Filling a knot hole

[OldWood]

I've a piece of cherry branch that I have turned into the shaft (400mm long, largest diameter is 50mm)) for a small hat stand (this is from Mike Darlow's book - Fundamentals of Woodturning). I knew there might be a problem with a knot, but apart from there being a small cavity, it hasn't made the wood warp or anything (rough turned in early December), and it doesn't seem to be creating a weakness.

I would prefer to fill the cavity rather than consider it a "feature" and would appreciate some guidance on what to use and how to apply it.

Rob

 

[CHJ]

Dependant on size of hole, fill with dark sanding dust and drip on thin CA in stages until just proud of surface,

A quick fix if small, fill with filter coffee grounds and do likewise with CA.

A strong contrast looks more natural than a poor colour match.

Alternate start with sanding dust and finish with coffee grounds.

 

[OldWood]

Many thanks Chas, for the guidance. I'm not sure what constitutes a large hole but this is just on 2mm dp, and 15 x 5mm across. It would have been better for me to have said that before as I do worry a little as to how much CA that's going to absorb. The dark colour will fit well as the wood is richer in tone in the area.

This piece is on the limit of my comfort zone, and having got the scotias, cavetto, torus, beads, etc. cut without any obvious flaws, I clearly don't want to ruin it now !!

Rob

 

[CHJ]

... I'm not sure what constitutes a large hole but this is just on 2mm dp, and 15 x 5mm across. ....

That's a little un, just fill with coffee and soak, use a wooden coffee stirrer to press grounds in firmly, don't use fingers, you'll look silly walking around with the piece glued to your finger, assuming you can reach the tools to take it off the lathe that is.
2 or 3 CC total volume and up you might consider wedging a bit of scrap wood or shavings in first to fill most of the void.

Next time you come across a knot that looks like it might let go then feed it some thin CA before you start and keep checking as you turn it away in case it wants another coating.

 

[OldWood]

Again many thanks Chas - good reassurance; your 'little un' confused me for a moment (what's that a typo for?? :?: :idea: ). This actually is a cavity in the wood and I wasn't aware of anything falling out.

I'll now need to make sure the house coffee drinkers don't throw out the next set of grounds.

Rob