[xsailer]

,
After spending two days roughing out and fitting a carving I've discovered when I finish carving the piece a 1/32 to 1/16th deep saw cut about 3/8" long may be visible. It's on the underneath side of a bird carving and the finally effort will be painted. I'm thinking same wood sawdust mixed with 'good ole' elmers glue as a repair.
The carving is for a customer and I want to give the very best but I sure don't want to start over.
Any thoughts or suggetions?

[redbird46]

Bob, there is a product named Quikwood that is great filler. Only thing is that it dries a light gray color instead of a natural wood color and a stain wash will show the repair. If you are painting to get a full color it will work fine. Another fix I've used before is to carve out an area that you can repair with another carved matching wood patch. Take your time and if possible angle the sides so the patch is unnoticeable after drying and trimming down to match the original.
Norb

[Bonnot]

You might try carving a slice of scrap from which the piece was carved and glue it in the saw cut. The sawdust and glue will fill the cut but it may not take a finish. You could also get a product called QUIKWOOD which is an epoxy putty and can be stained or painted. You should be able to find it at Home Depot.

[AlArchie]

That Quickwood will work just fine, as will Elmers wood filler, Plastic Wood or any number of commercial fillers. I've used them all with good results. Some are easier to work than others but there really isn't a whole lot of difference in workability.

Al

[Lynn O. Doughty]

I use Tuf-Carve as it sets quickly, cures hard and is a similar color of basswood. Here's the link:

FMSC - TUF-Carv Polyester Repair Paste

[TreeWizard]

If you are going to paint the piece I'd try auto bondo. It's held up well on the old wrecks I drive.

[xsailer]

Thanks all for your input. I thought of Bondo but never tried it on wood. Don't know why it wouldn't work though.
Lynn, do you know if the Tuf-Carv is available in stores? Wonder how it compares to
Quickwood.

[Lynn O. Doughty]

Having never used the Quickwood I couldnt say. The TufCarv is sold by Larry Yudis' Woodcarvers Store. Comes in a quart can with a little tube of hardner.

[Blake Lunsford]

Surely you never have to use the stuff though, do you Lynn?? I thought old faithful never let you down.

Blake

[Lynn O. Doughty]

Sometimes even Old Faithful gets a little agressive.