No repairs, box elder is a dream to turn, even with all the wacky grain directions and bark filled voids. As Jimmy Clewes taught me, lots of speed and sharp tools. I generally rough them out wet and leave them in a box of the damp shavings for a month or so, and them finish up. They are still not dry, but I enjoy the movement that ahppens after its finished. Some go ovoid, others a bit leathery where the pips are and I just enjoy working with it. As said before we dont have much timber to work with out here on the flats, but there is a lot of this aound and its reaching the end of its life, so waste not , want not! Hoping to post another one here soon, not as dramatic but nice color.Thx to all commenters.