[carpdad]

Cutting the knots out this way and then buying wood plugs. 2" hole saw? The hole saw also makes plugs but smaller because of the saw kerf thickness. Because the boards are stained you can't smear glue/bondo around it. Also search inlay patch/plug. Can be done by hand with a chisel. If using hole cutting jig, you can use thin screws into the panel joints so you don't mar the panel faces.


For plug backer, search videos on drywall patching on how. Backer wood can be glued and no nail or screw or you don't mar the face.