Stabilising wood

[Fisherman]

Hi Brains Trust

A while back I purchased a set of cocobolo which, while pretty, has some issues. It had a twist, was poorly sawn (5mm to 9mm in places), and has several small (bookmatched) cracks. I've managed to straighten it out and glue it up, and am now hoping to stabilise the cracks before thicknessing and moving on further.

What would you suggest is the best way to stabilise it? CA glue or epoxy? Thicknessing down to 2mm or so and laminating it to something else? Grateful for your thoughts as I haven't run into this issue before.

Pictures of various ailments below..

[kiwigeo]

I rub in either CA, Titebond or hide glue to stop the crack propagating any further.

[Mark McLean]

That certainly is pretty!. I would fill the cracks with CA and cocobolo dust - or, because it already has a lot of black figure, black tinted epoxy. And maybe also cleat on the inside face.

[kiwigeo]

Yes forgot that one.....once the back is made up whack some cleats on the underside of same.

PS: watch the dust from that wood....some people get a bad reaction from the dust.

[yakka]

could also put in a straight piece of Paua shell or the like, as an accent just like the beauty spot on Ginger.
Wabi-Sabi

[Fisherman]

Thanks for the responses all, I do have some hide glue sitting around but havent tried it yet. I don't think I could wick titebond into the cracks, so CA glue it is.

Do any of you think that laminating the back is required in this case? I was seriously considering that option, so am glad I asked!

[56nortondomy]

Use ca. Cocobolo is really oily and unless you can clean inside the cracks with acetone then titebond won't stick. I had a similar problem with a set I had and used ca it did the job. Wayne

[kiwigeo]

Good point....

Use ca. Cocobolo is really oily and unless you can clean inside the cracks with acetone then titebond won't stick. I had a similar problem with a set I had and used ca it did the job. Wayne