Filling Holes in Walnut

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briyon

Well-known member
All,

I am in the process of making a Pennsylvania spice cabinet out of walnut and want to know what folks use to fill nail holes.  I have glued and nailed the crown molding at the top of the case and countersunk the nails.  I am wondering what is the best way to fill the holes for finishing.

Thanks,

Brian
 
I've used a paste filler made up of walnut dust and shellac and also have just dabbed hide glue in the nail hole and lightly sanded to mix walnut dust into it.
 
I also use shellac and sawdust. For larger holes I have found a 50/50 mix of sawdust from a crosscut saw and dust from sanding with 220 works better than just the dust from sanding. And dust from just 220 for small holes.

I make mine as a thick paste, and pack it in the hole using another smaller nail or pick tool. I have just tried pushing it in with fingers and have had it pop out while cleaning it up.

I don't worry about getting it all over what-ever I'm filling. I try to wipe off whatever;s not covering the hole. I let it dry overnight and use a card scraper, gouge, whatever to clean it up.

It's very noticeable before the finish is on, basically it's like you finished a few little dots. But once the finish is on it blends in quite well and is barely noticeable.
 
The shellac and walnut dust worked excellent in the nail holes.  Now I am wondering about filling some small cracks in a walnut crotch panel for the door.  The cracks are fairly small both in terms of length and width (separation).  I am wondering if the same trick can be used here?  I have heard of using 2 part epoxy with dye.  Just wondering about the preferred method.  Would hide glue work?

Thanks,

Brian
 
Adding a photo of the cracks.  They are visible on the back as well
 

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I've used hide glue, filing dust, thick plane plane shavings, and thin walnut wedges.  Just jammed them in!
 
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