Anybody used Smith CPES?

[John Tisdale]

Anybody out there have experience with Smith CPES (clear penetrating epoxy sealer)? I bought some to do some light home repairs - while turning a mistletoe burl mesquite, I applied some to a little punky area - the stuff kept being absorbed - I put on more than I ever thought the area would hold. Since then I put it on a few hairline cracks - no matter how tight the crack, the stuff runs in.
Not a fan of CA, I hope CPES is an answer - I plan to also use it on the interior of my large hollow-forms - I've used Aero Marine 300 which has served me well - I think CPES may have an advantage.
I have an email in to Steve Smith asking about the mechanical holding ability - will add to this post when I get a reply, hopefully tomorrow.

 

[Lou Jacobs]

I’ve used it in a boatbuilding application years ago. As I remember, you need to use lots of ventilation when applying it. The fumes are pretty noxious.

 

[Mark Jundanian]

I, too, am interested in what you may discover.
Does it discolor the surrounding wood?
Can it be applied with a pin point applicator like CA?
Are there two parts to mix?
How long to cure enough to turn?

 

[Tim Connell]

I've never used Smith's CPES, but instead of wood hardener, I have often used ordinary epoxy (pick your brand) thinned with acetone. Your experience with Smith's is exactly how I apply the thinned epoxy, and it flows/ is absorbed exactly as you describe.

When I've used it I applied it to the entire project rather than punky spots only. It does darken the wood slightly, much like if you wetted the wood with water or alcohol.