Hekp! :O)

[Shaysreb]

I found a cool stick/cane with a giant knothole and decided to carve a face from bass wood and insert it into the gnarlly sided hole underneath the curve of the cane. I need a filler to fill in the edges of my carving that will also recieve varnish well, any good ideas? There's also another little hole in another location, about 1/2 inch round, I'd like to fill as well. Also, whats best to glue my carving into that hole? Epoxy i was thinking.....

[Dull Knife]

Originally Posted by Shaysreb

I found a cool stick/cane with a giant knothole and decided to carve a face from bass wood and insert it into the gnarlly sided hole underneath the curve of the cane. I need a filler to fill in the edges of my carving that will also recieve varnish well, any good ideas? There's also another little hole in another location, about 1/2 inch round, I'd like to fill as well. Also, whats best to glue my carving into that hole? Epoxy i was thinking.....

Yes, epoxy is the way to go to glue the carving in to the hole. As far as the filler for the edges, I use bass wood saw dust mixed with glue. .

Push the mixture in to the edges with a metal or plastic tool dipped in water. After it's dry you can sand it smooth.

[Shaysreb]

What about the larger hole, should I just plug it with bass wood and glue it in? It's not really a circular hole either.

[cut up]

When I need a filler for visible joints, I usually mix my wood glue with sawdust from the random orbit sander(If I used the sander on the project). Before it sets up, I smooth it level with the flat end of my hobby knife and lightly brush across it with 250 grit sandpaper. After it sets up it usually takes the finish, and the joint is not noticed. On the larger hole, If you are just wanting to hide it, glue in a piece of wood that best matches the grain of the stick. I rarely use anything but wood glue. The only time I used epoxy on a walking stick was when I was attaching a head to it. I epoxied in a 1/2" threaded rod in for strength, and I'm not convinced it was necessary.
Hope this helps.
Michael

[Shaysreb]

TY, What do you think of the stick/carving? I think it will be one of my better sticks! Thanks again.

[Dicky]

Thats a neat cameo effect. It preserves the original edges to the opening and also strengthens the stick.

[AlArchie]

I wouldn't fill those gaps....as it is it looks like the face is looking out...if it were filled it would look , well, "filled"

Al

[markken5889]

I agree with Al. The look you've got going there is fantastic!

Mark

[Shaysreb]

The carving is pretty tight fitting, just a gap on top of the head. Thanks for your ideas! I can't wait to finish it.

[twymanok]

I agree with the others it looks good as is