looking for some suggestions

[bjdawg]

I recently decided to "play" with my dad's CNC machine and learn how to use it. Decided I was going to make some end tables out of a couple pieces of oak I kept when I cut down a couple trees in my yard. The plan was to carve out a design in them and fill it with bar top resin. Attached is a picture of where I'm at now. The concern I'm having is that whenever I put any epoxy, resin, etc on it really darkens the wood and a lot of the stain blends in so that it's hard to see. I'm afraid that if I put the resin on it may be hard to see the design and it will also lose a lot of the 3D effect (and once you do it, it can't be undone). I'm open to suggestions if anybody has some.

[awerby]

Usually cross-cuts like that will tend to crack from the center as the wood dries. If the tree was standing dead for a long time, though, it might have dried out already.

As for your problem, why not set in a piece of 1/4" glass plate over the turkey? A little more work with the router will provide a recess for it to sink down into; some silicone caulk will do the rest.

Andrew Werby
ComputerSculpture.com — Home Page for Discount Hardware & Software

[bjdawg]

I would think they're fairly dry; but don't have an actual moisture meter. I've had those two pieces for about a year and half maybe a little more before I decided what I was going to do with them.

[ger21]

You might want to try a few coats of shellac sealer, followed by clear table top epoxy.

[slowlearner]

I appreciate your artistic ability. Good job!