David is correct, but most dents leave visible traces in the form of
compressed grain or broken fiber at the edges as well.

Wish there were a better answer.

"David" wrote in message
...
Many dents can be removed by steaming, but scratches won't come out
without leveling the surface (planing, sanding, or filling).

Dave

Harry Everhart wrote:
I have some pine wood that has some deep surface scratches and dents. I
would like to get them out the best I could before I stain and finish
the wood. What is the best way to get scratches and dents out of pine?
Some of the the scratches may be as deep as 1/16 of an inch.

Someone said heat from an iron and steam. Is that right?

Harry