> I have to disagree with the assumption that there is a "need"
> to seal the wood before applying glass.

I agree with you. I dont think that there is a "need" to do anything.

I would like to state (for the record) that It was not my intention make the assumption you mention, or to do anything other than relate my experiences (good and bad). And any opinions that I may have relating to the propriety of sealing the wood first are intuitive at best.

As with all of the discussions I partake in here, I am *really* glad that we all find different ways to (actually) do things and then relate our stories so that we all gain the knowledge of experience.