Another stabilization solution choice question

[Dario]

This is for those who really do home stabilization.

I know...been asked a thousand times already but hoping to get fresh input from ACTUAL experiences on what really works best.

I've read about;

a) Fast drying Polyurethane (pure and diluted)
b) Bondo wood hardener
c) Minwax wood hardener
d) Flexiglass acetone mix
e) Elmer's glue

Thanks!

 

[alamocdc]

First attempt - straight poly. Takes forever to dry and I wasn't that pleased with its hardening characteristics.
Everything since - plexi/acetone mix. Takes a day or two to prepare, but dries fast and provides good stability.
I haven't been able to obtain Minwax wood hardener and I haven't tried Bondo, or Elmer's glue. I do intend to try Elmer's at some point and I'm still experimenting with a few other things. Too soon to post results.

 

[Doghouse]

I have used the Bondo, and it worked well. Turned the wood into rock. Elmers did not penetrate as well as I had expected, but dried quickly did a good job of hardening the wood.

I have also tried Nelsonite. The wood fibers stuck together, but were not "rock" like. I have used it on green bowls and believe it helped prevent checking.

 

[gerryr]

I tried Elmer's glue once. I let the wood, spalted maple, soak in the solution for a week and then let it air dry for two weeks. I wasn't impressed, still had to use a lot of CA to keep it from flying apart and the wood sucked up the CA like a sponge. It might have worked better if I had cut and drilled the holes first, but I don't plan to waste my time finding out.