Replies

1. 
   JohnWW | Mar 21, 2010 09:23pm | #1

   The basics...

   PEG is a waxy substance that is dissolved in water.  When green wood is soaked in a PEG solution the PEG soaks into the wood.  Once a sufficient amount of PEG is in the wood it can then be dried out without the normal shrinkage  and cracking.  PEG is considered non toxic and the treated wood handles and finishes more or less like untreated wood although not all finishes will work on PEG treated wood.

   The rounds should be prevented from drying out until they can be submerged in a vat of PEG solution.  However the wet wood will begin to have mold growing on within a matter of days or weeks at most, so you need to get started soon on ordering some PEG and finding or building a big enough vat to submerge the rounds in.

   If you do a Google search for "Using PEG on wood" you will get a lot of detailed information.  This PDF from the University of Oregon covers the process in some detail: owic.oregonstate.edu/pubs/peg.pdf

1. 
   mikelv | Mar 22, 2010 11:41am | #2

   follow up question

   Thank you for your very helpful reply.  I followed your suggested google search and did find a lot of fantastic information.  The U of Oregon article was particularly thorough.

   One other link I found in the google search was to http://www.preservation-solutions.com/sealgreenwood.php.  They recommend something called Pentacryl instead of PEG.  They state, "Instead, I'd recommend a wood stabilizer called Pentacryl (Preservation-Solutions.com). It brushes on and penetrates quickly, making it suitable for both large and small pieces. And it doesn't leave a residue, so you can use any glue and finish after the wood dries."  This sounds much more suitable to my situation since I wouldn't need to fabricate a big vat to soak the rounds in.  However, since they also sell this stuff I am a touch skeptical.  They also feature a review by Michael Dresdner who seems pretty enthusiastic about Pentacryl.

   Do you have any experience or know anything about this alternative?

2. 
   BruceS | Mar 22, 2010 07:10pm | #3

   My experience with PEG was not favorable.   I was given a burl that was treated that way,  granted it turned very nicely, but the finish(lacquer) got all gummy.   Ended up stripping the bowl and did a french polish.