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Line Cracks

Jim_Lawson

Apprentice Member
Joined
Nov 25, 2015
Posts
3
Location
Buckingham
First Name
Jim
Got a recurring issue with tiny line cracks appearing at the top of my (wooden) pens a day or so after assembly. They run from the join with the top cap fitting, vertically down for around 3-4mm. Any ideas on how to avoid this, and maybe what's causing it? Happens with extremely well-seasoned wood.
 

EStreet

Registered
Joined
Jan 12, 2015
Posts
289
Location
USA
First Name
Ed
Is the finish using CA? If so that could be the cause, there is a spiderweb effect that happens under certain conditions and easy to avoid.

It can also be caused from buildup inside the tube such as glue, burrs and the like. When the parts are pressed in it expands the ends of the tube. You can either ream out the ends or pre-expand them and glue in the parts. Some kits are better than others for delicate blanks.

Also a photo helps greatly
 

qquake2k

Fellow
Joined
Sep 9, 2015
Posts
1,070
Location
Northern California
First Name
Jim
I've had this happen a few times over the years. Scraping the inside of the tubes before assembly seems to mitigate it somewhat. But sometimes, I think, some woods are just prone to cracking. I think too, kits that have a thinner material thickness between the tube and outside diameter of the material can have more of a problem with cracking.
 

Jim_Lawson

Apprentice Member
Joined
Nov 25, 2015
Posts
3
Location
Buckingham
First Name
Jim
Come to think of it, it happens when I use a CA finish and not when I use friction polish. Good spot - I will monitor, thanks.
 

Bill Mooney

Blind old git
Grand Master
Joined
Aug 16, 2014
Posts
11,096
Location
County Durham
First Name
Bill
I clean the inside end of the tubes with a little rat tail file to get rid of any burr caused by end trimming the blanks. I also clean off any excess ca which collects on the blank end which might buckle & cause cracking when pressing the components together.
 

Bammer

Fellow
Joined
Oct 5, 2015
Posts
1,495
Location
Cambridge
First Name
Brad
What wood was it causing the problem ? and What kit was it ?

Could it be the end getting too hot during sanding then cracking as it cools ? just a thought.
 
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