Discussion Topic |
|
This thread has been locked |
| Messages 1 - 16 of total 16 in this topic |
CalicoJack
climber
CA
|
|
|
Topic Author's Original Post - Feb 27, 2013 - 04:54pm PT
|
Hey there,
I'm rounding the bend on assembling a backyard crack machine project, but I've noticed that some little cracks have set up in the 2x12 boards themselves. What would yall use to fill those cracks in? Wood putty? Anything out there that would help to keep the cracks from pro-grading up the boards? Epoxy?
Thanks!
Andy
|
|
bamboo
Trad climber
pike co
|
|
|
Feb 27, 2013 - 06:14pm PT
|
gorilla glue---it will expand then sand it flush
|
|
Urizen
Ice climber
Berkeley, CA
|
|
|
Feb 27, 2013 - 06:59pm PT
|
For whatever it's worth, a Greene & Greene preservation and restoration technician at the Gamble House in Pasadena told me that they're using epoxy to fill in the rotted areas that they excavate from exposed rafter tails.
|
|
Brandon-
climber
The Granite State.
|
|
|
Feb 27, 2013 - 07:01pm PT
|
Yeah, there is a specific wood hardener that I use in structural applications. The name escapes me, but just google structural wood hardener.
|
|
Reilly
Mountain climber
The Other Monrovia- CA
|
|
|
Feb 27, 2013 - 07:05pm PT
|
It ain't a Greene & Greene climbing wall so why get carried away? Nothing
will stop the cracks from lengthening if that is their wont. If you are
going to paint it then just use spackle. If you want to get carried away
then use bondo. If you want to use epoxy then clearly you just want to
get high. If it is stain grade (LOL) then use colored wood putty.
|
|
Prod
Trad climber
|
|
|
Feb 27, 2013 - 08:45pm PT
|
I'd go with 5 minute epoxy and sand it. There is a flexable epoxy called G-Flex made for white water boats. Might work better, but it is pricy. Whatever you use, you should know that the wood will continue to crack. Maybe just sand the cracks and let em go?
Prod.
|
|
CalicoJack
climber
CA
|
|
|
Topic Author's Reply - Feb 27, 2013 - 09:13pm PT
|
Hey guys,
Thanks for the responses! Only really interested in filling the cracks if the substance would strengthen things up and forestall further cracking. Sounds like that's not gonna happen, so I'll just let'm be. If stability becomes an issue I'll just shore things up with some more wood as advised.
Been a fun project, will post some pics to the crack machine thread once it's up and crack'n.
Thanks again,
Andy
|
|
Scrubber
climber
Straight outta Squampton
|
|
|
Feb 27, 2013 - 11:16pm PT
|
The checking (cracking) in your lumber is a result of it gaining and losing moisture to the air. You can't stop this. Ever. If your crack machine isn't getting directly rained on, the checking should be minimal, but you will notice seasonal differences. If you just fill the checks they will open up again. If you epoxy them, they'll check again right beside the epoxy.
The best way to avoid having checking is to keep the lumber in as controlled an environment as possible. As well, if you're using dimensional lumber (2x4, 2x6, 2x8 whatever) avoid planks that have the heart/ core/ pith of the tree within them. Look at the ends to see the rings. If you have the centre of the tree, or it runs down one edge of your board, it will check, twist and warp far worse than a board without it.
If you must have silky smooth inner walls to your crack apparatus, I would suggest lining it with quality plywood. something with a clean veneer on one face. It will never crack providing you keep it dry.
K
|
|
east side underground
climber
Hilton crk,ca
|
|
|
Feb 27, 2013 - 11:22pm PT
|
fyi- gorilla glue is designed to be applied under pressure, i.e. clammped. Warbler is right ,sister a board to it and use "SDS" screws.
|
|
CalicoJack
climber
CA
|
|
|
Topic Author's Reply - Feb 28, 2013 - 11:16am PT
|
Definitely some great woodworking knowledge on this board! This is an outside machine, so controlled environment is not in the cards. Will be easy enough to resurface inside with plywood or shore things up with additional framing if it ever comes to that.
Thanks again!
|
|
TrundleBum
Trad climber
Las Vegas
|
|
|
Feb 28, 2013 - 12:41pm PT
|
Good ole carpenters (yellow) wood glue. Mix in a little saw dust.
Cheap and easy clean up.
But again Warbler is right. Why bother unless it is going to split the length or clear through. In which case 'sister' the board...
With screws and carpenters glue.
|
|
Scrubber
climber
Straight outta Squampton
|
|
|
Feb 28, 2013 - 12:45pm PT
|
Lets see some pics of it.
Here's one I built for a friend of mine for his condo. Very space constrained, but could be adapted to another area if he moves. (Ideally lifted about three feet higher up) Completely freestanding, adjustable wall angle verticle to 60 degree overhang, adjustable crack 0-9 inches, campus board on one side, system board on the other, hangboard on front of frame and elasto-stretchy thingys for a variety of workouts.
K
|
|
Prod
Trad climber
|
|
|
Feb 28, 2013 - 08:25pm PT
|
Sweet Scrubber!
Prod.
|
|
CalicoJack
climber
CA
|
|
|
Topic Author's Reply - Mar 12, 2013 - 01:22pm PT
|
Very Cool rig! Finally finished building mine last weekend. I'll post some pics over to the the crack machine post. Thanks again for the helpful carpentry tips.
Andy
|
|
JEleazarian
Trad climber
Fresno CA
|
|
|
Mar 12, 2013 - 01:37pm PT
|
I just finished filling holes in a set of library shelves I'm building with Minwax Wood Filler. It has a hardening solution that you mix with the main filler before application, and it's sanded down perfectly for me. I'm sure it would need a sealer for outside use, though.
Then again, I've done so much sanding in the last day or two (and, because I'm only pecking away at the project, I have a few days of sanding to go), that the whole experience reminds me of eighth grade English, where our teacher sentenced us to stay after school and sand desks when we misbehaved. We formed the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Wood as a result.
Even though I'm using a good finishing sander and rotary tool to do most of the sanding, the SPCW still keeps coming to mind.
John
|
|
steve shea
climber
|
|
|
Mar 12, 2013 - 02:40pm PT
|
West Systems Marine epoxy. The best on the planet for outdoor or indoor for that matter.
|
|
| Messages 1 - 16 of total 16 in this topic |
|
SuperTopo on the Web
|
Let us know!