George Vondriska

Filling Knots with Epoxy

George Vondriska
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Duration:   9  mins

Some of the most amazing pieces of wood are the ones that have “defects.” Defects could be spalting (mold), small checks, bark inclusions or, in this case, a huge hole. Sure, we could cut around those things and eliminate them, but I’m a huge fan of including this character in the final piece. I think it helps make my projects unique, and capitalizes on the natural beauty of wood. So, let’s look at filling knots with epoxy.

The Resin

The product that will give us the best results for filling knots with epoxy is casting resin. This is very different from the two-part epoxy in a syringe you’d buy at a home center or hardware store. It flows better, and it cures more slowly, so you have more working time. Be sure to carefully follow the manufacturer’s directions for mixing. You’ll probably have bubbles in the resin after you pour it. No problem, we show you how to get rid of those.

Then what?

Once the resin is poured, give it ample time to cure. It cures much more slowly than off-the-shelf epoxy. Once it’s completely cured you can sand it flush with surrounding wood, and admire your work.

Other Uses For Epoxy

In addition to filling knots with epoxy you can use it to fill or bridge other defects. Lots of woodworkers are commonly using epoxy for wood cracks. Again, instead of cutting the defects out, we can make them an interesting part of the finished piece.

General Repairs

If, instead of highlighting defects like cracks, you want them to go away, check out our advice on how to repair wood cracks.

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2 Responses to “Filling Knots with Epoxy”

  1. Mike

    Could you tell me what brand of earplugs was used in the video "Filling knots with epoxy".

  2. Tex Young

    Hi! Recently read a comment by a professional woodworker who did not like the use of epoxy in these circumstances. He said that when the wood moved, the epoxy would pop out. Any thoughts?

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