Which epoxy is most liquid?

[goeasy123]

As others say, I'm not sure if epoxy is the right solution, but if you want something very...very...very thin you want penetration epoxy.... like this Infusionssystem - Epoxidharz | HP-E30RI
or this .... Clear Penetrating Epoxy Sealer - Smiths CPES - No 1 for wood

 

[srm]

What about linseed oil putty, would that also make it rot?

In the short term it would work, however over a few years it will dry out becoming hard and brittle. It used to be used to seal the glass in single glazed wood window frames, hence my experience of it when helping renovate a house as a teenager. Once dried it cracked and was easy to chip out.

 

[ghostlymoron]

If you're concerned about the strength, replace it with one made from a more suitable wood. Or there are some nice bronze ones about.

 

[ghostlymoron]

What about linseed oil putty, would that also make it rot?

Anything that seals water in is not a good idea.

 

[Hacker]

You could fix the splits with epoxy, as long as you don’t cover the whole post with it. Dribble in some plain epoxy and follow this with thickened epoxy. This will stop any further water ingress but won’t trap any water in. You don’t say what the existing finish is, but either replace it with the same or something suitable. Personally I would use DeksOlje.

 

[Fantasie 19]

Could you use Captain Tolly's and then thicker stuff??

 

[R.Ems]

Could you use Captain Tolly's and then thicker stuff??

Isn't Captain Tolley's based on diluted PVA glue? So I have been told.
PVA is water soluble before it sets which is good, unlike epoxy, Sikaflex, etc.
I wonder if plasticiser for PVA is available, maybe in the building trade.
Interesting suggestion, cheers for that. And for all comments above.

 

[Refueler]

Captains Tolleys has no strength at all ... its a capillary action sealant only. It also does not 'bond' ... I use CT on my windows - I can actually pull away the 'string' it forms ... which often happens when cleaning the surrounds.

 

[srm]

I would update my suggestion based on comments above:
Soak all the shakes with a water based wood preservative/anti rot solution first. When fully dry work a flexible / elastic caulking adhesive into the shakes. Apply wood finish of choice. Apply a copper cap.
The elastic sealant will allow for the continued natural movement of the oak and the preservative as a safety measure should any further water get in.

 

[R.Ems]

I would update my suggestion based on comments above:
Soak all the shakes with a water based wood preservative/anti rot solution first. When fully dry work a flexible / elastic caulking adhesive into the shakes. Apply wood finish of choice. Apply a copper cap.
The elastic sealant will allow for the continued natural movement of the oak and the preservative as a safety measure should any further water get in.

Thanks