What's Best

[woodndesign]

I've concern with the crack that runs in the end of the board which I'd got for a commission, it was the cleanest board there and more than long enough, but from the picture it looks to pass the knot at this moment, which would have been waste, my thoughts if it was not for the time was cut it off, I've wondered for quickness to drill through the end of the crack, as we did to cast iron to stop cracks before welding, I'm considering this would keep the board intact and prevent any further movement which there could be if cut off ..

[Bryan Milham]

David,

The time spent thinking and discussing the problem on the forum could be spent cutting the split end off.

But the first question I'd ask is has it just developed or was it always there. i.e. is it going to grow if left.

Quickest answer I can think of, fill with ultra-thin CA so it wick's in and clamp across the sides.

[bodrighywood]

If you do use CA glue I'd advise giving it a coat of sealer on both sides first or you are likely to have a permanent stain from the glue.

Pete

[thebowlerhattedturner]

IMHO,Ca glue is not as good as people will have you think it is,it dries hard with no give,as wood will always expand and contract eventually the glue line will give way,that is why I do not use it whilst segmenting. You have given us no clue as to the article you are making but I think you have 3 options(if I was doing it anyway).
1. split the board down the crack,just wedge it apart,clean up any bits that prevent it joining back together again and stick it with a good PVA.
2. Plane up either edge,split it with a saw down the crack and join the 2 edges together,again using a good PVA.
Do not use so much glue that it oozes out onto the face of the board and then stains the wood so work clean.
3. Make some butterflies from a contrasting wood and set them in at 90 degrees to the crack.
Hope this helps.
Regards
John
BHT

[woodndesign]

Thanks for the replies, it's unknow at this time if the board is still splitting and I'd not want it too, it had two days in the car straight from Yandles woodstore, so to check it it's best just to cut the thing ..

Cheers  David

[Doug Barratt]

Splits in drying usually stop at the first sticker when a pile is stacked so cutting the end off deals with the problem, Sycamore needs to be dried vertically so splits can go quite a long way as there isn`t the weight of the stack on it, or so I`ve found

Personally I`d just cut the plank till I was happy I was past the split, then again looking at the price on your plank that advice is coming from a richer man than I thought I was 

Hopefully you`ll still have enough for your commission.

Cheers.

[woodndesign]

Cheers Doug for your time and reply,  there was more than enough if the split remains as it is, I've since been informed each piece needs to be about an 1/2" larger than first determined ...

Off to clear shop for the bandsaw ...

Cheers          David

[Roger Groom]

Just as a matter of curiosity, what are the dimensions of the board, before cutting?
Roger g

[thebowlerhattedturner]

I'd guess 14".
John BHT

[woodndesign]

Just as a matter of curiosity, what are the dimensions of the board, before cutting?
Roger g

Hi Roger, the board is 6ft x 11" going 13" along wavy edge, the split at it's finest point and I hope the end, runs 11" in from the end, so it's going some to have 6@10.5" there abouts plates out of the board should the split run further, it was just reasoning in how to check it the quickest way, hence to drill it's end and keep the integrity of the whole board, not knowing without measuring how seasoned the board maybe nor the change in environment with it going into my shop could cause.

Cheers    David

[Roger Groom]

The reason I asked was that you have approximately 1 cu ft of timber and £32 seems like a fairly cheap price. Is this plank green or has it been kilned? if it's green then there may be further movement . also does the price reflect what appears to be blue sap stain along it's length. Going off track a bit, how much would other members expect to pay for 1 cu ft of Sycamore? Should be interesting!!!
Roger

[woodndesign]

Hi Roger,

As it's from Yandles I take it as having been Air Dried ... Had not noticed the blue stain you mention, will check as to if it's along the full length, is there concern with it, I'm hoping the blanks will come out of the board without this area or layout that it would be turned away.

That price had 15% off too ...    ..

Cheers   David

[Doug Barratt]

Having not been to Yandles I`m not commenting on their timber but posted this as it seemed relevant

Yandles was being discussed on another forum & the following quote was made:-

 "I noticed that there was a lot of the low-grade stuff that they seem to put out especially for these shows. I was tempted by some of the sycamore, looking at the nice planed faces... Until I flipped them around and look at the splits down the other side!"


From the sounds of things, that quote being in reply to another about the lack of quality of their timber it would seem it may not be firsts.

Cheers.

Doug.

[woodndesign]

Yep, this piece had a fine crack in the back that was longer than the two in the front  ... on saturday a board was there then and the split ran the 6ft center lenght ..

[woodndesign]

Yep, this piece had a fine crack in the back that was longer than the two in the front  ... on saturday a board was there then and the split ran the 6ft center lenght ..

Over the years that Yandles were at that time, my local source for timber, as well as from each Show .. I'd not found any fault as such with the timber, even blanks can crack standing over time, buying however the raw board, however dry it maybe, can be a problem, as full or part there is likely to be a split end, at cost one planed side is an advantaged and will highlight any splits, I've read from somebody it's best to have a plane with one should you buy board from the stack ..  there not pre-planed and weathered sawn timber you've know idea.

At cost of the board you can loss something from a board .. that or the pre-cut blank stands you in at £8 ++ when the mill has the waste, at best double check.

Cheers  David