There was a very interesting thread in May 2004 addressing stripped
screw holes in wood, offering the most sophisticated methods of
restoration (Art Reblitz) to some of the best "quick & dirty" fixes
ever (Damon Atchison: cable ties).  Craig Smith and John Bushey
suggested using SuperGlue to harden wood fibers to help maintain the
integrity of new wooden threads in soft woods.

Just wanted to mention a really great product for this use, similar to,
but much better than SuperGlue, as it has none of the negative properties
of SuperGlue.  By negative, I mean expense, waste (it dries up in the
tube if not used soon after first use), too thick, etc.

It is a product by Minwax called Wood Hardener.  I believe it is
basically SuperGlue type resin suspended in a highly volatile solution
of acetone.  Sort of like having SuperGlue the consistency of water.
In this state the plastic resin can easily penetrate deeply into the
wood fibers and harden them, and leaves no thick residue behind.

Minwax Wood Hardener is available in 16 oz screw-top cans for about
8 bucks.  Unlike SuperGlue, it will last indefinitely after the
container is first opened.  Compared to SuperGlue, cost per application
is pennies on the dollar.

This is great stuff for repairing/strengthening wood damaged by rot,
beetles, etc.  It works amazingly well in combination with plastic wood
for repairing severely damaged wood.

I have used a combination of wood hardener and plastic wood to restore
severely damaged ancient window sashes, making them as strong or
stronger than new.  This is wood attacked by dry rot and beetles,
that has lost its strength and become soft.  By soaking this wood with
hardener, it becomes rock-hard.  The liquid plastic also encapsulates
dry rot, so stops further deterioration, and makes the wood waterproof
inside and out.  The result is a sash that will resist the elements
better than a new replacement wood sash.

This combination of hardener and plastic wood can be used to repair
less dramatic damage in player pianos to more severe damage in band
organ facades caused from exposure to the elements.

Tom Lear
Tujunga, Calif.