Filling cracks?

[Midnightlunchbox]

Hello,

I have acquired some yew which has some cracks/splits in it. I don't have a pressure pot or anything but I thought I'd fill the cracks with epoxy/resin for aesthetics. So, what do I buy and where do I get it? I thought about adding pigment to make a feature out of the splits, is there a specific type to go for?

Cheers
Craig

 

[Dalboy]

I would turn the outside first to the shape required and then fill using 24hr epoxy resin as it will give you more time to work it in if colouring make enough to do all of the cracks if possible so as to get the same colour throughout. Try and use it when it is warm if need be warm the tubes gently first this will make it flow easier, this however can effect the drying time slightly as the warmer it is the quicker it will set another reason for using the 24hr epoxy glue.

You could use CA glue but will need to trickle the glue into the cracks then rub in wood dust. this may stain the wood around the crack

 

[Penpal]

The most effective quick fix is mixed slow drying glue and compatable colouring search the forums for matching combinations in their libraries.

Peter.

 

[Midnightlunchbox]

Okay thanks lads, the cracks are a bit big for CA so I'll try epoxy.

 

[wm460]

Derek has nailed it.

 

[Terry]

Any dust particles you accumulate from acrylic blanks you can save and mix with the epoxy to colour it or any wood dust particles from the yew can be used !!!

 

[monophoto]

I suggest drilling the blank and gluing in the tubes, and then turn the blank down to just slightly larger than the finished diameter. Sand and collect the dust.

Then use ordinary five-minute epoxy from the hardware store. You won't need a lot of epoxy for the patch. Squeeze out a bit of the epoxy resin first, and blend in the sawdust, and then squeeze out and blend in the hardener. But doing it in that order, the time required to blend in the sawdust doesn't reduce the working time of the epoxy. Smear the mixture over the flawed area, and press it into the crack. Let it dry for a couple of hours to assure that it is fully cured. Overnight would be even better. Then, carefully finish turning - take light cuts with a skew, sand and finish.

 

[Scots Bill]

All good tips Craig. I did a double take when I saw Inverurie, I am In Inveraray at the moment, beautiful country.

 

[yorkshireman]

You could fill the cracks with a mixture of ca and powdered aluminium Craig. Looks nice and silvery when it's finished.

 

[bassethound]

Loads of good advice there Craig, show us the results mate when you decide!..

 

[Jim]

I suggest drilling the blank and gluing in the tubes, and then turn the blank down to just slightly larger than the finished diameter. Sand and collect the dust.

Then use ordinary five-minute epoxy from the hardware store. You won't need a lot of epoxy for the patch. Squeeze out a bit of the epoxy resin first, and blend in the sawdust, and then squeeze out and blend in the hardener. But doing it in that order, the time required to blend in the sawdust doesn't reduce the working time of the epoxy. Smear the mixture over the flawed area, and press it into the crack. Let it dry for a couple of hours to assure that it is fully cured. Overnight would be even better. Then, carefully finish turning - take light cuts with a skew, sand and finish.

This would be my route also Craig ..

 

[Pierre]

Actually glue and dust shows a lot whereas these are what are used by cabinet makers for small cracks Liberon Shellac Filler Sticks - Fillers & Sealers - Abrasives, Cleaners & Finishing | Axminster Tools & Machinery you apply it with a hot iron and it will fill really tiny cracks and it sands and polishes just as the wood be careful if you use a buffing wheel and only use the white diamond. You can also mix them up to get better colour precision.

PG