Replies

1. 
   Ridgewood | Dec 12, 2004 08:06pm | #1

   I used 5 minute epoxy to fill a large crack in a board I used for a countertop.  It works fine.  Another option could be wood filler.  It all depends on what you want to finish the project with.  Expoxy can have a greenish tinge to it.

   Doug

2. 
   forestgirl | Dec 12, 2004 08:10pm | #2

   The little tube stuff will work fine.  The big System stuff is for more sophisticated application, I'd say.  I like to get the epoxy that comes in a tube with one handle and two tubes and plungers.  You push the handle evenly, and equal amounts come out of the tubes.  Stuff lasts forever, too.

   You can tint the epoxy if you want.  Can't remember what you use, though.  :(

   forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl ;-)
   Another proud member of the  "I Rocked With ToolDoc Club" .... :>) 

1. 
   jmc | Dec 13, 2004 02:43am | #3

   Thanks- I figured it was OK to use, just didn't want to ruin a project when I'm in the homestretch.

   Thanks

   John

3. 
   JohnWW | Dec 13, 2004 03:51am | #4

   If the bench will be going outdoors, whether or not you fill the holes will probably have no effect on the longevity of the bench and may cause appearance problems later.  If the bench will be indoors, there are a number of wood fillers that are easier to use than epoxy. 

   Filling the holes will cause problems because the epoxy will soak into the wood surrounding the holes changing how the wood absorbs a clear finish, creating larger spots of a different looking finish around each hole.   If you leave the bench unfinished, the epoxy soaked wood will weather differently, causing the small holes to again appear larger and more obvious.  Unless you are going to be painting the bench, you are probably better off leaving the holes alone.

   John W.

1. 
   jmc | Dec 13, 2004 07:45am | #6

   Thanks- The bench is a curly maple slab with lots of character. Its intended to be in a bathroom and I was afraid to leave the holes open. It didn't occur to me that the epoxy would soak into the wood. Could I coat with a couple of coats of shellac then fill and sand the shellac and epoxy smooth?? 

   Thanks

   John

   PS- I have some clear grain filler from Compliant Spray Systems. Can that be used on something so thick? I may call the company in the AM to check.

    

   Edited 12/12/2004 11:47 pm ET by jmc

1. 
   jackplane | Dec 13, 2004 06:46pm | #7

   You can coat the entire thing with 2 part epoxy, and save yourself a few steps.Be sure to seal end grain and edge grain.

2. 
   JohnWW | Dec 13, 2004 10:47pm | #8

   I think you are working way too hard at this, but I have a couple of questions.  Will the stool be exposed to liquid water regularly and how big are the holes?

   John W.

1. 
   jmc | Dec 14, 2004 01:10am | #9

   It will probably have wet towels put down on it so I didn't want to leave them open. I thought the holes would build up with lint, dirt and moisture. The holes are anywhere from 1/16" to 1/8" across. I am leaning toward a couple coats of shellac, then squeegeing (sp?) some epoxy or fiberglass resin, sanding smooth and topcoating with Enduro waterbase poly. This may be a disaster in the making, but has a chance of working.

   Thanks

   John

1. 
   JohnWW | Dec 14, 2004 01:22am | #10

   There is no need to use an epoxy for such small holes when the entire piece will be sealed by the poly, just use an ordinary wood filler it will be faster, easier, and less toxic.

   John W.

2. 
   scooter1 | Dec 14, 2004 01:41am | #11

   I am a big fan of West System's Expoxy, both fast and slow set. It is a great gap filler, better than wood dough, because it grips better and can be stained to match.I would take a piece of scrap of the same wood and with a belt sander, sand some to the point where you have about a quarter to half cup of the sanding dust. Mix with the West's systems until it is fairly thick, like thick mayo and will hold its shape. Use Blue tape for the bottom of the wood, pour in the epoxy, and strike off the top. I actually like to leave the stuff a tad proud of the surface and belt sand it down. Almost invisible match.Regards,
   Boris"Sir, I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow" -- WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1934

3. 
   jmc | Dec 14, 2004 02:34am | #12

   Thanks- I will try, sounds like what I'm looking for.

   John

4. 
   scooter1 | Dec 14, 2004 02:40am | #13

   Go to their Web Site and download, or otherwise obtain, their User Manual. The instructions on the Can are fairly sparse. Buy their pumps, too; it makes dispensing the stuff nearly foolproof.Regards,
   Boris"Sir, I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow" -- WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1934

4. 
   alias | Dec 13, 2004 04:27am | #5

   west systems mixed with graphite(black powder)

   "expectations are premeditated resentments"