finishing curly maple - Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts Message Board

tomsteve · 01-21-2008, 02:18 AM

hey all. i'm workin on the dome clock at this time and am using curly maple, actually VERY curly maple. i know theres a lot being cut out, but it's gonna look pretty good when done. so here's the scoop. i'm using an analine dye to followed by b.l.o, followed by a top coat of varnish. the problem i have is that when i put the dye on the pieces, they cup. i imagine this is from introducing moisture back into the wood. it's 1/4" thick stock. any suggestions to keep it from cupping. it doesnt matter iffen it's time consuming, or i wouldn't be building this clock in the first place. so any help wood be greatfully appreciated.

CanadianScroller · 01-21-2008, 03:51 AM

have you tried applying the dye to both sides?
I am not too sure I am no finisher.

Jim8Mad · 01-21-2008, 05:28 AM

Along with applying the dye to both sides, be sure you are supporting the wood up properly so it can dry evenly and completely on both sides. Maybe put some nails into a board and use it as a 'bed' to rest the wood on while it dries.

tomsteve · 01-21-2008, 02:24 PM

well, tried both. no luck. i might be able, since i am making it in sub assemblies as b.l.o. doesnt allow a good glue joint, to bend it back into shape as i do the final assemblies. something that happened last nite while dyeing some sub assemblies is, above one of the doors, the wood POPPED. had a good crack from the top thru to the door. so i'mma gonna keep pluggin away at it and work out the problems as they come up, unless someone has an idea. thought about putting dye on b4 cutting, but on scrap pieces, it still happens. also, the edges of all the cuts wood show. now that i think about it, that might have been pretty cool looking. hope everybody's havin fun makin dust!!! and thanx to all!