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I made a wood filler using wood glue and sawdust to fill some stripped out holes in a shelf. The holes are maybe 3/8" x 1" deep so there was a fair amount to fill. Now it is a full 24 hours later and the filler is still not hard. I tried drilling a couple very small pilot holes and the bit came out with a soft malleable putty surrounding it.

I'm thinking that perhaps the pilot hole will help it dry since now the interior is exposed to air but I've never had this experience before. Is it normal for a deep hole filled in this manner to take so long to dry? How long should I expect wait?

You Old Fool
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1 Answers1

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If you read the directions on most wood glues, they'll tell you apply liberally and then tightly clamp the parts together so the glue oozes out. Puddles or densely pack glue will take a long time to harden, no air can get to it and it can't be absorbed by the surfaces. You'd be better off stuffing the hole with some glue covered toothpicks or using a 3/8" x 1" dowel pin and glueing it in place. It could take days to completely harden.

JACK
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