matthew-s Posted January 21, 2015 Report Share Posted January 21, 2015 I've got a project in birch that has some end grain showing. Some of it includes the pith, which is a brown color. There is also a small section of long grain pith that popped though the show surface in one area. Will I have any chance of reducing the contrast? If so, what product or process would you recommend I research? It's not a huge issue if I have to leave it. But figured I'd see if this is an option. Thanks. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AceHoleInOne Posted January 21, 2015 Report Share Posted January 21, 2015 Typically it's not a good idea to use a board with pith running through it. They will eventually crack along the pith line. Do you have a picture you can post. -Ace- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TerryMcK Posted January 21, 2015 Report Share Posted January 21, 2015 If you have enough stock to rip the pith out and glue the good parts of the board together I too think it will prolong its longevity. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matthew-s Posted January 21, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 21, 2015 Uh . . . No and No. The table is already built. I guess I now have a science experiment in my hands. I'll keep moving forward as is. That aside, is bleaching an option, of should I just leave it as is? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric. Posted January 21, 2015 Report Share Posted January 21, 2015 Are you sure what you're calling pith isn't actually just heartwood? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AceHoleInOne Posted January 21, 2015 Report Share Posted January 21, 2015 As to the bleaching...that depends on your finish schedule. Stain/dye/natural? The reason is the bleach can take your surounding wood very light causing you another issue unless your very careful. You plan to bleach the entire project? -Ace- Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matthew-s Posted January 21, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 21, 2015 Are you sure what you're calling pith isn't actually just heartwood? Oh! I think I have heartwood, not pith. At least in most cases. Was not planning on bleaching the whole thing, just spot areas. Would photos help? Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wdwerker Posted January 21, 2015 Report Share Posted January 21, 2015 Photos always help! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matthew-s Posted January 22, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 22, 2015 Here are photos from my not so well lit shop. End grain on 1/2 lap which has heartwood Some heartwood peeking through this rail The whole table as it stands now Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
..Kev Posted January 22, 2015 Report Share Posted January 22, 2015 Pics didn't make it in.. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matthew-s Posted January 22, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 22, 2015 Hmmm. Trying again Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eric. Posted January 22, 2015 Report Share Posted January 22, 2015 Leave it alone. Let the wood be the wood. It looks fine. Next time use clear boards if that's the look you're going for. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AceHoleInOne Posted January 22, 2015 Report Share Posted January 22, 2015 Your talking about the light spots? That is sapwood. Well, you can dye it get it close to the darker heart wood. Wont be perfect but will soften it up some. Then play with some stains and go a littler darker for the center panel for contrast. If this were me and it wasn't glued up? Suck it up as a learning experience and get some better boards. You will be glad you did. Or as Sir Eric suggested. Call it done and move on. -Ace- Have you decided on a fix for the leg chip? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
matthew-s Posted January 22, 2015 Author Report Share Posted January 22, 2015 I was referring to the dark spots. I'll leave it. It does not bother me, but if there was a simple way to touch it up I would have. I have not addressed the chip. I'm working around it for now. I have the off cuts from the legs still. I will try to get a veneer off with a dovetail saw. If I think it will work I'll go for it. I'm still pissed at myself. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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