Brew,
I can't find the reference. I will post clips found while looking. BTW, all of these clips refer to snakewood.
The boil cure method is where you actually boil the
wood for 15-20 mins then put it in a sealed plastic
bag and let it sit for about 2 days. then you start
opening the bag a little bit at a time until after 2-3
weeks you just leave the peice sitting on the table. I
usually leave it out of the bag for a week then work
with it. For some reason, I don't understand, the
boiling cures the wood faster and lets it dry out much
quicker. If you don't put it in the bag after boiling
it will warp(badly) and has a good chance to split.
I had gotten some wood that was green but had orders
for it when someone told me of this method, so I tried
it and it worked. When I tried snakewood and it
cracked I started reading on snakewood and found that
it has a very high shrinkage facter. thus cam ethe
experiment with boil-curing the snakewood.
Brew, the following is from DCBluesman. BTW, my eyes are tired and I am giving up looking anymore. I will give the boiling method a try, though.
Posted - Sep 11 2006 : 1:33:36 PM US Eastern Time
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I'm not sure that I have any secrets to keep snakewood from cracking, but here's how I handle the blanks. First, I make sure the blanks adjust to my shop environment for a couple of weeks (six months is better). I drill at full speed but only drill far enough for the bit to get warm, then I let it cool. I sometimes have to drill over a two day period. Next, I coat the inside and ends of the blanks with thin CA and wait overnight. I redrill the blanks, then re-coat the inside and ends with thin CA. I turn very fast but take very light cuts...almost like working with polyester resin. I leave the blanks about 1/32" to 1/16" above the bushings, then coat with thin CA or sanding sealer. Wait overnight and begin sanding. Stop sanding if the blank gets warm to the touch. You may need to sand over two days. The next part is critical. Apply another coat of sanding sealer or thin CA and let the blank rest for 2-3 days. Do a final light sand and buff, then set aside for a week. Deburr all ends and assemble. Let sit for another week or two to see if any cracks develop. That's my method.
As for problems with customers, I warn anyone who is interested in snakewood about the inherent dangers. I also explain that I guarantee my pens...period. If it cracks I repair, replace or refund at my discretion. Fortunately, I've not had one come back yet.
Thanks, again, for the kind words.
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Lou Metcalf
www.heritagepens.com
http://heritagepens.wordpress.com/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/heritagepens/
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