Hi – I have a S4S 2×6 x 10′ cherry plank that I will use as a balcony “hand” rail. There is 1″ knot in the middle of it that extends about 3/4″ into the wood. This knot is basically a hole in the wood. I want to fill the hole with something that will eventually dry to a clear plastic look and that I can sand smooth with the rest of the wood. I don’t want to mix the wood’s sawdust into this filler because i think it won’t look good. Some of the 2-part epoxy’s that I use (for actual gluing, not filling) from Home Depot dry to a yellowish tint, which I don’t want. Does anyone know of a clear drying epoxy (or similiar material) that I can use. Preferably Home Depot carries it (it’s close by) and I have just been looking in the wrong place. Thanks and Merry Christamas and a Happy New Year to this great forum. -yurij
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Replies
I sugget you look into West System Epoxy or System Three Epoxy. Both are on the internet. I'm sure you can find a local source, or failing that an on line source. I used both and prefer West. Just be sure to pay attention to the info on the web site when it tell you the final color. I've used all of their formulations and have been very stisfied.
I use a two part epoxy that I get at ACE Hardware. IIRC, it comes in a clear as well as a couple of "colors".
Are you sure you don't want to use some sawdust in the epoxy? A clear epoxy might look like a knothole full of plastic. Try doing some patches in scrap before you commit. The sawdust laced epoxy doesn't look like real wood, but it doesn't look like plastic, either.
Dave, I know you can mix sawdust in epoxy, but that looks like particle board, and I think most people would think that it looks pretty ugly. I usually recommend using the dust from sander. When mixed about as thick as peanut-butter, it starts looking more natural. yurij, If you find and use epoxy of that depth, there is a good chance that it will boil as it kicks, and will then fill with bubbles. Also, if it is outdoors, it will stand up fine to the water and other elements, except the Sun, which will break it down in about one year.
KeithNewton - Boil? I have never used any epoxy other than the Home Depot type stuff and always small quantities. I didn't think there would be an issue with this quantity. Does this "boiling" happen for all epxoy's? And this is an indoor application.
BTW, as the cherry moves with the humidity, will the epoxy move with the wood or will it seperate. This is a different type of applicaiton since I am using the epoxy as a filler and not just as a bonding agent. thx -yurij
Edited 12/27/2007 10:31 am ET by yurij
I am reluctant to say always or never. There is an easy way to test whatever epoxy you choose. Mix a little batch, and pour it into a little container of the same size and depth of the knot, and let it cure. If it boils, you have saved yourself a messy project of cleaning it out for the re-do. If it doesn't, then you should be OK. I don't think you need to worry about the wood movement at this diameter.
KeithNewton - That is exactly what I will do. And that is good news about the wood movement. thx again.
Keith -
I didn't say it would be pretty. - lol
This is one of those "lesser of two evils" situations. For me, a patch that at least sorta matches the color of the surrounding wood looks better than a hole filled with plastic.
Maybe I spent way too much time in bars in the 60's and early 70's, but I never grew to like the look of wood covered with an inch of clear plastic. - lol
Yea, yea. Sounds like someone who was frustrated by not being able to pick up those coins trapped under it. Ha,
Hey, I had to settle the bar tab somehow!!! - lol
Dave45 - I want to "see" the inside of the knot. I am going for glass-like look as a result. All of the wood around the actual hole is quite figured so your eyes are going to get drawn to that center spot, and I think this little window into the inside of the wood will be a nice touch. Anyway, if you can't hide it completely, might as well make it soemthing you show off.
You said balcony. Is this indoors or out doors. If in doors, look into lacquer stick and match the color as you wish. Many of the wood working stores carry the product.
TonyCz - I am always amazed when I ask question how many crucial details I leave out. This is an interior application. I do want the "window in the wood" look so I am looking for something clear. thx
How about drilling it out and making a cherry plug?
p
PeteMohr - Too large of a "feature" to do that. I want to highlight it nicely. But thanks.
We do that on thousands of board feet of Antique flooring. You will want to use a slower drying thinner epoxy or it will be filled with bubbles from mixing. We use Systems Three five minute epoxy but in in a special two part tube with a mixing nozzle to eliminate the bubbles. There's usually a bit of a tint to most epoxies. The thick bar coating are pretty clear. You should look into that product
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