Wood borer in an old cabinet

[Dave32]

I have an old valve radio with a wooden cabinet, which dates back to around the mid 1920's, that I'm restoring. Unfortunately there's a lot of wood borer holes in one corner.

From what I've read, I believe that the holes are from where the borers have left the wood. Would there be a chance that the borers would still be in the wood, given the fact it is around 80 years old? I'm a bit reluctant to strip the finish right back in order to treat it. Would anyone have any thoughts on this?

[Sturdee]

Quite likely that there is still borer activity. Soak the cabinet or at least the affected section in a mixture of 2/3 kero 1/3 unboiled linseed oil. Then wipe dry.

That mixture will kill the borers ( sorry Rob I know they are your long lost relatives ) but won't harm the cabinet or its finish.


Peter.

[vsquizz]

Stick ya head in one of the holes an shout "Hey Rob, get the hell out"... If that doesn't work I found straight turps will shift him


Cheers

[DanP]

Poor Dave will have no idea what the hell you lot are on about.

[JB]

My experience with old pieces like this is that the borers have always gone, although theoretically the infestation could be recent. If you're concerned about staining the finish or don't want to remove it then fill the holes (wax will do) and if no more appear over the next 12 months you're safe.

I would think twice about applying any oil thicker than kerosene as the wood could be darkened permanently. When treating borers I use a Rentokil Borer or other products mixed with kerosene. I inject this into a few of the holes with a syringe (available from chemists).

Small items can also be treated by placing them in a freezer for about one week. Howver I don'tknow if this kills eggs. Some expert feedback from any insectologists out there in Wood Forum land would be interesting

[ubeaut]

G'day Dave - Sounds a bit drastic but the best of all is petrol. Put some into a cup then get a big plastic bag and encase the whole radio in it along with the petrol and leave it for 24 hours. The petrol fumes will penetrate throughout the borers network of holes and kill anything that is left inside.

Do it outside and well away from any ignition sources.

Cheers - Neil

[Dave32]

Thanks for all the tips. As the cabinet was damaged in a few areas, I eventually decided to strip part of it back. The original finish was a dark Walnut brown, so any darkening of the wood from applying the oil will not affect it much.

I went ahead with the kero/linseed oil mixture, but because the cabinet is quite large (1m high) I've had to apply it with a brush.

I originally tried using a syringe but gave up when I read that the borers come out of the holes, and that there is usually nothing left in there. The infestation was quite large, probably 100+ holes in there!

One more question, after applying the kero/linseed oil, this makes the wood quite oily. If I need to glue a small area that's coming apart, will any woodworking glue still stick?

[HappyHammer]

G'day Dave - Sounds a bit drastic but the best of all is petrol....

and a match..

[Sturdee]

One more question, after applying the kero/linseed oil, this makes the wood quite oily. If I need to glue a small area that's coming apart, will any woodworking glue still stick?

When thoroughly dry rub the area back with fine steel wool. This should remove any remaining oiliness. Use a handscraper to scrape of any remaining glue before reglueing.


Peter.

[DPB]

When thoroughly dry rub the area back with fine steel wool. This should remove any remaining oiliness. Use a handscraper to scrape of any remaining glue before reglueing.


Peter.

Peter, with all of this recently acquired finishing knowledge I'm waiting for your first French polished jig.

Merry Christmas, Mate.

[ozwinner]

Thats just what we need, a surly jig.


Al

[Sturdee]

Thats just what we need, a surly jig.


Al

Al, The jigs may be surly but not me.

Actually one of the girls in my class had bought 6 old chairs for restoring and stored them at home untill ready. One of them had some borer holes. On inspection it turned out to be a major and still current infestation. Half the chair had to be rebuilt but fortunately they had not got into any of her other furniture.

It was a sight to behold to see them squirm as they drowned. :eek: ( Sorry Rob ).


Peter.