For the moment, the shims were stacked dry. If leaks develop I will give the sealer a try and let you know. Another way might be to buy shellac flakes and disolve them in alcohol to make your own sealer. One source of shellac flakes is
http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/pag...at=1,190,42942 but there have to be similar woodworking supply companies in other countries.
For the hedge trimmer I definitely want to repair rather than replace. It's a long reach gas powered unit, pretty much commercial strength. It wil do 1/4 inch all day without noticing it, is rated to cut 3/4 inch and can work it's way through 1 inch cedar. It has also been known to cut chain link fencing that was hidden in the hedge, not my favourite sound but it has happened. I hate to think what it could do to a finger. The speed of production compared to even a fairly good electric trimmer has to be seen to be believed. Aside from the general principle of not liking to toss something that still has life and the challenge of making it right, a replacement would be $US500 plus shipping online, probably twice that in Canada (have I mentioned that I don't like some Canadian retail practices?) - I would rather put the money to CMPs.