed arrows I soaked maple to make different colored footings. Sometimes it would take a week to get pretty well complete color penetration on 1/2" square stock. If your trying to dye thin (.100" or less) slats it shouldn't take more than a couple days per slat.

[Robertfishes]

copied from the Rutply web site a few years ago...... Sometimes refererred to by the generic name of COMPREG, DymondWood® is a highly engineered wood/plastic composite, that has the physical and mechanical properties of high density hardwood, acrylic, polycarbonate plastics and brass. Here, brightly dyed northern hardwood veneers are combined with engineering grade resins, heat and pressure to create a product that has the best characteristics of each. DymondWood® is distinguished by its unique strength, durability, dimensional stability, and weather and moisture resistance as compared to regular wood.

Applications
Successful DymondWood® applications include, but are not limited to the following: Archery Stock, Pistol Grips, Crafts,

Technical Specifications
Species: Birch

Length and Width 31.5"(l) x 16.5"(w) or 51"(l) x 16.5"(w)

Note: All ply's are oriented with grain in the same direction; Length is measured in the grain direction and width is measured across the grain

Thickness(nominal): 1/16" - 2"

Plys per inch(after densification): Approximately 29 plys per inch

Specific Gravity: 1.18 - 1.30

[Mad Max]

I hear
Action wood
Coreflex/Superaction
StrataBond
Diamond wood
are all these the same?

The plant that burned, was that the only place making it?

[LittleBen]

Yes Mark. My understanding is that Rutland Ply was the only place making dymondwood. Actually dymondwood is trademarked by them I think.

[Mad Max]

Bummer

[Robertfishes]

Stratabond or Actionwood from Rutlands web site.
Stratabond® Laminated Hardwoods manufactured by Rutland Plywood Corporation are designed for top performance while offering flexibility in design. At the heart of Stratabond® laminated hardwoods is a proprietary lamination process that creates an unusually powerful bond; a bond that makes for endurance and beauty in finished products. Firearm manufacturers worldwide have come to recognize the Stratabond® name for quality, consistency and durability. Indeed, it is this technology that has made of Stratabond® the number one brand of laminated gun stock material in the world. With seventeen colors and seven standard color combinations available, Stratabond® offers unlimited design possibilities. Stratabond® laminates offer manufacturers the ability to differentiate their products on the market while providing the highest possible quality to their customers.

Applications
Successful Stratabond® applications include, but are not limited to the following:Gunstocks, Archery Stock, Bow Risers, Pistol

[mikkekeswick]

Dymalux is the closest available product. I'm going to be ordering some sheets soon. When they arrive I can let you know how it works.