I had created a table top by slicing a cedar trunk like you would slice salami (only thicker). I then cut each “slab” to fit to a center hexagon. I had the piece all glued up but it was a bit uneven at the joints. Planing for this I left extra thickness. After planing one surface even I called it a night and left the piece out to finish the next day. This is where I went wrong. Not only has it been cold at night but we also had a freak rainstorm. Oh I should mention that my planing operation involved the piece to be secured to my workbench out side. I did cover the piece but to no avail. The piece did get wet and split in numerous directions. I am wondering, if when it dries out, will it pull back together enough that with a little or a lot of glue and some persuasion I can close up the cracks or is the piece just shot. I am kinda figuring the latter.
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Replies
Drew,
Without a picture, it's hard to diagnose the situation.
It sounds like you have a large glue-up on your hands with all of the octagonal edges coming together. The moisture from the rain was probably absorbed into the wood, which then expanded and caused the joints to crack.
The first thing to do is let the wood dry. After this happens, the joints may come together a little more, but I have a feeling that the adhesive will be compromised.
You can try adding some glue and clamping, but it might not be that strong in the end. You might try to heat the table up with a space heater or hair dryer and disassembling it. Heat it up slowly and remove the joints carefully to prevent the wood from breaking off on the edges. Then clean off the glue and do another glue-up.
Thanks,
Gerald
Fine Woodworking
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