Wood hardener on pine?

[jmoore65]

Hi everyone,

I'm making a telecaster body out of a piece of radiata bought at Masters.

I bought this particular board because it has some lovely quilted flame in it - most unusual. Now pine has been used for solid guitar bodies (including by the big manufacturers like Fender) but is avoided by many builders because of its softness. I'm really keen on using this piece of wood.

My question is: Does anyone have experience with wood hardeners and would such a product be appropriate in this case? I imagine the best time to use it would be after final sanding and before applying any other finishing product.

Appreciate any help

John

[antiphile]

Hi John

I have to be absolutely honest and say I have never used a wood hardener. However about 6 months ago I did a little research and decided it wasn't for me. The typical comments were something along this line from here (https://www.minwax.com/minwax-bbs/bbs/viewthread_thread,60657):

There is no product that will harden a wood. The Minwax Wood Hardener is to repair rotted or decaying wood. It will not work on healthy wood.

I have no expert knowledge on it (obviously) but a good Googling may reveal more info.

Cheers
Phil

[son_of_bluegras]

My understanding is that these wood hardeners essentially are a plastic in some carrier and is of a thin enough consistency to flow into the pores left by decay. If it is to work on sound wood the hardener has to be able to wick into the wood. Unless there is pressure, it likely won't go further into the wood than finishes, that is if you apply it to sound wood it will likely be a surface treatment.
If you are really interested, you could test some out and see the results.
There are stabilized woods that have something similar (don't know if it's the same or not) solutions forced through the wood under pressure. I don't know how big a piece of wood can be stabilized. Stabilized woods are commonly used for knife handles.

[jmoore65]

Thanks for your comments. Hhhmmm... Doesn't sound that useful, does it? Maybe I'll just live with the denting.

John

[The Bleeder]

John,

I don't know if this would be ok for a guitar but you could coat the top with the thin CA.

It will soak in and maybe that would provide a bit more of a 'hardness' to the pine.