I stripped the finish off my lockdown bar today. I’d like to use it for my restoration, but it has some character that I would like to cover up. The small scratches are easy enough to fix. I’m needing help with the cigarette burns and the deep gouges in the ends. I’m thinking about wood filler for the gouges, but would like other suggestions. I have no idea how to get rid of the cigarette burns. Can someone help?

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I was considering this stuff to fill the gouges. What do you think?

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What do you recommend?

Well I tried my filler and although it is easy to work with it was a failure due to the color. It was a different brown than the wood.

I elected to start hand sanding the top to see if I can get rid of the scratches and the burn marks. So far the scratches are gone and some of the burns have faded although they are still there. I’m encouraged and will break out the electric sander tomorrow. The benefit of the hand sanding was that I was able to collect some of the sanding dust. I’ll use it when trying the epoxy method mentioned above.

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What type/ brand epoxy should I use?

I decided to continue sanding until all the burn marks and gouges were gone. I broke out my electric sander with 60 grit and went at it. I’m happy to say I was able to get out all the marks and gouges. Unfortunately I also exposed some voids from termite damage. I had the machine fumigated before bringing it home, but that doesn’t change the damage from those little buggers. Although the sanding was intended to eliminate the need for filler it looks like I’ll be headed in that direction anyway. I’m thinking of the epoxy and saw dust method or using fiberglass resin and saw dust. Does anyone know if the fiberglass resin will work as well as the epoxy?
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Unfortunately this comes a couple of hours too late. I filled the holes with resin and saw dust during lunch today. If I can’t live with it I’ll have one made or post in the forum for one. I need to get new rails made so I can have this done at the same time.