Darryl Keil Last Activity 2026-04-30 11:46 AM
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Rob Kutner


Joined: 2026-04-23
Location: San Francisco

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Subject : Stabilizing crotch mahogany on a small table top
Posted : 2026-04-23 7:50 PM
Post #38090
Hi all,

I'm redoing a pair of small (10"d, 1/2" thick) table tops, and I was thinking of Unibond One to stabilize the crotch mahogany sunbursts that will run around a central shaded fan (see attached).

I've backed each sunburst with mahogany veneer, for stability, and plan to assemble the pieces with tape and press them to my cherry lumber core substrate, with two layers of quartersawn mahogany on the back.

On watching Darryl's video on glues, I'm wondering if Unibond 800 is a safer bet, or if the backing veneer will keep things from crazing and cracking eventually. What do you think?

Rob
Attached file : Tops.jpg (42KB - 15 downloads)



 
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Darryl Keil

Posts: 1461

Joined: 2003-05-22
Location: Maine

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Subject : RE: Stabilizing crotch mahogany on a small table top
Posted : 2026-04-24 7:36 AM
Post #38091 - In reply to #38090
The backer veneer will be helpful but the bond between the backer and the sunburst should be the Unibond 800 to provide you with that extra rigid glue line. Also, once the sunburst is pressed to the table and ready for sanding I would skim coat it with a clear laminating epoxy like the West System. This will really “lock up” the grain structure and prevent the fissuring that tends to happen with Mahogany crotch. You sand it all back down to the veneer after the epoxy cures. This also gives you a nice grain filled surface to put your finish to.


 
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Rob Kutner


Joined: 2026-04-23
Location: San Francisco

User Profile 
Subject : RE: Stabilizing crotch mahogany on a small table top
Posted : 2026-04-24 10:40 AM
Post #38092 - In reply to #38091
Thanks Darryl! I've unfortunately already backed the crotch with Unibond One as I'm new to advanced glues. At this point is it worth bonding the backer to the substrate with U800, and would hot hide glue be almost as good as epoxy? I'll be darkening the top with potassium dichloride, likely before sealing / filling, in case that matters.
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