Red Maple Burlwood

[Kerr the Walker]

On some of the wood working forums it is often suggested that the piece be turned or shaped to close to the final dimensions and then given a liberal dousing of CA (thin super glue). This allows you to work to final dimensions without any problems and then the piece is given another liberal dose of CA to make sure it is stable. Allow to dry thoroughly between each application. Use quality CA.

In effect, stabilizing the piece yourself?

[DWFII]

In effect, stabilizing the piece yourself?

Yes and no. When a burl is stabilized the plastic/glue is forced deep into the fibers of the wood itself, as well as all the interstices between the various nodes that comprise a burl.

The CA will never do that. All it can do is harden the surface...maybe penetrating a mm or so into the wood...and create a matrix of sorts between adjacent nodes. That said, it does help to stabilize the burl but it's not really as extensive or the same.

That's the reason the piece is taken down very close to final form before the CA is applied.