Filling Holes

[onemanband]

Hi,
I am looking to fill two screw holes in a solid mahogony body left after removal of two strap buttons.
I have a piece of sapele (almost a colour match) and I presume the the method would be to make small plugs (toothpick sytle) and glue these in.
Is this the correct method and if so, what is the best way of sealing/finishing the job?
All advice greatly appreciated.
Cheers.........Brian

[Rob Mercure]

One problem is that the sapele (not a mahogany in my book) plug will present end grain and I suspect that the grain where the hole is represents side or "mixed" grain. And have you test stained a piece of the sapele to determine what it looks afterward? If you can split a bit of the sapele - or a different wood if it doesn't stain match well - then make a punch or drill out of a piece of brass tubing (I believe there is a proceedure on the frets.org site) or an old hollow engine push rod (better for a punch) and carefully open up the hole with a drill to match plug size. Then you can match the grain more closely. The "toothpick plug" technique works well where you don't mind the plug showing but the end grain is going to absorb more stain than side grain and be harder to make invisible is that's your goal.

Rob

[onemanband]

Thanks for the response Rob.
I've now discovered that the body is actually sapele so my fill plugs should match well. I appreciate your advice however, with my limited woodworking skill, I'm reluctant to enlarge what are only tiny holes; I shall go for the "toothpick" remedy and live with the slight blemish.
Cheers..........Brian.