I built a new workbench for my show and I started out following the plan for the pine bench that Chris Scwartz designed and built but ran into a problem getting any good yellow pine. You would think that being in Texas it would not be very hard to get some clear yellow pine. I was offered some White Oak to make the top with. Turns out the Oak was still fairly wet and I did not realize that untill after I had it glued up. It is all 2×4 Oak laminated together for the top. Once I realized this by the top starting to warp and move I set the top up in the air in my garage so the air could circulate around it. It has been like that for about 5-6 months now. It does have some warp to it but not to bad and some of the 2×4 edges have cupped. My question now is would it be safe to plane this down now or will it warp again or how long will I have to wait to be able to use this top or will I ever be able to. Also one other question, a couple of cracks have shown up and I was looking for a epoxy that is thin enough to pour into a 1/8 inch crack to fill it up. Before accepting any more wood like this I will be getting me a moisture meter for sure. Thanks for any advice and help in advance.
Wade, you can get the moisture meter (pin type) now and check the per cent moisture. If it is reasonable for your location, then start planing it. I would like to see it in the 8-10% range, but that may not be likely for Tx in the summer.
I haven't ever used a crack filling epoxy, but generally, people like the System Three products. HTH
I've used several thin penetrating expoxies for boat projects. The best was called CPES (Clear Penetrating Epoxy Sealer) by Smith Products. I'm not sure if it's still available, but it is watery thin and does a great job where its properties are required. Check the web site of the "Rot Doctor" for more information on it.
In Canada a similar product by MAS works pretty well, too.
Thanks guys I appreciate the help. I thought this was going to be a pretty easy project but i guess thinking was was my first mistake I will start searching for a decent meter. Again thanks.
Lowes carries a pin meter that's about $29. I have one and it seems to work fine. If your lucky you can catch it on sale for $20.
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