Just thought that I would share with all you rodbuilders who use stabilized wood for reelseats and hosels. I have purchased stabilized wood from, WSSI, excellent wood products, Arizonia Silhouette, good stuff, and now I am also purchasing stabilized wood from River Ridge Products, located at Ladysmith Wisconsin, and have been very pleased with their wood also. They offer mostly pen blanks, but will accomodate rodbuilders with stabilized wood for reel seats in the larger blanks for turning. Prices are very affordable, great selection, an a lot of variety that is not available through other suppliers, and the service is great. I think it pays to have a look see, at what they offer, and give them a call. Just another bit of information for you to work with. 715-532-3015

Its not hard to stablize wood. P.E.G. is mixed in water and then you soak the wood (cut to approximate shape, slightly larger) in this mixture for an extended period and let osmosis work its wonders. It bulks the lattice structure of the wood replacing the water with this substance and then it does not crack when dried.. I have also had a wood reel seat shear do to loading as the grain was not oriented correctly. The long straight grain must run down the top side of the seat, like it should on a shovel handel

Stabilizing and resin or acyrlic impregnation are often two very different things. The impregnated wood is most often used for knife and rod handles. The acrylic resin can simply be buffed to a high luster.

Remember that board sponsor "Inserts by Les" carries finished seats and handles as well as all types of exotic wood.

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What is P.E.G. ?

Thanks !!

David, I think it's polyethylene glycol, if I remember correctly.

For those who smoke cigars (while making rods--trying to meet RBO guidelines), a 50/50 polyethylene glycol and water mixture will keep your cigars at a perfect 70% humidity while stored. Its the same stuff sold in cigar shops except 10 times cheaper.


Rich Matranga

Folsom,Ca.

Where would you get this chemical ???

Thanks Dave

I got my bottle from my pharmacist. Not all pharmacies carry it, but they should be able to order for you.

Rich Matranga

Folsom, California