Stabilized wood is a product obtained after a long and far from simple process of processing wood material. Stabilization is considered, rather, an art than a handicraft, since the master has to apply all his experience, imagination and talent to create a truly valuable model.
A solid tree with an amazingly beautiful pattern is formed as a result of long and painstaking work. The resulting material serves as the basis for spectacular and unusual handle knives, women's jewelry and various souvenirs. These products can be bought by paying a tidy sum, or made independently.
Why stabilize wood
Any tree, even such strong and noble species as oak or ash, sooner or later gives in to various destructive factors. It is abraded, deformed, absorbs moisture or, conversely, is drying up. To extend the life of wooden products, they are coated with various impregnations, paints, emulsions and varnishes. These substances preserve the material, preventing premature wear and forming a dense protective layer on its surface.
Benefits of Processed Material
Stabilized wood does not require the application of any solutions, because it is thoroughly saturated with special means. The stabilization technology involves filling the pores and cavities of the raw material with a preservative substance, which after solidification turns the tree into a material with completely new properties:
- high density, hardness and strength;
- resistance to temperature changes and changes in humidity indicators in the environment;
- complete immunity to ultraviolet rays;
- the ability for a short time to be in an open flame without loss of quality characteristics, changes in appearance and deformation;
- impermeability to any oil;
- resistant to organic solvents.
In addition to all of the above, stabilized wood is extremely beautiful. Transparent or color impregnation emphasizes the natural pattern of wood fibers, sometimes creating incredible and magnificent patterns. It is possible to process the obtained material both manually and mechanically.
Methods of stabilization (conservation) of wood
Large-scale stabilized wood (you can see a photo of its samples in the article) is produced at specialized woodworking enterprises. Workers in such workshops use chemical solutions and impregnations of the required quality, in addition, they are able to organize and comply with the correct technology.
The tool that is used for the described process are:
- oil (often linseed);
- varnish;
- paint;
- polymer impregnation or resin.
The result of the work of professionals is not cheap, but those who want to get a product from such an unusual material should not be upset. There are several ways in which home craftsmen make a product similar to the factory one.
Do-it-yourself stabilized wood can be made from raw materials with a beautiful fiber pattern and clear texture. The best option is a drop of hardwood:
- birch trees;
- maple tree;
- elm;
- chestnut.
A cap is a growth on branches, a trunk or near the roots of trees, its fibers are closely intertwined with sleeping buds. Mud wood is considered a rather expensive material due to its density, rarity and beauty of the pattern.
Stabilized wood at home is made in compliance with the required temperature, vacuum and a certain pressure level.
How are wood impregnated
After selecting the appropriate raw material, the master proceeds directly to the stage of impregnation. Depending on the size and quality of the source material, as well as taking into account its capabilities and preferences, it chooses one of several ways:
- Thin workpieces can be impregnated at a fairly low temperature (cold impregnation).
- Hot impregnation. It consists in soaking or cooking the workpiece in special solutions. When hot, their consistency becomes more liquid, which helps the substance penetrate into the fibers.
- The use of a vacuum chamber (pumping air from wood cavities). This makes it easy to fill the vacant capillaries and pores with an impregnating composition.
- The creation of excess pressure in the chamber, where the container with mortar and wood was previously placed. The process provokes the release of air from the fibers and the replacement of the vacant space by impregnation.
Stabilized wood: finishing, polymerization
The preform is polymerized by drying. Some types of compositions can be self-hardening, others have to be intensively dried at high temperature. Polymerized wood receives additional weight, new color and properties.
The result of the correct implementation of this stage is stabilized wood. Do it yourself (a photo of the finished sample is placed in the article), wood is usually processed by those craftsmen who subsequently plan to sell the resulting material.
Often, these craftsmen are engaged in the manufacture of exclusive wood products, which are great as gifts and souvenirs. The most commonly used stabilized wood for knives (handles), the body of lighters and pens, caskets, as well as a variety of jewelry (beads, bracelets, medallions).
How to stabilize wood with Anacrol-90
This impregnation is optimal for use at home, as it is quite simple to find, and fluidity allows the composition to penetrate into all pores of the workpiece. Some masters prefer to use epoxy, but this is a more viscous and rather capricious tool. Successful application requires experience, patience and adherence to technology. In addition, the resin cannot be used in the processing of coniferous wood.
In order to preserve the Anakrol 90 wooden billets, the following materials and tools should be prepared:
- wood;
- impregnation;
- vacuum installation (for its collection several large plastic containers, cranes, plastic tubes are needed);
- Vacuum pump;
- compressor;
- a device that determines the force of pressure (pressure gauge);
- oven or hot grill.
Small blanks (about 3 cm thick) are much faster and easier to impregnate. By the beginning of stabilization, the tree should be dry.
How does wood conservation work?
It should be noted that the use of a transparent solution emphasizes the natural beauty of the tree, and the use of pigments or colored types of impregnation allows you to create a unique and unique pattern.
Work sequence:
- The tree is placed in a container with a solution, making sure that the liquid completely covers the workpiece.
- Evacuate the air until air bubbles disappear.
- They allow the impregnation to stand for about twenty minutes, after which they create excess pressure in the tank (2-4 atm). This procedure requires a compressor and pump.
- After a half-hour break, repeat the process.
Wood stabilization completion
To get really high-quality material, you need to repeat the procedure described several times. The number of cycles depends on many factors (blank size, wood grade, wood quality). The master can determine the degree of readiness of the stabilized workpiece by whether it sinks or floats in solution. The impregnation was successful when the tree sank to the bottom.
Next, the workpiece is pulled out and dried in an oven or in an oven at a temperature of 100 degrees. You can judge how dry the tree is by examining wet spots on its surface. When they are completely gone, drying can be stopped.
Treated wood becomes much denser, which facilitates its polishing and product formation.
Knowing how stabilized wood is made, what it is and for what purposes it is used, you can do it yourself.
This process is extremely exciting, it can please and surprise with the results of a patient craftsman. Do not be afraid of failure, because, as they say, “the work of the master is afraid”!