Hey everyone! I recently came across a tree stump that's been cut up, and it has a really unique shape. I'm planning to turn it into a short table for my vinyl player. I've attached a rough design! I'm really looking forward to this project, but I have a few specific questions about how to properly work with the stump to ensure it lasts, especially since it has some rot and I want to avoid issues down the line. I'm not looking for alternatives or suggestions on other designs—I'm committed to this idea! Here's what I need help with:
1. The stump has some dried rot (like a white substance). If I sand this off, will I be safe, or could the mold spores have spread deeper into the wood?
2. What should I use to prevent the stump from decaying further? I've heard about options like cactus juice and wood stabilizers. Any recommendations?
3. I know stumps typically need years to dry, but I can't wait that long. Is it a bad idea to drill L brackets into the wood for supporting the glass? Will moisture affect the fasteners over time? I would like to score the glass atop the stump, and I assume there are risks involved with drilling into wet wood.
Thanks in advance for all your constructive suggestions!
*The stump is solid and not soft, so I believe I can work with it, despite some quirks.*
3 Answers
Getting the logs out of the elements can help, but I'd let them sit and dry outside for a while after cutting away the rotting parts. If you're in a rush, a DIY solar kiln can speed things up and kill bugs. Just a heads up: minimizing the bark and sealing the ends can help with cracking, especially if the wood dries unevenly. Plus, if you decide to skip the drying step, don’t be shocked if you see some cracks once you finish it up.
Definitely use tempered glass for safety. It’s tougher to break, and if it does, no one gets hurt! Going for eased edges can help too. Just make sure to handle it safely when scoring!
It sounds like a cool project! I've had pieces that continued to rot when moved indoors, so it's all about how much rot and how deep it goes. I'd suggest looking into kiln drying—that's the best way to halt any rot and pests. Just be cautious about bugs; they love hiding in wood!
Good point! If I seal it with epoxy, do you think the rot would still continue?
Scoring that stuff can be really dangerous and complicated, so I think I’ll skip that advice.