I’ve used both resin and expoxy to fill cracks prior to finishing. I’m using the SystemThree resin and it mixes up very thin. If the crack in the wood goes all the way through, then the resin runs through, making filling difficult.
My other option is expoxy. I have some epoxy that cures black (got it at Golfsmith, to attach club heads to shafts) and tried that – mainly because it cures black. It seems to work pretty well. It just seems wrong to use golf shaft epoxy on wood, but the results are promising. I like it better than resin because it mixes thick and does not run through the wood as bad and also finishes nicely.
What do others use? Any tips on using resin?
Thanks
John
Replies
Epoxy Resin
Be sure to read the epoxy book that they have. Available on line.
http://www.systemthree.com/store/pc/Fillers-c47.htm
Filler
Clear epoxy is probably a better choice. I have used limestone powder as an inexpensive filler but there are many industrial products that are designed for expoy as Roc points out. Wear a mask when using any of these products.
SA
you can add various materials to thicken the epoxy - google it if you like, but it ranges from fine sawdust to sand to powdered metals and finely chopped fiberglass.
I use Epoxy Resin and I also thicken it before using it. I mainly use silica, from System Three, but I also use Glass Microballoons from Total Boat when I plan to do any heavy shaping or sanding afterwards. It is basically a super lightweight thickener that makes for easier contouring and doesn't collapse as much with the deeper pours. I color the resin with a liquid pigment that I purchased for that purpose but you could also use charcoal or even india ink.
jfsksa, I just use blue tape on the back side. If the gap is large you will need to built up the tape in width, length and thickness to hold back the epoxy. You might have to fill again after it settles in.
What is the distinction you are making between "epoxy" and "resin". Epoxy is a resin with a hardener in it? As far as I know, resin won't harden by itself.
If you need the epoxy to be thicker, just mix in some fine sanding dust. You can make the color either match or contrast depending on the species of dust you use and the amount of it.
I agree with putting the tape on the other side. Also, if you have a small crack that you are trying to fill and can't get the epoxy to flow through it, try putting your shop vac on the other side.
The tape idea was the first thing I thought of too. That's what I'd try first.
Alternatively, put a small dab of epoxy on the underside of the crack to seal it up, then fill from the top to your heart's content. If it's not a surface that will be seen, you could glue a piece of paper there (which is rather like the tape idea, never mind!).
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