Replies

1. 
   LeeGrinding1 | Jul 16, 2002 03:28am | #1

   Your best bet is to rip the splits out and reglue. Your wood was not properly seasoned and there is no fix for wood that is not properly dried. The wood is shrinking and moisture loss is ten to fifteen times greater out of the end grain, this is the reason the wood is splitting from the ends.

   Was your air dried?

   Lee

   Lee Grindinger

   Furniture Carver

1. 
   jase | Jul 21, 2002 12:42am | #3

   Lee-

   I've ripped the splits and I'm about to reglue. When the boards are placed together there is about 1/16" gap between the boards, with a total of three pieces to glue together. This doesn't seem like enough to worry about. Would you disagree?Jase--Is there a better way?

1. 
   camel | Jul 21, 2002 02:00am | #4

   Jase- Yes a 1/16 is enough to worry about in only 12 in.  I'd imagine the pieces are too big to handle through a jointer, so hit the edges with a jointer or jack plane.  It shouldn't take much.  Hit it lightly and check often. John E. Nanasy.

1. 
   jase | Jul 23, 2002 08:58pm | #5

   Hey guys,

   I was able to pass the panels through my jointer. The largest piece is about 20" in width. That took some concentration but I got it without any problems. I haven't check for gapping. Hopefully I will be able to glue it up tonight.

   Thanks for everyone's help.Jase--Is there a better way?

2. 
   timburnisher | Jul 18, 2002 06:46am | #2

   As with all defects or mistakes in a woodworking project, an option is to make a feature out of the splits.  If it fits with the design of the piece, you could put butterfly inlays along the split to stabilize the check and add an aesthetic aspect to it.  However, it all depends on the style and upon your personal taste.  What is the base design like?  I'd be curious as to how you solve this problem and what the final product looks like.

   Tim