Fixing Mistake

[Zachary Caldwell]

Not sure if this is the right location for this. I was on the last knob for a built in desk/bookcase and drilled the hole wrong. I used prefin maple ply as my drawer fronts and it is all sequenced on the layout so I don't want to make a new front. Anyone have tips about how to fill that hole? I thought about using a 3/8 walnut plug because there is lots of light and dark on it. Any other ideas?

Zach

[Jamie Buxton]

How far off is the mistake? If it isn't too far, maybe you can change all the knobs to a design which covers the bad hole. For instance, make a wood disc which backs the existing knob.

Or does changing the knobs to a pull help you?

[Tim Bueler]

Do you have enough left over to make a whole new set of drawer fronts?

If not you'll have to get creative. Different knobs/pulls as Jamie suggested. Maybe some sort of escutcheon. Adding a decorative element of some kind to all door/drawer fronts can make you look like an artist. No one but you (and us ;)) even needs to know it was a mistake. You mentioned a walnut plug. Added to all faces could be that element. Inlay something, overlay something. Is that a metal silhouette in the picture with the northern lights? Perhaps you could add a metal element of some kind. Look around your house for design cues, look around your shop for material cues. Often inspiration can be found when you're out and about. Work, grocery store, restaurant. You never know when something will click.

Put it together and use it as is until the solution comes to you. Probably you are the only one who'll notice. Of course if you have OCD it'll drive you bat s**t crazy until then. :eek::D

[Jim Becker]

Some good suggestions so far, but it would be incredibly helpful if you could post a photo or three of the actual "mistake" as well as one that's correct so we can see what you're really facing. That photo in the OP is just not helpful relative to detail, but it does show why you have concern about being able to keep the sequenced material in place.

[Zachary Caldwell]

Hopefully this helps. This is final picture. It is bottom right drawer. I can't really go to a handle due to centering, and myself and wife can "live with it" but ya know its just there and I know about it. I think I've decided to take a 3/8 walnut dowel, because it has so much color variation and sand it down to 5mm and insert it into the screw hole. It just stinks because I was on the last one and got tired/careless and measured 8" rather than 9". I definitely will put a handle jig in my tool bag now. Thoughts?

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[Bill McNiel]

I would use a lighter colored dowel and tone it with tinted pens to resemble the "burley fisheyes" or the wood immediately adjacent. It should virtually disappear.

[Jim Becker]

I agree with Bill..start lighter and tone it artistically to blend in. And honestly, it's the bottom drawer, so the viewing angle is going to be very helpful as is the fact you used dark hardware which will take the eye away from a small blemish. "You" will still see it because you're the maker and you know it's there...it's human nature for you to look for it over and over. But others? It will be rare for anyone else to pick up something like that repair.

[Phil Mueller]

Definitely lighter, as Bill and Jim suggest. If you have a cut off with the same color/grain, use a piece from that to fill. You might also find that an irregular shape will hide better than a “perfect” circle. In other words, cut an irregular shaped patch from a matching board, and make the “hole” to match.

But as Jim said, it’s really not that noticeable and a light colored patch toned to match the adjacent wood should virtually disappear.

[Lud martinson]

I definitely agree with lighter knobs along with blending the area. There are literally hundreds of bits of information on you tube ,as an example that show coloring to match or "hide" an imperfection.
That said, you are your worst critic and six months from now...

[John TenEyck]

I would consider filling it with a dark filler, same color as those ambrosia streaks, and then use some pens or an artists brush and appropriate paint to make it look like another one of those streaks. While you are at it add some dark color to cover the light colored filler in those knots. That would bother me more than the mis-drilled hole.

John

[Lee Schierer]

Don't use a dowel. Use a plug cutter and make a plug from a similar rained piece of wood. With a plug you can make it just about disappear. You could also cut a plug from darker colored wood and make it look like a small knot.

[Al Launier]

Make it look like another knot.

[Wade Lippman]

I can't see your pictures, but...

I made a set of chairs and put a biscuit slot on the wrong face! It took a while but I found a piece that matched the grain and and ray so well that I can't find it now. It might have been faster to make a new chair, but it is possible.

[David Buchhauser]

I can't see your pictures, but...

I made a set of chairs and put a biscuit slot on the wrong face! It took a while but I found a piece that matched the grain and and ray so well that I can't find it now. It might have been faster to make a new chair, but it is possible.

Hi Wade,
Since you are obviously a member, I am baffled as to why you can't see the photos. I believe that you had the same problem with your post about the oil level in your Grizzly planer. Perhaps contact one of the moderators to get this problem sorted out.
David

[John K Jordan]

Hi Wade,
Since you are obviously a member, I am baffled as to why you can't see the photos....

David, there was a recent change in the forum policy. The announcement is at the top of each sub forum, including this one:
https://sawmillcreek.org/forumdisplay.php?3-General-Woodworking-and-Power-Tools

[Sam Murdoch]

I would consider filling it with a dark filler, same color as those ambrosia streaks, and then use some pens or an artists brush and appropriate paint to make it look like another one of those streaks. While you are at it add some dark color to cover the light colored filler in those knots. That would bother me more than the mis-drilled hole.

John

This is my suggestion too. It's a 3/16" hole why make it bigger with a plug or dowel? A little filler and some art work.

Sam

[Brian Behrens]

I would cut away some more wood in a wedge shape above and below the hole to make it look like a natural streak. Then fill with black epoxy. Anything you put in there will stand out if the hole is perfectly round. If you make it look like a natural void, even you won't notice it. Play with this method on a scrap first, obviously

[Zac wingert]

Agree that you with all the suggestions, plug, dowel, patch or fill and color. Just fix it and move on. Especially because you built it for your own home I can’t imagine it’ll bother you for more than a week or two, the initial frustration wears of quickly. I’d be more worried if it was a commission, because you’d always think what if it hurts reputation. But realistically non wood workers truly don’t see or even understand why something is a mistake.

Also, it took me a several times looking at the photo to even notice the hole, all I could see are those knots with voids.

[phil harold]

I have seen this done...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8k50b7xkkuk

[roger wiegand]

I'll vote on the side of extending the hole slightly to be like the other streaks and fill it with something dark, like brown/black epoxy. I think that will blend in better than a lighter plug.

[andy bessette]

Don't use a dowel. Use a plug cutter and make a plug from a similar rained piece of wood. With a plug you can make it just about disappear...

This. Do not use a dowel. A Fuller 1/4" plug cutter will do the job nicely.