The Story of the Fix

While carving with TC in Oregon, we noticed that Bonnie's upper right arm was developing a split in the back where the grain runs crosswise in the joint. In keeping with her preciousness and value, we decided that the only way to effect a mend would be to use a solid gold peg. Given her love of pearls and diamonds, it was a cinch to convince Bonnie to let us drill out and peg her arm with 18k gold. Here is the story of the fix, with full photo credits to the patient and long suffering Charles Vollum.

Showing the area of the split

Carving a small indentation with a gouge to make sure the drill bit doesn't go crooked.

Rounding the end of the gold pin.

Drilling the hole.

Applying glue to the peg.

Applying a little more glue to the peg.

Checking the angle of the drilled hole.

Hooray! The angle is correct!

Placing the peg in the drilled hole--a perfect fit!

Bonnie holds the arm while waiting for it to dry.

Clipping off the excess gold.

The peg in place.

Filing off the excess peg.

Polishing the end of the peg.

Cleaning off the buffing compound residue.

This is why I hate buffing compound, even though it's sometimes necessary.

Shiny and bright!! And just look at the beautiful grain in this doll. Live oak is its' own beauty and torture...

Bluebonnet, rising from the chips!