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Filling cracks or “embellishing”

Alan Weinberg

Alan Weinberg

Joined
Feb 18, 2023
Messages
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Location
Orange, CA
I’ve searched the forum but still have a few questions. Some feel cracks add character; others consider them defects. I understand how to fill them with Titebond or CA using sawdust or coffee grounds. I know to spray some lacquer first so CA won’t stain the wood, and to tape the inside first. I’m interested in using metal—ground copper, silver, or a gold color. What’s the best source for product and technique for doing it? Thanks.
 
Alan, every once in a while, I will use brass as an inlay material. Yes cracks are defects. But that doesn't mean using turquoise, brass, or anything else that adds interest is a negative. Even though keys aren't made from pure brass any longer, the filings work just as well and look the same in the end. Pack the filings in the void with a dental tool then follow up with CA glue, your finish turning will level everything out, and with the right woods it looks good too.
 
I haven't done much metal, but have done some and done fills with other stuff - more turquoise than anything else. Anyway, my technique for that sort of thing is either: pack the material into the crack and drip in CA (do in layers); or mix the material with 2-part epoxy and pack that into the crack (also probably needs layers). Depends on the crack size and size of material (i.e. chunks vs powder) you're dealing with.
You can get some copper filings using a file and some plumbing pipe (plus effort). That would be what I'd do first go get enough material just to see if I thought the effect was promising - before spending $ on "products".
Another option for larger cracks might be melting and pouring pewter, or pounding in silver solder (plumbing) and anchoring it in with CA or epoxy.

Experimentation is probably necessary (and potentially fun) to get the effect you are after.
 
If it's a crack that has not opened up, I hit it with some CA. If the crack has opened up, I clean it out/make it a hair wider with a Dremel if needed and fill with fine crushed turquoise, then a drop of CA to keep it there. I usually protect the surrounding area with painters tape. After it dries, I hit it with sand-paper.
 
I use metal powders. I make a paste with 2 part epoxy and fill the crack/void when the piece ( bowl or hollow form) has been turned to close to final wall thickness. After 1 - 1.5 hours it's firm enough that I can remove the excess with a negative rake scrapper. After that, it's ready for sanding. I bought 1lb bags of different metals a few years ago; I still have a good amount of them. My source was Metal Powders USA.

 
Years ago, I took the suggestion to get some key filings from the locksmith to use as filling material. In those days, it really was brass and they gave me a whole lot for free. I found it extremely hard to work with. The filings were little splintery things that like to jab into your skin if you brushed them barehanded, they trapped air and wouldn't let the glue or epoxy fill around them, and the final look seemed kind of muddy. Metal powder sounds like a better material with which to work.
 
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