Filling large voids

[MikeBarkley]

I have a beautiful block of Olive Burl (7"x8"x2") that has a few large fissures/holes, etc. My thought is to cut it into blanks (pens, bottle stoppers) stabilize it (Cactus Juice) and fill all voids, etc with something like Inlace, metallic powder, etc.before turning. Any thoughts??

Mike

 

[Justturnin]

My first thought would be to skip the stabilizing. Olive is a pretty oily and hard wood so unless it is punky I would skip that step. Next I would say proceed as planned. I love cracks and filling them with crushed stone or casting them. You can even mix some color in epoxy and put a couple of drops of acetone in there to thin it out and fill the void. I have done them all. Also, I know it will be a little tough but you may want to try to wash the crack out with water to remove the dust then let it dry and then swish it in some acetone to remove the oils from the wood. This can help you get better adhesion to the wood w/ your filler.

 

[MikeBarkley]

Thanks a bunch!!!