Filling Cracks in English Yew

[RonHilditch]

Hi,
I am looking for some advice as how to fill in cracks in Yew. I have been asked to make a dining room table from Yew the client has provided. It contains many cracks from checking during kiln drying.
The client likes the cracks so I would like to know a good way to proceed whereby the cracks are filled but still visible. There is even a hale some 30 x 50 mm which needs to be filled.
I plan to finish the table with polyurethane. So one option maybe just to let the poly run into and fill the cracks?
I look forward to hearing from you.
The finished table will be 2240 x 910 mm.
Best regards
Ron

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

I've always found that the more you try to disguise shakes like that....the more they look awful....so I now make a feature of them by filling initially with a two part epoxy to fill the bulk, then finish with a black finish sanded flush with the surface.

 

[Steve Maskery]

+1 for the epoxy route.
I've just done the same on a little shaker nightstand (pippy oak) and a Mission coffee table of the same. It's not polished up yet but it looks great so far. I've seen the finished technique in some of Pete Maddex's work and it works great.
You can colour the epoxy with any pigment (but not a dye). So I've used coal dust and instant coffee. You can also get metallic dust from hobby shops to give a gold or copper effect. Just don't use anything liquid that could affect the chemistry of the curing.
S
PS Shop around for the epoxy. Araldite £6.99, Epoxy 151 £1 a pop, for the same amount.

 

[Random Orbital Bob]

Ive never used it on fine furniture but I wonder if Gripfill would work as the bulk filler?

 

[CHJ]

For small cracks and knots I use thin Cynoacrylate and dried coffee grounds, built up in layers if a cavity more than say 1cc.

50% of large knot at top is filler in this view.

For larger fissures Zpoxy 30min epoxy and dried coffee grounds.

I go for darker contrast rather than risking a poor match.

 

[Dangermouse]

Go for high contrast or glitter or bright colour epoxy filler or maybe just clear so you can see the wood so to speak.

 

[Phil Pascoe]

Ive never used it on fine furniture but I wonder if Gripfill would work as the bulk filler?

I suppose it would if it were bone dry - but that would take an age, and also if you then use anything translucent over the top, the horrible colour shows through. DAMHIKT.