Hello Lemmy,
Youve been so helpful over the last few months. Maybe someone can help me with this.
I have this butchers block countertop with an undermount sink. I had it installed 18 months ago. I sealed it, and then this part was being warped and forced apart. I put in wood block, I resealed it. But as you can see, its coming apart again.
I followed all the advice of the handy men I know, including the one that installed it. The only thing I can think of is, aside from reblocking and sealing it, maybe a line of silicon around where the faucet comes up, and around the lip where the sink is flush with hole its mounted in, both things they assured me wouldn’t be necessary. Should I be concerned about a leak on the underside? Am I just hosed?
(More pics of the whole set up on request)
Bowing and warping is a natural response to moisture changes. It may be unavoidable.
Getting the moisture content back to where it was may reduce the severity of it. Keeping it there means regular drying, oiling and waxing the board.
You can use things like bow ties to help hold the seam together. Blacktail Studio on YouTube has a good (imo) video on installing a bow tie.
For filling it, you can use a food-contact rated glue, like Titebond 3 and clamp the crack back together.
If the crack is too large to close, you can fill it with sanding dust mixed with a food safe wood glue.
Or! Go all in, remove some material to give you clean flat surfaces to glue in some new material. You can hide it or highlight it, depending on the wood you use.
How regularly should I oil the and wax the block? I have been applying conditioner regularly, but it didnt feel like it was doing anything. the board has been treated with several layers of polyurethane.
I really appreciate the tip for Bowties. I watched the video and hes awesome, but I fear that it goes well beyond my meager abilities as a woodworker.
Never, it’s not going to do anything as it’s not going to permeate through the layers of poly.
You may be getting confused with the butcher’s block used for food prep and as a cutting board which you don’t usually leave unsealed, or sealed with wax.
Also, a sharp chisel and patience is all you really need for bow ties. Try some practice runs on some scrap and see how you fare.
With a poly coating on there it’s more difficult to say.
Personally I keep an eye on the colour of the wood. When it starts to look dry and pale, it’s time.
The wood will let you know, it will stop soaking the oil and wax and you then wipe off the excess and start buffing.
It may let oil seep out for a few days after, as it adjusts. Just wipe that away. Food grade mineral oil (which I use for all my boards) is non toxic, but it is a laxative, so do wipe up and excess before using the board 😁