I'd appreciate a pointer to a how-to video that discusses fixes to holes/voids/cracks in vessels (epoxy, etc.). In general, I am not a big fixer along these lines because I always seem to spend way too much time tinkering with my simple fixes plus I usually end up tossing the item because I tend to view it as damaged even after I make a decent shot at a fix. However, I've got some wood that is just too pretty to toss without taking another look at the repair options. Thanks in advance.
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Void Fixes
- Thread starter Donovan Bailey
- Start date
- Joined
- Apr 27, 2004
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- Location
- Lakeland, Florida
- Website
- www.hockenberywoodturning.com
I like the voids. If they are in the right place they empty the chips from the inside.
A hollow log or limb makes a great hollowform with two windows.
Many burls have voids
I often bleach the inside to highlight the voids two views.
A hollow log or limb makes a great hollowform with two windows.
Many burls have voids
I often bleach the inside to highlight the voids two views.
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Al,
Your mastery makes it look like any of us could do it (though I know it isn't true for me). That is beautiful work !
Kind regards,
Rich
Your mastery makes it look like any of us could do it (though I know it isn't true for me). That is beautiful work !
Kind regards,
Rich
One of my most frequently used “fixes” is using epoxy mixed with used, dried coffee grounds. It works really well with bark inclusions as the grounds have the right color and mottling.
I'm going to try the epoxy/coffee grounds approach - a thickner / filler with a deep dark brown would be useful. I have been using WEST G-Flex tinted to dark brown or Aero Marine tinted and thickened with colloidal silica.
But to Donavan's issue, I'm in Al's camp - I look for voids/bark inclusions - makes a piece interesting.
And self-bailing is a real plus.
But to Donavan's issue, I'm in Al's camp - I look for voids/bark inclusions - makes a piece interesting.
And self-bailing is a real plus.
I have developed a method of filling large voids that came as an offshoot of Stephen Hatchers demo at the 2011 Symposium in St.Paul. The method he used to inlay designs into his work involved under cutting the surface about 1/16" deep and then filling with crushed stone. I tried some designs of my own with a fair amount of success but then I moved on to some projects with natural voids. I tried the epoxy route sealing the back side of the void then putting masking tape dams around the area but that was very time consuming and wastfull of the stone inlay. The previous experience with undercutting led me to use epoxy putty as a fill for the void, then turning the the surface even with the surrounding wood, then undercutting with a Dremal tool and finally filling with crushed stone and thin CA.
Beautiful work. Thanks for the tip.
Don, what brand of epoxy putty are you using?
I buy it at my local hardware store or big box store I think the brand is PC something. It comes in stick form with the hardener surrounding and all you have to do is cut off the desired amount and knead it to a uniform color, then apply it to the void. The putty comes in various colors for use from patching mufflers to filling voids in wood. The one that specifically says for filling wood is a light tan color but I have used other colors without any problems.