DIY Stabilzing

ratcues

ratcues

Theewen Custom Cues
Silver Member
I just stabilized a couple of batches (5pc each) of curly spalted maple (1.35" dowel x 16"). On average, the pieces started out at 185g (6.5oz). I used Cactus Juice vacuumed at 26" Mercury, released, then repeated a few times, over three days, until there were no more bubbles. I cured them here in the shop. On average, the final weight was 438g (15.4oz). That makes them a little heavier then the bacote blanks of the same size but not as heavy as cocobolo.

I just thought I'd post my findings. Interpret however you see fit.:p
 
omg

You are in trouble if you did not put it under 4000 lbs pressure. Because the stablilizing police are going to be all over your ass
 
Color is the same. Cactus Juice is clear when cured. I'll try to snap some pics on Monday.
 
Dyeing

Russell Cues said:
Im thinking about getting one of His setups and wondered about dyeing with cactus juice. .
Click to expand...

I have dyed with Cactus Juice but prefer to dye the wood itself with dye diluted with alcohol. I use the same vacuum procedure as with the resin. Same results but less expensive as Cactus Juice, once mixed, has a short shelf life
even when refrigerated.
 
QMAKER said:
I have dyed with Cactus Juice but prefer to dye the wood itself with dye diluted with alcohol. I use the same vacuum procedure as with the resin. Same results but less expensive as Cactus Juice, once mixed, has a short shelf life
even when refrigerated.
Click to expand...

I will certainly keep that in mind when I get the system. Thanks for the info.
 
ratcues said:
I just stabilized a couple of batches (5pc each) of curly spalted maple (1.35" dowel x 16"). On average, the pieces started out at 185g (6.5oz). I used Cactus Juice vacuumed at 26" Mercury, released, then repeated a few times, over three days, until there were no more bubbles. I cured them here in the shop. On average, the final weight was 438g (15.4oz). That makes them a little heavier then the bacote blanks of the same size but not as heavy as cocobolo.

I just thought I'd post my findings. Interpret however you see fit.:p
Click to expand...

Ryan,

Thanks for sharing this info with the forum. Especially the weights before and after the process. Good stuff.

Rick
 
I stabilize quite a bit of burl and spalted stuff with cactus juice and have had very good luck with shelf life. I have not noticed any deterioration from sitting. Most of my stuff gets used pretty quick, but sometimes it sits for several months. No problems yet. My results mirror Ryan's, depending on wood type.
 
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