Expert: Jamie Yocono - 12/13/2004

Question
Hello, I am a fellow woodshop intructor (in Michigan).  Glad to have this chance for advice. This may sound crazy, but I want to create a Jeep out of Mahogany (this wood is best for outdoor durability).  What would you use to glue boards together, 2 part epoxy or  other?  Also, what would be the best option to finish when done?
I have make many projects of great difficulty, but any last words of advice?  Thanks

Answer
Hi Randy,

I'm assuming that you're planning on keeping this "Jeep" outside, since you asked about wood weatherability, as well as waterproof adhesives. I hope I can help.

I've always been of the opinion that redwood and cedar are the best woods for outdoor projects, like decking, hot tubs, outdoor furniture, or exterior house trim. Those woods weather well, but unfortunately, they're all softwoods. I don't work with softwoods very much, so I can't give much advice about them, but if it were me building the Jeep, I would want to use a nice hardwood that holds up well to weathering.

In my opinion, that would be Mahogany, like you mentioned, or Teak, which is commonly used in marine applications, so you know it's water resistant. Teak is really pricey, the last time I worked with it, it was about $15 a board foot. OUCH. So Mahogany is probably what I would choose.

As far as glues, I like two waterproof glues, but they are really expensive.  You can't go wrong with Gorilla glue, but it's about one dollar an an ounce, so that's a consideration. The other is a 2 part epoxy made by West System. Here's their website: http://www.westsystem.com I like this product very much, but it, too, is expensive.

One note- if you work with Gorilla Glue, remember that it's a moisture activated glue, so it works better if you lightly dampen the wood before you apply the glue. And the stuff "grows" like spray on foam insulation, so use it sparingly!

As far as a finish- I don't use anything on my work except Watco Danish Oil. It's easy to apply, goof proof, and easy to repair and rejuvenate. There is an exterior Watco available; I've used it on many wooden things, like doors, adirondack chairs and outdoor sculptures. If that's not available, I would look into a finish called CWF, which can be sprayed or brushed. It's great for Cedar shake homes, and it's quite long lasting. Some people like Thompson's Water Seal, and I guess that would work, too. But I've never used it, so I can't say with any certainty. Ask around on that one.

Just a thought, but if it's a class project, and since you're in Michigan, why not write a letter to Daimler/Chrysler/Jeep and ask them to underwrite your project? Might be good PR for them, and a great way to fund it for you.

Good luck, I hope this helps. Feel free to write back with any other questions you might have after reading this.

Jamie Yocono
Wood It Is! Custom Cabinetry
Las Vegas, NV