Replies

1. 
   gsark | Oct 29, 2002 05:48pm | #1

   Well if you want to fuss with it,  you can glue in thin strips of the same wood to fill in the gap. Try your best to match the width of the gap, but make the filler strip oversized.  Wait till glue has dried, then using razor knife & sandpaper cut back to the orginial wood, and finish.

   Alternatively, go ahead and put the first coat of stain & finish on, and then fill the gap with a filler that matches in color. then follow by finish coat.

1. 
   HJT3 | Oct 30, 2002 06:40am | #2

   Mix glue with sawdust from same wood and rub it into crack. Put it in pretty deep if it is a big crack. Let it dry and sand.

1. 
   SlyTheCat | Oct 30, 2002 07:05pm | #3

   Thanks to both for the responses - the one using the sawdust was something I think I had read on these boards before and I think I will try that.

1. 
   davamoore | Oct 30, 2002 08:28pm | #5

   Just be sure to use very fine (e.g., sanding) sawdust, not the sawdust that drops out of your bandsaw or tablesaw.  Otherwise, it'll look like you used grit to fill in the gap (believe me, I know... I did that the first time I used a sawdust/varnish filler -- a mistake I won't make twice!).

   Also, keep in mind that the sawdust tends to absorb the finish in a manner similar to end-grain; in other words, it often gets darker than the surrounding long-grain wood.  Depending on the color of the wood (post stain), your preferences, etc., you may prefer trying some of the wax or filler sticks.

   David

   Look, I made a hat -- Where there never was a hat!

   Edited 10/30/2002 1:29:33 PM ET by davamoore

2. 
   CRAIGCONEY_M | Oct 30, 2002 07:12pm | #4

   You could try Famwood wood filler.  I have had success with it working well with stains, oils & other finishes, try it on a sample peice first.