grain on Wenge

[bigbob2]

I'm only a newcomer so this question has probably been done to death but whats the best way to fill in the grain on Wenge, just rub in superglue ,grain filler, spray on lacquer etc?

[T Folts]

It takes alot to fill wenge but can be done, you have to put on and sand off whatever you are going to use several times to fill the grain. I use a clear coat spray kind of heavy and let dry then sand most of it back off and keep repeating until it is filled, it can take a while.

[Bodork]

Yea, wenge takes alot of filler, but it looks awesome when finished! I use tbird lacquer filler brushed on in heavy coats, sand, repeat,repeat,repeat,repeat

[bigbob2]

Just made H.H bow with part Wenge riser and used rub on minwax, gave it heaps of coats, rubbing back with 0000 steel wool but can still see the imperfections in the grain.

[Brandon Stahl]

[bigbob2]

Thanks Brandon Cant import it though as its not cleared for air travel, and sea I would probably die waiting. Maybe available over here though. Know somebody who's a luthier so he may know.I did read somewhere someone used CA or super glue for filling grain Any thoughts?

[pditto613]

CA will work but you have to heap it on and use thick.

[Brandon Stahl]

[Buckeye Guy]

The westsytems epoxy seems to work well for finishing ! it can be thinned !

[bigbob2]

Thanks fellas, I do use smooth-on great stuff.Also agree about Wenge being a real pain to work with. Might just choose different riser material for a bit.On a different note whats the story on posting images on here. How hard is it to use photobucket? On a forum over here I can just upload photos direct after resizing. Did a build along on a lam grinder made from an old non working  makita belt sander and a spa pump motor.Works really great and accurate to +- .001- .002 but the thought of having to go through any complicated procedure to post the effort turns me off posting.

[Buemaker]

I have not tried this myself, but I shall.
I have taken this from: Hide Glue "40 Centuries Old And Still Holding" by Eugene B. Thordahl. I think he knows more about Hide Glue than all of us have forgotten.
The use of hide glue sizes in the finishing of quality furniture surfaces is not commonly known by the public at large. In this process a dilute warm hide glue solution at approximately one pound of glue per gallon of water is applied to the wood surface and let dry. The compression grain is raised and the glue fills the porous exposed wood structure. On sanding, a glass-like surface is obtained, which is stable against moisture changes and which takes a lasting final stain or finish.
I think it is worth trying and there is no health issue with chemicals. Bue--.

[bigbob2]

Sounds a good thing Buemaker. My Dad was a carpenter and as a young child I can remember him boiling up hide glue.I will see if I can source some here.