How to Easily Fix Split Wood with Smart Techniques
Today, let me show you how to repair split wood (and make it look good!)
An unsightly split or crack can run deep like family turmoil in an otherwise attractive piece of wood. Most wood fillers are intended to be little more than aesthetic solutions.
Even the hardiest fillers are intended to withstand compressive forces but not sheer stress.
Here I will demonstrate my solution for not wanting to give up a piece of wood.
This block was salvaged from a eucalyptus tree that fell on my house (don’t worry, I’m fine). I want to be able to work on it without the risk of further splitting.
STEP 1: SUPPLIES
I have found polyester resin to the be ideal for this kind of repair.
It is very strong in its cured state, it seeps into fibers and produces a strong bond (it’s intended use is laminating wood and resining fiberglass) and it is slightly flexible, so it will move with wood as it bends and expands with humidity.
STEP 2: PREP
I prefer jet black for most wood repair work. I have given up trying to match wood colors when disguising a crack.
Specialized pigments are available for resin, though I have found almost any black coloring works. Here I am using black airbrush paint. A little bit of it goes a long way.
Tape up the sides and bottom of the piece to keep the resin inside. Cracks run deep, so it is sometimes wise to tape the entire piece inside a plastic bag.
Do the repair work before making any cuts or planing on the wood and don’t worry about the resin puddling on the outside.
STEP 3: POUR
Pour it in the cracks until it overflows.
STEP 4: USE THE BAG
Just to keep everything within the confines of the wood, I taped a bag around it.
STEP 5: UNVEILING
You got resin everywhere. It’s a good thing we use the plastic bag.
STEP 6: FINISHED
Polyester resin can be worked with most woodworking tools.
Be careful if you choose to go at it with a chisel, the excess resin will throw off glass-like shards when impacted.
A bandsaw will cut easily and safely, then the resin can be planed, routed, or sanded. This is a structural repair, so the block is now fit for any purpose as a solid piece.
P.S.: If you enjoy tips like this, let’s wrap this puppy up. Get 50 Woodworking Tricks here
Whether you are an accomplished woodworker or just beginning to set up your workshop, you’ll find quick and smart answers to the most common woodworking problems
To get your copy of 20 Woodworking Tricks The Pros Use, go to this link
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Your support helps us keep providing valuable content!
