Filling wood

[tyskkvinna]

Hey all,

I am making art with wood lately and have been using recycled/salvaged wood. I have some larger pieces (4x4xlong-ish) that I am going to eventually turn into boxes. I've noticed that some of the pieces have cracks/splits in them - I don't think they're in such a way that it'll cut poorly (break off, for example) and I don't mind how they look.. but I'd like the piece to be solid when it's done.

What's the best sort of filler material for this? It has to harden and I am undecided on if it needs to be clear or not. Ideally I'd be able to apply it to the wood and THEN mill it. but if I have to do it after I can live with it.

I just spent a bit of time looking online at fillers, epoxy, resin, etc and it's kind of overwhelming.

I would prefer to be able to buy a small portion and make sure that's what I want, but I guess if I can only get a larger amount of something that's ok.

Any ideas?

[todd71]

"Bar top" Epoxy should work. http://www.eti-usa.com/ You'll have to block off the holes to keep it from running out all over the place. Wax paper with double sided tape works pretty good. If the material size allows you can cut a "frame" and encapsulate the whole thing. Be sure use some type of release agent on the base. Cut as needed. Sand it down and clear coat to bring it back to being "clear". Plus the wood grain looks great with the epoxy coating. Wear "breather" while sanding. The fine particles will mess you up. Good luck