Bung & Varnish Question

[todd gustafson]

I have a few simple questions.......... we are just about to start the varnishing campaign on all the teak and new mahogany coamings, companion way trim, dorade box, etc. and was wondering two things.

1. With new milled pieces is it wise to cut bungs holes first before varnishing or wait till installation?

2. What is the typical drill bit size and bung size that should be used? I realize the bungs are tapered for a snug fit .....so i might have answered my own question.

3. What is used to fill areas where bung hole has been damaged?

Thanks
Todd

[Hirilondë]

1. With new milled pieces is it wise to cut bungs holes first before varnishing or wait till installation?

If you mean you are varnishing before installation then I would wait. Getting varnish into the holes, then having it dry before installing the bungs could cause issues. Keep in mind that in doing this that the bungs now have less varnish than the rest of the piece when you do the after installation varnishing.

2. What is the typical drill bit size and bung size that should be used? I realize the bungs are tapered for a snug fit .....so i might have answered my own question.

Actually, only the very end is tapered to help get it into the hole and started. Kind of like a chamfered end. I use a set of bits from Fuller that drill the clearance hole and the countersink at the same time. The set includes the bits to make the bungs as well. For #6 and #8 screws the bung is 3/8" and for #10, #12 and #14 it is 1/2".

3. What is used to fill areas where bung hole has been damaged?

There is no good answer for that. You might consider drilling a larger bung hole that would remove the damaged surface, but this is not always practical. You could also do a let in repair called a dutchman and then drill a new hole. If the damage is very small then a tinted epoxy filler might not be very visible. Being a snooty woodworker I don't like this method, but it is certainly simple and easy.