stabilizing wood

[Texasrecurve]

I found a recipe/process for stabilizing wood for knife scales, etc. on the internet using minwax wood hardener. Has anyone tried stabilizing your own wood/bone/ivory knife scales and how did you do it??  Thanks.

TR

[Deadsmple]

You didn't explain the recipe you found but I also use  Minwax wood hardener to stabilize wood. What I do is submerge the scales in the hardener and then sort of cook it, in a double boiler kind of set up. I will bring the hardener to a simmer for about a half hour to 45 minutes then I will seal the container tightly and let it cool on it's own. This lets the wood draw the hardener into its pores. After it has cooled naturally, I'll keep the container sealed for a few days to a week, before I remove the scales. Afterwards I'll remove the scales and let them air out and cure for a few more days. After about 4-5 days they are ready to be worked. I like this method because I can reuse the hardener, all I need to do is top off the container every once in a while.

That's the simple explanation, If you pm me I'd be glad to explain in much more detail.

[Deadsmple]

Oh yeah I forgot all of the above is done outdoors because the fumes are very flammable and will kill way too many brain cells if you breath them in.

good luck

[Texasrecurve]

Deadsmple, pm sent.

TR