End grain table: how to stabilize checks?

[eyekode]

About 5 years ago a friend gave me a disk cut from a tree he had taken down. This weekend I got around to flattening it.

There are some checks in it, but they don't go all the way through. I was debating how to stabilize them. I could do butterflies. But was wondering if just epoxy would be sufficient?

I believe the table will live on my covered porch when done. So it will be exposed to humidity swings. But it is going to be a rustic piece and doesn't have to look perfect. Just has to hold my beer when I need a free hand
TIA!
Salem

 

[robliles]

I have used epoxy to stabilize checks but never in a slab like you have. I injected the epoxy as deep as I could in the check and then clamped it together as much as I could. Good luck!

 

[MarkE]

I built a table top and a countertop from one slab of hickory a while back. I filled all the cracks, checks, etc. with this epoxy.
Crystal Clear Bar Table Top Epoxy Resin Coating for Wood Tabletop - 1 Gallon Kit: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

 

[eyekode]

Thanks guys. I will start with epoxy and see if I need more drastic steps. I like how butterflies look in long grain slabs but not sure they will look great in this project anyway.

 

[red]

I would fill the cracks with epoxy either clear or colored and do the butterflies. I think it would all tie together nicely.

Red

 

[eyekode]

Some progress: I filled the checks with epoxy and coffee grounds. Then I turned some legs, drilled some through holes and test fit:

The top is 4" thick and the holes are 2" wide. I drilled them over 3 days time with a forstner bit. I drilled 1/2" at a time, vacuumed the shavings and walked away to let the bit cool.

Today I made some wedges:

Also made some stretchers and glued up!

Driving those wedges was pretty satisfying!

Finish sanding the top will be "fun".
Still haven't decided on a finish for sure but am leaning toward spar urathene as it will live on my covered porch.

It is nice to be back in the shop!
Salem

 

[Oka]

Yes - Working with wood is really satisfying. I also work alot with metal, very different, fun, fascinating but, not like wood.

 

[eyekode]

They don't all look this but I love how this one looks:

Lots of sanding left to do