I am making up a tabletop of ipe. I have read that the ends need to be seal
to prevent splitting.

I usually use a black pitch made for roof repairs (because I happen to have
a can of it I need to use up) but it doesn't seem appropriate here. Would
paste wax, shellac, or varnish work?

On Jul 12, 12:35 am, "Toller" wrote:
I am making up a tabletop of ipe. I have read that the ends need to be seal
to prevent splitting.

I usually use a black pitch made for roof repairs (because I happen to have
a can of it I need to use up) but it doesn't seem appropriate here. Would
paste wax, shellac, or varnish work?

Any of the above, but I'd only use wax as a temporary solution while
working with the boards. You're just trying to prevent the wood from
drying out from the end grain, so whatever you're using as a finish
would probably do the trick.

R