ProTips
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: What type of adhesive do you recommend for installing Amphoria Insert Systems?
A: We recommend using an epoxy adhesive for installation. Medium or thick CA glue can also be used; however, CA glue may become brittle or deteriorate over extended periods of time, which could eventually lead to bond failure. For maximum long-term durability and strength, epoxy is our preferred recommendation.
Q: Can your wood fiber reinforced insert sets be stained or dyed?
A: Absolutely. Many customers successfully stain and dye our wood fiber reinforced insert systems. Because there are many different stain and dye products available on the market, results may vary depending on the product and application method used.
We recommend testing your intended stain or dye on one of the glue bands or another non-visible surface before applying it to the entire insert. For best results, apply multiple light coats rather than one heavy application.
Q: I stained or dyed an insert and the threads became sticky. What should I do?
A: Amphoria Insert Systems are engineered with very tight tolerances to provide smooth thread engagement and a precision fit. Applying stain or dye adds a thin layer of material to the threaded surfaces, which can occasionally create a tighter fit than intended.
If this occurs, simply use a light sanding with 400-grit sandpaper on the threaded area to restore smooth thread operation.
Q: My project requires a larger insert size than those currently listed. Do you offer custom sizes?
A: Absolutely. We regularly work with customers on specialized projects and custom sizing requests. In fact, we recently produced a custom 7.25" insert set for a celebrity designer.
If you have a unique project requirement, simply contact us through the link above and tell us about your project. We will do our best to assist you.
Q: What about wood movement? How does this affect inserts?
A: All threaded systems—including brass inserts, aluminum inserts, polymer inserts, and even hand-cut wooden threads—can be affected by wood movement. The insert itself remains stable, but the surrounding wood can expand and contract over time.
What is wood movement? Wood is a natural material that continues to react to its environment long after a project is finished. As humidity rises and falls throughout the year, wood absorbs and releases moisture from the air, causing it to expand and contract slightly. These changes are usually small and often go unnoticed, but they can affect the fit of precision-made items such as lids, boxes, and threaded closures. This natural process is commonly known as wood movement and is a normal characteristic of all solid wood.
We have conducted testing on multiple insert materials and thread types, including brass, polymer, and hand-cut wooden threads. Our findings confirm that wood movement can affect all threaded closure systems. In some cases, movement can cause a lid to become tighter over time; in others, it can become looser. The effect depends on the wood species, grain orientation, moisture content, and the environment in which the piece is stored.
This is one reason experienced turners often leave a small amount of additional clearance in hand-cut wooden threads. The extra clearance helps accommodate seasonal wood movement and reduces the risk of binding or seizing, although it can also result in a slightly looser thread fit.
For best results and long-term thread performance, we recommend installing inserts into properly dried wood. A moisture content of approximately 8–10% is generally considered ideal for most indoor projects and provides the greatest long-term stability.
Threaded inserts are recommended for end-grain projects. As wood acclimates to changes in humidity, side-grain vessels may experience greater dimensional changes and can become slightly oval over time, potentially affecting thread fit and performance. End-grain projects tend to maintain a more consistent circular shape and generally provide the greatest long-term thread stability.
