Screw holes in mahogany

[Vara]

My lovely but old boat has a mahogany interior which over the years has accumulated
loads of screw holes where bits of kit have been taken off.

What would be the best way of filling/hiding these holes.

 

[MrCramp]

You can buy mahogany wood filler from any big DIY store which will be best for doing the job.

 

[tillergirl]

Plugs! Match the colour and line up the grain and they will virtually disappear. Filler will look like filler for ever. Well that's my opinion.....

 

[alahol2]

I use mahogany wood filler but it's usually slightly too light in colour. Go over it with a dark brown crayon (pencil type) then varnish over and you can almost make it disappear.

 

[Poignard]

Another easy to use option is Liberon wax filler sticks web page

 

[Danny Jo]

[ QUOTE ]
Plugs! Match the colour and line up the grain and they will virtually disappear. Filler will look like filler for ever.

[/ QUOTE ] I agree wholeheartedly.

Trouble-free plugging does however require attention to detail. Perhaps the most difficult bit is drilling the work without tearing the wood as the drill gets its first bite. This seems unadvoidable with conventional HSS drills. The best results I have had have been using one of the newer flat bits with little nibs at the outside edges. A further benefit of the flat bit is that you can grind it to an exact size (provided you can find one just a bit larger than your plug). Yes, I know you can't use a flat bit if you've already got a hole, that's why I start by filling the holes with a temporary filler.

I would not attempt to cut plugs without a drill press. Start by cutting your plugs, then grind or file an oversized nibbed flat bit until the hole it makes allows the plug to fit snugly, but not so tightly that you have to bang it in. Drill out all the holes, don latex gloves, spread epoxy resin slightly thickened with light weight filler (it makes sanding off easier) on a card or waste piece of ply, lay the plugs on the epoxy, then get to work pushing them, part way only, into the holes. Have a pair of adjustable grips handy, because you'll never get all the grain lined up first time, twist the plugs to line up the grain, then push them home, always ensuring there's some plug proud of the work. Next day, 120 grit paper on a random orbital sander to bring the plug flush with the work, then varnish or whatever.

 

[gregandginas]

[ QUOTE ]
Plugs! Match the colour and line up the grain and they will virtually disappear. Filler will look like filler for ever. Well that's my opinion.....

[/ QUOTE ]Doesn't need saying for any craftsman.... but let's be clear about how little is involved: get high quality Forstner bits... and plug cutters to match... and it's easy.

For example: item 700330 - Drill & Barrel Plug cutter set 8, 10, 12 & 15mm (8 Pce) at £29.30

See http://www.axminster.co.uk/product-Plug-and-Forstner-Bit-Set-794320.htm

Find yourself some timber to match that on the vessel... and you can easily do a very professional job: just need to be prepared to work with some decent abrasives (up to 400 grit or higher) to get a truly stunning finish.

 

[VicS]

[ QUOTE ]
The best results I have had have been using one of the newer flat bits with little nibs at the outside edges

[/ QUOTE ] These are the type of bit you need. Available in the same common sizes as ordinary twist drills.
As with the flat bits the hole will have to be temporarily filled for the centre spike to run in.

 

[ccscott49]

The bits with the little lips on the side are called "lip and Spur" bits and excellent they are for this job.

But for screw holes, I might nalso be persuaded to the wax sticks and or filler and crayon.

 

[pandos]

Plugs are the way to go.

Just spent my day doing similar repairs to my cockpit seating.

I am a carpenter joiner by trade but have not done this for a few years.

Went to trade shop and bought new type of plug cutter, excellent, no need for a drill press. It has 4 points like a stool so it sits on the wood and cuts immediately so no running around like the old type which needed a drill stand.

Those pointy wood bits " lip and spur" ..., perfect for doweling but no use for your job, they will not center in the existing holes, either use a hss metal bit or a flat wood bit.

No need for temporary filling unless the existing hole is massive.

Be sure to get a plug cutter that is a standard size ie 10 11 12 mm not 12.5 or the like, which will hinder you with the choice of bits/ supplier.

Well worth the trouble, trim off with a very sharp chisel and as said already match the grain and colour and they become almost invisible.

Best of luck.

 

[mikelilly]

Another very good method of filling screw holes find a piece of similar wood and make saw cuts in it. result is mahogany saw dust then mix with wood glue fill hole and sand very strong very cheap.

 

[Vara]

Thanks to all for replies.

Will go the wax route first, as the plug solution is a bit advanced for me, If not satisfactory will GALMI for plugs.