PDA

View Full Version : Filling a stem with epoxy resin


Brian Kent
07-09-2020, 4:06 PM
Here is my challenge. I have a deep knot hole between the stem and base of an olive wood chalice. I lined the hole with gold-ish leaf. Now I want to fill it with clear epoxy resin.

I am looking for some way to enclose the hole so it will contain the resin. I am not concerned about perfection since I will finish turning and sanding after it is set.

So how do I turn this hole into something that can hold epoxy resin?
John Keeton
07-09-2020, 4:39 PM
Are you committed to using epoxy? Were it me, I would use Titebond and coffee grounds. Prep the hole by drilling some angled holes to "key" the fill, and get rid of the gold leaf and expose some bare wood for adhesion. Tamp in the mixture with a skewer or small dowel and fill it proud of the hole. It will set within a few hours. Turn it smooth and move on.
Brian Kent
07-09-2020, 4:57 PM
That was choice #2. I'll try to make the epoxy work
Kevin Jenness
07-09-2020, 9:36 PM
How about making a dam with silicone sealant or similar non-runny gub?
Tom Wilson66
07-09-2020, 10:56 PM
I would suggest a dam of hot melt glue, since it will not stick as tight as silicone sealant, and be easy get off.
Tom
Brice Rogers
07-10-2020, 2:27 AM
Clay (also called Plasticine) will also work as a "dam".
Wes Mitchell
07-10-2020, 9:47 AM
How about making a dam with silicone sealant or similar non-runny gub?

I watch (a lot) of YouTube videos, and silicone caulking seems to be what most people use.
Paul Williams
07-10-2020, 10:48 AM
The gold doesn't do anything for me personally, so I would use John's method. Since you want to try the epoxy, I would vote for the hot meld glue dam. I have used it several times with no problems.
Brian Kent
07-10-2020, 9:26 PM
This one is done except for final coats and buffing. I have a lot more of this twisty and holey stuff so I can try the other ideas too.
Brian Kent
07-10-2020, 9:28 PM
There are 20 chalices total, (18 in photo) for the 20 new pastors being ordained in our conference.
John K Jordan
07-11-2020, 8:28 AM
There are 20 chalices total, (18 in photo) for the 20 new pastors being ordained in our conference.

Are those all Olive wood?

JKJ
Brian Kent
07-12-2020, 10:41 PM
Yes, all but the 3 on the far right.
John K Jordan
07-12-2020, 11:30 PM
Yes, all but the 3 on the far right.

Nice. Olive is one of my favorite woods to turn.
robert baccus
07-13-2020, 9:26 PM
The rolls of duck tape faced with aluminum foil work great---the resin does not dissolve the tape glue like most tapes.