Hello Brad,

I run into this problem frequently when working with spalted timbers and
others who are particularly tasty to borers, beetles and the like. In my
experience, freezing and micro waving were not particularly effective. The
only way I have found to eliminate the bugs/larvae is to soak the piece in
Odourless Mineral Spirits, Naphtha, or Alcohol for several days. It's a
simple matter of chemistry...

I usually use Odourless Mineral Spirits and have found it 100% effective
with a 2-3 day soak. (Note: Do not use regular Mineral Spirits as the smell
will linger for weeks after you remove it from the soaking) Then, simply
remove from the vat and let air dry for a few days and finish as normal. We
have this problem routinely in Texas, not only with PP Beetles, but Mesquite
Borers as well. Since I have been using this protocol (about 9 years), I
have not had one instance of bugs/larvae hatching after finishing.

Since you have already finished these candlesticks, you may want to alter
the soaking solution to suit your chosen finish. In the future, simply soak
them after finish turning and before application of your chosen finish. If
you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. Take care and
all the best to you and yours!


On 9/13/05 9:52 AM, in article , "Brad
Curfman" wrote:

Some guys like to brag about doing romantic things for their wives.
Well, I made a set of candle holders a couple weekends ago for a candle
light dinner for my wife that night. She really loved the idea and
bragged to all her friends about it.

A few days later, I found out that the pinholes and white residue on the
wood I used were from powderpost beetles. Needless to say, those candle
holders are no longer on the dining room table. Spalted maple can make
turnings look great, but nobody will be impressed if they see bugs
crawling out of your work.



Brad Curfman
http://www.curfman.net

--
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Eurowood Werks Woodturning Studio, The Woodlands, Texas
Machinery, Tool and Product Testing for the Woodworking and Woodturning
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