I used this product in making brackets from reclaimed wood on aged hard oak. I made the plugs from a rough finish that had the original S-axe markings plus some splits from 200 years of service. The corks took some time as the old rough wood wanted to splinter. Eventually, I realized I needed to make deeper cuts. Soft wood is much easier to work with. As a result, the candles turned out to be excellent. Only I know where the traffic jams are. I am very satisfied with this product.