Split ends

[etwoodmiser]

I have a 1 1/2" X 18" X 30" Ash board that I wish to use as a table top. It has a slight split in one end about 4" long. What is the best way to repair this,since I don't want to cut off this section? I thought of using a butterfly patch across the split.

[golfgloeckner]

Butterfly Patches can be striking, but so near the end of a small table might look unbalanced. You might consider two additional "dummy" patches-one at the other end, and one in the center.

A simpler fix might be to rip the board at the split and rejoin the wood. If the split is narrow enough, the grain mismatch, even in ash, would not be noticeable.

[etwoodmiser]

The split is the width of a thin saw kerf. I will consider your ideas.
Thanks golfgloeckner.

[dickroan]

I believe I would just get a slice of matching wood in that split, some Titebond III , put on a good clamp on it, scrape off the glue and sand it smooth.....I don't think you'll even see where the split was......dick

[Bill-Co]

I would rip the top like was mentioned and rejoin the two pieces using biscuits. Good luck. Bill

[baredogsrhodus]

I have used the proceedure that dickroan mentioned with excellent results on oak and walnut.

[etwoodmiser]

All great suggestions. I believe that I will try the Titebond III firtst since the split is actually less than a thin saw kerf.. I can rip it then glue back together if the Titebond III doesen't hold.
Thanks for all the help.

[zednine]

Consider, in addition to ripping the piece, inserting a strip of contrasting wood, and turning the split into an oppottunity to make a nicely accented top.