Question re: Stabilization

[PrivatePens]

Here is a stupid question. Sorry. A friend just gave me some driftwood she brought from a foreign country. I don't actually have any idea what kind of wood but it is clearly dry and almost as light (in weight) as balsa. How do I determine if I need to stabilize this wood? If so - what's the best way - since I don't actually make any of my own blanks I don't have any equipment to stabilize.

Thanks in advance for any help.

 

[doddman70]

I have done alot of driftwood all i do is use thin ca glue to help stabilize as i turn hope this helps

 

[Rifleman1776]

I believe you have pretty well answered your own question. From what you describe, that wood is a prime candidate for stable process.

 

[fiferb]

I've turned driftwood and I also used a lot of thin CA to stabilize before and during turning.

 

[Vince_Hoffmann]

Thin CA works very well where I've had to stabilize materials like this.
You will have to keep the bottle of thin CA close at hand and soak the wood as you gradually turn it down to shape and expose fresh material. After several hours (and several soakings) you'll have a nicely petrified piece of wood [8D]

 

[1JaredSchmidt]

I would send it to River Ridge. They do a very nice job of stabilization. Ask Frank what their website is. I forgot it.