How do you fill in a knot in hard maple?

[dennis thompson]

I just finished a cutting board of hard maple & walnut. I have enough wood left over to make another (as usual my estimate of the wood I'd need was way off). The hard maple has a big, porous knot right in the middle of it, I've tried to figure out how to cut around it but it's placed so I can't. Is there anything (epoxy?) I can use to fill in and harden the knot?
Thanks
Dennis

[Steve Rowe]

Yes - use the two part clear epoxy. I like the 30 minute setting version which gives you more time to work it. You can mix with sawdust or dyes to color it.
Steve

[dennis thompson]

Steve
Can you give me a brand name for the two part epoxy?
Thanks Dennis

[Brian Penning]

West System is pretty well considered the best.

[Keith Christopher]

I just finished a cutting board of hard maple & walnut. I have enough wood left over to make another (as usual my estimate of the wood I'd need was way off). The hard maple has a big, porous knot right in the middle of it, I've tried to figure out how to cut around it but it's placed so I can't. Is there anything (epoxy?) I can use to fill in and harden the knot?
Thanks
Dennis

You sure you want a knot and epoxy on a cutting board ?

[dennis thompson]

Keith
I guess I don't want a knot on a cutting board ,I'm just asking for opinions on the idea of filling the knot with the hope that I can use what is, for the most part, a very nice piece of wood . Other than looks do you feel there is a problem with epoxy on a cutting board? To be honest I have no problem with the look of a knot, in fact I kind of like it, as long as the function of the board is not compromised.
Dennis

[Jeff Sudmeier]

I use epoxy to fill knots in other projects. The problem that would come to mind in a cutting board is whether the finish difference would show up or not.

If it is a dark not, color your epoxy with black ink... blends better.

[Brad Wood]

I just finished using System Three's T-88 product, available from Rockler. I've heard that West systems is highly regarded, but it seemed expensive and there were too many choices. The T-88 worked well, has an open time of 30 minutes. It sands well the next day.

I think, for a cutting board, I would only consider using epoxy if it were going to be on only one side... that way the "fixed" section can be on the bottom.

[greg leftwich]

system three works great they make colorants also and between the black and brown you can mix any shade you need it is virturally invisible once you apply the finish.

[Paul Steiner]

I would put a 1/4" dutchman over the knot. A bowtie or diamond would add character to a cutting board.

[Cliff Rohrabacher]

Do a football patch or a diamond patch.
I't's dun purdy much perzakly like you'd lay a Dovetail key in