In thicknessing a couple of large claro walnut slabs I discovered that the sap wood in the slabs in peppered with what I assume to be powder post beetle burrows. Whatever they are, they range from a tiny hole every few feet to sections of the surface that are a maze of burrows. I'd like to fill these with epoxy (system 3 with medium-speed hardener) but am concerned about getting the epoxy on the surrounding wood.
My final finish will be sam maloof poly/oil. My worry is that the areas that have epoxy overflow on them will look different than the areas that did not, because if the porosity of the wood. Would it be a good idea to apply a very light coat of the poly/oil before filling the holes with epoxy? If I didn't, how much sanding would i be looking at to clean the overflow areas of any sign of the epoxy having been there?
Also, any suggestions on adding pigment or wood powder to the epoxy? I don't mind their appearance one way or the other.
Smallest holes (for reference, the hole is 1mm in diameter):
Most concentrated areas of burrowing (these burrows are about 1mm wide each):
Front and back of both slabs:
Slab 1 top:
Slab 1 bottom (note sticker shadows):
Slab 2 top:
Slab 2 bottom:
Having never done this before, I'm open to any advice and intend to practice on scraps before pulling the trigger on any specific approach.
Thanks in advance.
My final finish will be sam maloof poly/oil. My worry is that the areas that have epoxy overflow on them will look different than the areas that did not, because if the porosity of the wood. Would it be a good idea to apply a very light coat of the poly/oil before filling the holes with epoxy? If I didn't, how much sanding would i be looking at to clean the overflow areas of any sign of the epoxy having been there?
Also, any suggestions on adding pigment or wood powder to the epoxy? I don't mind their appearance one way or the other.
Smallest holes (for reference, the hole is 1mm in diameter):
Most concentrated areas of burrowing (these burrows are about 1mm wide each):
Front and back of both slabs:
Slab 1 top:
Slab 1 bottom (note sticker shadows):
Slab 2 top:
Slab 2 bottom:
Having never done this before, I'm open to any advice and intend to practice on scraps before pulling the trigger on any specific approach.
Thanks in advance.