Corn Cob Question

[melogic]

When stabilizing corn cobs, I used a polyurethane by Min Wax and pulled a vacuum and let it set overnite. When I removed the vacuum the wood blanks had sank to the bottom but the corn cob blanks were still floating. Is this normal? This is my first attempt at stabilizing. They are drying as we speak then I am going to turn them.

 

[rhahnfl]

I think the pith in the cob has cells that are closed and retain the air well. Did you cut them to length and pre drill them? My guess is you'll be ok. I have turned them without any stabilization and had them come out ok. You just have to watch the ends as you get close to the final size so they don't tear out.

 

[melogic]

I cut them but did not drill them. My thinking was that corn cobs probably will not sink since they are much lighter than wood but I was just curious and thought I would ask here from some of the people that have stabilized corn cobs before.

 

[loglugger]

Mark, with corn cobs I pull a vacnnm and bleed if of slow five or more times untill there is no more air coming from them. Takes longer than wood.
Bob