Time for...Ask the experts

[John Fricke]

I have this nice little bowl from an oak burl. I had figured on filling worm holes with a mix of epoxy and coffee or turquoise. Then finish turning it. Unfortunately It is further out of round than I have wall thickness left. How hard would it be to fill the holes and hand sand back to smooth? Or would you just leave the trails for effect? (sorry the pics are not very good.)

[David Christopher]

I dont think I would fill them.....I like the bowl as is.....but if you must you can sand with a ros fairly easy

[John Fricke]

Pardon my ignorance..........ros? ....random orbital sander?

[Mark Norman]

Is it bigger than a quarter john?

[John Fricke]

Is it bigger than a quarter john?

The worm holes?.......the biggest are maybe 1/4" wide and maybe 3/4" long.

[David Christopher]

yes.....random orbital sander

[Marc Himes]

I would leave the holes unfilled. If I were to fill them, I would use coffee.

Marc Himes

[Bernie Weishapl]

I would leave the bowl as is. Gives it character. If I was to fill them it would be 5 minute epoxy and coffee. Do a little at a time and keep it smooth as you can then hand sand.

[Steve Schlumpf]

John - how attached are you to the bowl?

If it is something you want to keep - then leave everything as is as the voids all add character to the piece. If the bowl is no big deal - then this could be a great time to learn how to fill the voids.

For small holes - CA and coffee grounds, large holes - epoxy and the color filler of your choice. I have used bronze powder a few times and really like it. Just have fun with it!

[Norm Zax]

One more thing to consider - if u use stone (such as turquoise) fill in the holes after the final shape is done. The stone is really tough on the tools and u dont want to start removing more than necessary after its in there.

[John Fricke]

thanks to all for great advice