Hey all,
The plan is to make some extremely tall chess pieces (34″ x 1 1/4″ x 1 1/4″) by laminating pieces of bloodwood and walnut into an 34″ x 11″ x 1 1/4″ block (into a sorta checkered pattern), and then cutting that block into strips, and then shaping those strips with an angle grinder that has a 40 grit sanding attachment.
My concern is whether or not the bonds between the bloodwood and walnut will hold up. Many of the seams within the chess pieces will be endgrain to endgrain. I’ve heard epoxy can handle endgrain, provided you “prime” the grain with a little epoxy a few minutes before a final application.
Does this sound nuts? Any advice, warnings, etc., would be much appreciated.
Thanks,
Fred
Replies
Unfortunately, the joint will not hold. Epoxy is a great glue, but an end-grain to end-grain joint should always have mechanical reinforcement. Especially since a 1 1/4 x 1 1/4 base will make a 34" tall piece extremely top-heavy.
A simple dowel would get the job done. From there, I would just use yellow glue.
Thanks a bunch. You da man.
No, I've just made a lot of mistakes:0)
Remember, end grain is thirsty and glue is cheap. Don't spare the glue.
Fred,
I proclaim that if you stagger your laminations at different heights, thereby creating more long-grain gluing surface, this is do-able. You could probably use regular wood glue for this. Carving with 40-grit might take a while. I might suggest either a reciprocating saw, bandsaw, or even chainsaw or wood-cutting grinder attachment to speed up the process.
and www.flairwoodwork.spaces.live.com)
- Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer
Hey,
Thanks for the tips. Unfortunately, the pieces can't be staggered; dowels it must be. And, I've torn through wood with a 40 grit attachments before--doubt I'll need anything more aggressive. But thanks for responding. Much appreciated.
F
Fred,Can you even stagger the center pieces, or have a center "core" that runs the full length?EDIT: (So that the core isn't seen)Chris @ http://www.flairwoodworks.com
and http://www.flairwoodwork.spaces.live.com) - Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. - Albert Schweitzer
Edited 7/8/2009 12:37 pm by flairwoodworks
>epoxy can handle endgrain, provided you "prime" the grain with a little epoxy a few minutes before a final application.
I am always getting in trouble but . . . I think it would work fine. I have experimented with this type of joint just to educate my self and with System Three slow setting Epox
http://www.highlandwoodworking.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=5041
I have found it to be quite strong if you follow the instructions. For example if glue up in cold 50 F etc let set up for a week.
TRY IT
Make up some well jointed tests, let them cure thoroughly and try to break them. I bet you will be surprised. Mind you I would never consider making a chair or other structure that will be stressed long term. That WOULD be folly. But just to turn them and or shape them as you say then use as chess pieces; no problem. The tests I did were on purple heart just because I had it around.
warnings:
Just to use freshly hand planed/sawcut edges/ends if possible otherwise carefully sand and brush and vac off the dust. Helps the glue wet the surface rather than bead up.
roc
Give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe. Abraham Lincoln ( 54° shaves )
Edited 7/9/2009 12:23 am by roc
Freddy,
Rather than just butting them end to end could you not put some sort oof a router joint in there. Like say a finger joint?
Taigert
Thanks; I was hoping someone would give me the go-ahead. Doubt I would've had the patience for dowels anyway, there is a lot of serpentine action going on with the pieces, and I don't even have a drill press. Woe is the ill-equiped hobbist.
Thanks again bud.
If all the pieces you glue are thin enough for the epoxy to soak through, that will reduce or eliminate expansion and contraction with humidity that is the main thing that tears wood bonds apart. That could make your endgrain bond strong enough to hold it together. What you have then is wood-filled plastic instead of bonded wood.
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