In my efforts at turnng bowls and somewhat deeper vessels, I find an
occasional crack for one reason or another. I also create some surface
defects from sometimes less-handy manipulation of my cutting tools. If the
defects are not fatal to the piece and I think I want to salvage the piece, I
have decided that a decorative accent may be the ticket. I have obtained some
powdered brass, which I mix with epoxy, forming a thick paste. The paste and
the hardened epoxy will be a brownish or perhaps olive green color. I work
the paste into the crack or other defect, and let it harden. After sanding
the bowl or other thing, I then use steel wool and plenty of elbow grease, to
produce a shiny brass "inlay" where the defect was, and it doesn't look half
bad. A clear finish like varnish or shellac, preserves the brass shine.

In my efforts so far, the object is turned to nearly its finished state and
preliminary sanding is done. The flaw is filled. When the epoxy is ready for
sanding, I hand sand the epoxy surface, rather than sanding the whole piece
while spinning on the lathe. The wood and the epoxy are radically different
surfaces, and the wood will get sanded more deeply than the epoxy. If the
piece is quite round, a fine scraping cut may be done on the lathe to true up
the epoxied surface with the wood, and then a complete and general finish
sanding may be done on the lathe.

I realize this method may offend the finer sensibilities of some, but I also
accept that no matter what kind of work I do, it will not appeal to everyone.
In any case, it works for me, and reduces the amount of firewood I produce in
my shop.

For those who are curious, http://www.artmolds.com/category187.cfm will take
you to a site where you can order powdered brass, bronze, and copper. You can
also get a powdered marble or stone which can be dyed to some extent. I have
no financial interest in this site. Just thought you might be interested.

respectfully,
tom koehler


--
I will find a way or make one.