Filling Holes in Wood

[Romeo]

The thoughts of the panel would be much appreciated..........

Previous owner of a mast that I have used mild steel screws to fix cleats onto it. These have rusted, and left dark staining on the surface of the wood. I have now managed to get the screws out. There were 6 cleats on before, but I only need two, for which I have stainlesss steel fixings ready. Mast is about 5" square section.

The question is, how best to deal with the one and a half inch rusty holes that are left in the otherwise pristine mast?

 

[sailorman]

Counter bore with a 1/2" bit insert a corresponding sized pellet of same wood as the mast

 

[Tranona]

Assume you are talking about 1 1/2" depth. Is the mast solid?. If so suggest you bore 6mm holes and insert a dowel soaked in epoxy in each one, then counterbore the rest of the hole to take a 9mm plug cut from a matching timber, also set in epoxy. That might get rid of the staining, but if it is over a wider surface area, clean with Oxalic acid to bring the colour back. This would work with a hollow mast also, but if the old screws have gone right the way through there is a chance that damp has got in and worth making sure it is completely dry before using epoxy.

 

[Romeo]

Yup, solid mast. Not too bothered by the staining. My main concern is the potential weakness and opportunity for rot to set in.

cheers,
R

 

[Tranona]

My suggested method will remove most, if not all of the chewed up fibres and the epoxy will stabilise the rest. Fluted dowels like those used in flat pack furniture will be best. Repair will be stronger than the original wood and no chance of any water getting in.