I built this bench out of ipe. The joints are simple beadlock 1/2 floating tenons in the frame and 3/8" beadlock tenons in the top. The slats are floating in 1/4" wide dados.
After building it, I found numerous articles on the web discussing what a disaster this wood is when glued. Especially with PVA. As it happens, I used Titebond III.
I wanted to reinforce the joints prior to it falling apart and was looking for some advice. As I saw it, I have a few options...
1) Attack it with a 23ga pinner with stainless brads. I planned on two into each end of the floating tenons. I could try it with 18ga, but have concerns about splitting or not penetrating given how hard this stuff is.
2) Drilling and pegging with 1/4" dowels - one into each end of the tenons. The overall tenon length is 2.5", so only have about 1.25" on each end to work with... again splitting a concern.
3) Drilling and screwing with stainless screws and covering hole with a flush cut plug.
Can anyone provide some guidance on best salvage method to try to keep this bench from falling apart?
thanks
dan