AWGB Woodturning Forum

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: crazylegs on October 07, 2017, 09:54:13 PM

Title: Zebrano pores Help
Post by: crazylegs on October 07, 2017, 09:54:13 PM
Starting my first real project and am turning ( I hope) a plater/dish but I have run into a snag. The wood has some quite large 'pores'. Should I fill these holes or leave them? There are quite a few so I am erring on the leave them side of the fence.
Is this normal as I can find no finished pictures of this sort of effect.
Title: Re: Zebrano pores Help
Post by: seventhdevil on October 08, 2017, 12:29:11 AM
i've always been a guy who leaves it alone as i prefer the natural look of the wood regardless of any pore size.

if this is your first project (i'm assuming from a customer) then it may be worth asking the customer as they may have a preference.

here is one from my very early days of turning (hence the chunkyness and strange design) that i finished with just danish oil.
Title: Re: Zebrano pores Help
Post by: crazylegs on October 08, 2017, 10:19:20 AM
Thanks for the reply. This is not for a customer just for me. I am very new to this I have done a few small items but this is my first using a more expensive blank. The pores in mine are much bigger, 2mm ish , I was thinking of loading them with sanding sealer or as you say just leaving them. Anyone else got any pictures of large pore items?
Title: Re: Zebrano pores Help
Post by: The Bowler Hatted Turner on October 08, 2017, 10:27:39 PM
Crazylegs in contrast to Steve I have always tried to obtain a smooth unblemished finish and to that end I would address the pores somehow. I don't think I have seen pores 2mm in size before though. If it were me I would get some" Brummer" wood filler of the correct shade/s and press them into the pores, even if it meant plastering the item. Years ago plaster of Paris was used as a gain filler before French polish was applied so this is something similar. Let the Brummer filler dry and then apply superglue to the pores. The sand and polish for remarkably good results. Wear a face mask though.
Title: Re: Zebrano pores Help
Post by: bodrighywood on October 09, 2017, 10:12:00 AM
The pores can be filled as John suggests or alternatively filled with various glass, metal powders to make a feature of them. If you aren't painting or colouring it kis almost impossible to hide them so better to make a feature of them IMHO. I know of a top end furniture maker who used car body filler to fill the pores in burr oak.

Pete
Title: Re: Zebrano pores Help
Post by: crazylegs on October 09, 2017, 11:06:56 AM
I will try and post a picture later !! ??? I am still undecided as to how to go.
Title: Re: Zebrano pores Help
Post by: Schurchy on October 09, 2017, 03:14:52 PM
I've turned Zebrano many times, but although the pores are open compared to other woods, I've never seen it that open. 2mm ? That's more open than wood worm  ??? Would be interested to see a photo.
Title: Re: Zebrano pores Help
Post by: seventhdevil on October 09, 2017, 03:43:08 PM
my thoughts exactly...
Title: Re: Zebrano pores Help
Post by: crazylegs on October 09, 2017, 08:52:11 PM
fingers crossed.
Title: Re: Zebrano pores Help
Post by: crazylegs on October 09, 2017, 08:58:06 PM
Sorry not sure how to do this in one post.
Title: Re: Zebrano pores Help
Post by: John D Smith on October 09, 2017, 09:11:36 PM

  Could that be worms?  John
Title: Re: Zebrano pores Help
Post by: seventhdevil on October 09, 2017, 10:21:03 PM
those are gum pockets and are probably best dealt with by putting superglue in so it looks like the gum is still there...