Well, actually a series of gouges. The top of my wife's mother's
buffet cabinet was gouged during a move many years ago. Parts are
very deep. I have hesitated trying to fix this over the years because
it is out of my league. I have asked in the past if I could refinish
the entire dining room set as it is showing signs of wear and tear
over the years and she finally caved in over Thanksgiving and actually
asked if I would give it a shot.
The set is from about 1940 and is mahogany. This will be the first
big refinishing project I have ever done. I am partially excited
about it because the varnish is cracking and wearing off, mainly on
the tops and the backs of the chairs.
The biggest thing I have to deal with is that gouge. It is about six-
inches long and about 1/2" or so wide. How do I tackle that? Do I
fill it up with filler and then top it off with a shellac stick or
something? The good thing about this problem is that it is near the
back of the cabinet top and not on the front but, still, it is on the
top. I am a little scared to fill it only with putty as I have not
had much success with it as I can't seem to "hide" it even in small
areas, let alone a large one like this.
Also, anything else I should be on the look out for as I attempt to
refinish this? Any gotchas that I need to look out for?
Thanks!
On Mon, 29 Nov 2010 14:49:20 -0800 (PST), busbus <[email protected]>
wrote:
>On Nov 29, 11:34 am, Larry Jaques <[email protected]>
>wrote:
>>
>> How deep is it?
>> How many fibers did it tear out?
>> Is it a scrape (to be filled or replaced)?
>> Or just a depression (which might be steamed out)?
>> etc.
>>
>> A picture is worth 1,000 words, so find a way to put one online for
>> us.
>>
>
>Oh, it is deep! You said it: something must've fallen then shifted to
>one side or the other and tore up a nice long piece.
Bummer.
>I was afraid the best answer would be to rout the spot out and put a
>new piece of wood in it. If I need to do this, then I think a LOT of
>playing around is going to be called for because I ain't never done
>that before and this piece of furniture holds sentimental value for my
>wife.
Would she agree to allow you to do an inlaid pattern there? I would
both spice up the cabinet and cover the gouge. Drop by the library
and pick up some marquetry and intarsia books for the two of you to
peruse. Maybe she'll spot something she likes that you could do
fairly easily. http://fwd4.me/qNq Nice and subtle.
http://treefrogfurniture.blogspot.com/2008/02/inlays-for-your-arts-and-crafts.html
Lang's book are great, too. Ellis inlays are out-of-this-world nice.
If you find _Greene and Greene: Masterworks_ at the library, check it
out for the sideboard inlay on page 38. It's ta live for! Darrell
Peart has made a similar piece of art here: http://fwd4.me/qNy
>Here is another stupid question: is the type of mahogany used to build
>this thing 70 or so years ago the same as what is used now? I guess I
>am asking if it will match up...I guess that is a stupid question.
If it's Cuban mahog, no way. If it's Honduran, maybe, but the price
will empty your bladder at first peek.
>I was just hoping for an easier answer! Thanks...I will let you guys
>know what happens. I think I am going to keep this piece until
>last!!!!!!!!
Yes, please get shots and keep us informed.
--
Happiness comes of the capacity to feel deeply, to enjoy
simply, to think freely, to risk life, to be needed.
-- Storm Jameson
I'd look around back of he piece and see if there is like wood
that isn't shown. It would be wood of the same vintage and life.
Life - I mean the month it sat on a porch or in a store window -
stress and such.
One would carve out the nasty gouge and make an inlay from the
wood in the back.
The worst it could be is off color. So one could make a nice looking
bow tie or like work. e.g. make it art.
Maybe an easier way is cutting out diamonds - straight lines down the
line and filling them with wood out of the back.
Or something like that out of contrasting wood to make a design.
Martin
On 11/29/2010 4:49 PM, busbus wrote:
> On Nov 29, 11:34 am, Larry Jaques<[email protected]>
> wrote:
>>
>> How deep is it?
>> How many fibers did it tear out?
>> Is it a scrape (to be filled or replaced)?
>> Or just a depression (which might be steamed out)?
>> etc.
>>
>> A picture is worth 1,000 words, so find a way to put one online for
>> us.
>>
>
> Oh, it is deep! You said it: something must've fallen then shifted to
> one side or the other and tore up a nice long piece.
>
> I was afraid the best answer would be to rout the spot out and put a
> new piece of wood in it. If I need to do this, then I think a LOT of
> playing around is going to be called for because I ain't never done
> that before and this piece of furniture holds sentimental value for my
> wife.
>
> Here is another stupid question: is the type of mahogany used to build
> this thing 70 or so years ago the same as what is used now? I guess I
> am asking if it will match up...I guess that is a stupid question.
>
> I was just hoping for an easier answer! Thanks...I will let you guys
> know what happens. I think I am going to keep this piece until
> last!!!!!!!!
>
>
> busbus
On Nov 29, 10:44=A0am, "dadiOH" <[email protected]> wrote:
> An even easier way is to use the router and a template to both even up th=
e
> gouge and make the male part but you need to understand how to offset the
> cuts so they fit. =A0If the male portion winds up a bit snug you can squi=
sh it
> in a vice; it will swell when you glue it in.
Soak the block for the dutchmen in water, then clamp hard
and wait for it to dry. Cut the dutchmen, then install.
Same as with biscuits, the water from the glue will make
them swell back up tight.
On Nov 29, 10:44=A0am, "dadiOH" <[email protected]> wrote:
> busbus wrote:
> > Well, actually a series of gouges. =A0The top of my wife's mother's
> > buffet cabinet was gouged during a move many years ago. =A0Parts are
> > very deep. =A0I have hesitated trying to fix this over the years becaus=
e
> > it is out of my league. =A0I have asked in the past if I could refinish
> > the entire dining room set as it is showing signs of wear and tear
> > over the years and she finally caved in over Thanksgiving and actually
> > asked if I would give it a shot.
>
> > The set is from about 1940 and is mahogany. =A0This will be the first
> > big refinishing project I have ever done. =A0I am partially excited
> > about it because the varnish is cracking and wearing off, mainly on
> > the tops and the backs of the chairs.
>
> > The biggest thing I have to deal with is that gouge. =A0It is about six=
-
> > inches long and about 1/2" or so wide. =A0How do I tackle that?
>
> Best would be a dutchman -
You said it, buster.... we exclusively use snadabel materials [sic]
busbus wrote:
> Well, actually a series of gouges. The top of my wife's mother's
> buffet cabinet was gouged during a move many years ago. Parts are
> very deep. I have hesitated trying to fix this over the years because
> it is out of my league. I have asked in the past if I could refinish
> the entire dining room set as it is showing signs of wear and tear
> over the years and she finally caved in over Thanksgiving and actually
> asked if I would give it a shot.
>
> The set is from about 1940 and is mahogany. This will be the first
> big refinishing project I have ever done. I am partially excited
> about it because the varnish is cracking and wearing off, mainly on
> the tops and the backs of the chairs.
>
> The biggest thing I have to deal with is that gouge. It is about six-
> inches long and about 1/2" or so wide. How do I tackle that?
Best would be a dutchman - another piece of mahogany. Even up the gouge so
it is of a uniform width and depth; any easy way to do that is with a router
and straight bit. Make the depth at least 1/4".
Make a new piece the same dimensions but *slightly* thicker than the gouge
depth and *slightly *wider than the gouge width. Now taper the side(s) of
the dutchman slightly so that the bottom is an easy fit into the gouge. Glue
in and clamp firmly. After the glue is dry (wait several days),
plane/scrape/sand the dutchman flush.
An even easier way is to use the router and a template to both even up the
gouge and make the male part but you need to understand how to offset the
cuts so they fit. If the male portion winds up a bit snug you can squish it
in a vice; it will swell when you glue it in.
It will be less noticeable if you taper the ends of the gouge and dutchman
so that they aren't 90 degrees to the sides.
--
dadiOH
____________________________
dadiOH's dandies v3.06...
...a help file of info about MP3s, recording from
LP/cassette and tips & tricks on this and that.
Get it at http://mysite.verizon.net/xico
On Nov 29, 11:34=A0am, Larry Jaques <[email protected]>
wrote:
>
> How deep is it?
> How many fibers did it tear out?
> Is it a scrape (to be filled or replaced)?
> Or just a depression (which might be steamed out)?
> =A0etc. =A0
>
> A picture is worth 1,000 words, so find a way to put one online for
> us.
>
Oh, it is deep! You said it: something must've fallen then shifted to
one side or the other and tore up a nice long piece.
I was afraid the best answer would be to rout the spot out and put a
new piece of wood in it. If I need to do this, then I think a LOT of
playing around is going to be called for because I ain't never done
that before and this piece of furniture holds sentimental value for my
wife.
Here is another stupid question: is the type of mahogany used to build
this thing 70 or so years ago the same as what is used now? I guess I
am asking if it will match up...I guess that is a stupid question.
I was just hoping for an easier answer! Thanks...I will let you guys
know what happens. I think I am going to keep this piece until
last!!!!!!!!
busbus
On 11/29/2010 4:49 PM, busbus wrote:
> On Nov 29, 11:34 am, Larry Jaques<[email protected]>
> wrote:
>>
>> How deep is it?
>> How many fibers did it tear out?
>> Is it a scrape (to be filled or replaced)?
>> Or just a depression (which might be steamed out)?
>> etc.
>>
>> A picture is worth 1,000 words, so find a way to put one online for
>> us.
>>
>
> Oh, it is deep! You said it: something must've fallen then shifted to
> one side or the other and tore up a nice long piece.
>
> I was afraid the best answer would be to rout the spot out and put a
> new piece of wood in it. If I need to do this, then I think a LOT of
> playing around is going to be called for because I ain't never done
> that before and this piece of furniture holds sentimental value for my
> wife.
>
> Here is another stupid question: is the type of mahogany used to build
> this thing 70 or so years ago the same as what is used now? I guess I
> am asking if it will match up...I guess that is a stupid question.
>
> I was just hoping for an easier answer! Thanks...I will let you guys
> know what happens. I think I am going to keep this piece until
> last!!!!!!!!
>
>
> busbus
How about a new layer of veneer or possibly a thicker wood to
resurface the entire top. Whats to stop you from putting on a new 3/4
inch layer with a decorative edge molding all around the new top to
blend in with the original? Maybe you could cut out the center of the
old top leaving a 2 or 3 inch frame around the outside then drop a
new top into the center looking like this table top.
http://www.coscoproducts.com/eng/CoscoProductsFiles/ProductImages//800_800_2695_4649.png
LdB
Is this a depression or a ripped out rough?
For a depression you could try the wet cloth and a steam iron to re-raise
the wood fibers.
after removing the finish get some wood filler that is snadabel and
stainable. Sand it off with the wood and then stain and finish it. You will
always see it but it gets quite hard to see when it is done from "scratch"
(Pun intended)
"busbus" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
Well, actually a series of gouges. The top of my wife's mother's
buffet cabinet was gouged during a move many years ago. Parts are
very deep. I have hesitated trying to fix this over the years because
it is out of my league. I have asked in the past if I could refinish
the entire dining room set as it is showing signs of wear and tear
over the years and she finally caved in over Thanksgiving and actually
asked if I would give it a shot.
The set is from about 1940 and is mahogany. This will be the first
big refinishing project I have ever done. I am partially excited
about it because the varnish is cracking and wearing off, mainly on
the tops and the backs of the chairs.
The biggest thing I have to deal with is that gouge. It is about six-
inches long and about 1/2" or so wide. How do I tackle that? Do I
fill it up with filler and then top it off with a shellac stick or
something? The good thing about this problem is that it is near the
back of the cabinet top and not on the front but, still, it is on the
top. I am a little scared to fill it only with putty as I have not
had much success with it as I can't seem to "hide" it even in small
areas, let alone a large one like this.
Also, anything else I should be on the look out for as I attempt to
refinish this? Any gotchas that I need to look out for?
Thanks!
"busbus" <[email protected]> wrote in message ...
> Well, actually a series of gouges. The top of my wife's mother's
> buffet cabinet was gouged during a move many years ago. Parts are
> very deep.
Cover it with Formica. Comes in nice colors to suite any décor!
Is this a depression or a ripped out rough?
For a depression you could try the wet cloth and a steam iron to re-raise
the wood fibers.
after removing the finish get some wood filler that is snadabel and
stainable. Sand it off with the wood and then stain and finish it. You will
always see it but it gets quite hard to see when it is done from "scratch"
(Pun intended)
"busbus" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:[email protected]...
Well, actually a series of gouges. The top of my wife's mother's
buffet cabinet was gouged during a move many years ago. Parts are
very deep. I have hesitated trying to fix this over the years because
it is out of my league. I have asked in the past if I could refinish
the entire dining room set as it is showing signs of wear and tear
over the years and she finally caved in over Thanksgiving and actually
asked if I would give it a shot.
The set is from about 1940 and is mahogany. This will be the first
big refinishing project I have ever done. I am partially excited
about it because the varnish is cracking and wearing off, mainly on
the tops and the backs of the chairs.
The biggest thing I have to deal with is that gouge. It is about six-
inches long and about 1/2" or so wide. How do I tackle that? Do I
fill it up with filler and then top it off with a shellac stick or
something? The good thing about this problem is that it is near the
back of the cabinet top and not on the front but, still, it is on the
top. I am a little scared to fill it only with putty as I have not
had much success with it as I can't seem to "hide" it even in small
areas, let alone a large one like this.
Also, anything else I should be on the look out for as I attempt to
refinish this? Any gotchas that I need to look out for?
Thanks!
The steam technique only works if all the wood material is still there and
you may have left it too long to work properly.
I used some wood filler on my oak staircase before sealing, sanding,
staining and urethane and they are hardly noticable. It was a special filler
that would take stain properly according to the brag on the squeeze tube.
"busbus" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:ba088756-b57e-4aae-b631-d766a5119836@j29g2000yqm.googlegroups.com...
Hello, Josepi,
This is ripped out rough. It is a lot worse than a depression. The
finish is all gone in that area and you can see the smashed wood
fibers, if you know what I mean.
busbus
On Nov 29, 10:25 am, "Josepi" <[email protected]> wrote:
> Is this a depression or a ripped out rough?
>
> For a depression you could try the wet cloth and a steam iron to re-raise
> the wood fibers.
>
> after removing the finish get some wood filler that is snadabel and
> stainable. Sand it off with the wood and then stain and finish it. You
> will
> always see it but it gets quite hard to see when it is done from "scratch"
> (Pun intended)
>
Hello, Josepi,
This is ripped out rough. It is a lot worse than a depression. The
finish is all gone in that area and you can see the smashed wood
fibers, if you know what I mean.
busbus
On Nov 29, 10:25=A0am, "Josepi" <[email protected]> wrote:
> Is this a depression or a ripped out rough?
>
> For a depression you could try the wet cloth and a steam iron to re-raise
> the wood fibers.
>
> after removing the finish get some wood filler that is snadabel and
> stainable. Sand it off with the wood and then stain and finish it. You wi=
ll
> always see it but it gets quite hard to see when it is done from "scratch=
"
> (Pun intended)
>
On Nov 29, 8:07=A0am, busbus <[email protected]> wrote:
> Well, actually a series of gouges. =A0The top of my wife's mother's
> buffet cabinet was gouged during a move many years ago. =A0Parts are
> very deep. =A0I have hesitated trying to fix this over the years because
> it is out of my league. =A0I have asked in the past if I could refinish
> the entire dining room set as it is showing signs of wear and tear
> over the years and she finally caved in over Thanksgiving and actually
> asked if I would give it a shot.
>
> The set is from about 1940 and is mahogany. =A0This will be the first
> big refinishing project I have ever done. =A0I am partially excited
> about it because the varnish is cracking and wearing off, mainly on
> the tops and the backs of the chairs.
>
> The biggest thing I have to deal with is that gouge. =A0It is about six-
> inches long and about 1/2" or so wide. =A0How do I tackle that? =A0Do I
> fill it up with filler and then top it off with a shellac stick or
> something? =A0The good thing about this problem is that it is near the
> back of the cabinet top and not on the front but, still, it is on the
> top. =A0I am a little scared to fill it only with putty as I have not
> had much success with it as I can't seem to "hide" it even in small
> areas, let alone a large one like this.
>
> Also, anything else I should be on the look out for as I attempt to
> refinish this? =A0Any gotchas that I need to look out for?
>
> Thanks!
This thing is slick for making a dutchman:
http://preview.tinyurl.com/23m3e7x
"busbus" <[email protected]> wrote in message
news:52a61868-774c-4f88-90aa-918da6092d9f@d24g2000prj.googlegroups.com...
Oh, it is deep! You said it: something must've fallen then shifted to
one side or the other and tore up a nice long piece.
I was afraid the best answer would be to rout the spot out and put a
new piece of wood in it. If I need to do this, then I think a LOT of
playing around is going to be called for because I ain't never done
that before and this piece of furniture holds sentimental value for my
wife.
Here is another stupid question: is the type of mahogany used to build
this thing 70 or so years ago the same as what is used now? I guess I
am asking if it will match up...I guess that is a stupid question.
I was just hoping for an easier answer! Thanks...I will let you guys
know what happens. I think I am going to keep this piece until
last!!!!!!!!
--------------
The usual way is to find somewhere on the piece of furniture which
will be invisible when you remove a piece of the original wood to use
for the repair. Inside? A drawer back?
Art
On Mon, 29 Nov 2010 08:40:51 -0800 (PST), Robatoy
<[email protected]> wrote:
>This thing is slick for making a dutchman:
>http://preview.tinyurl.com/23m3e7x
@#$%^%& previews...
Hey, he never said the gouge was 3-leaf clover shaped.
--
Happiness comes of the capacity to feel deeply, to enjoy
simply, to think freely, to risk life, to be needed.
-- Storm Jameson
On Mon, 29 Nov 2010 05:07:38 -0800 (PST), busbus <[email protected]>
wrote:
>Well, actually a series of gouges. The top of my wife's mother's
>buffet cabinet was gouged during a move many years ago. Parts are
>very deep. I have hesitated trying to fix this over the years because
>it is out of my league. I have asked in the past if I could refinish
>the entire dining room set as it is showing signs of wear and tear
>over the years and she finally caved in over Thanksgiving and actually
>asked if I would give it a shot.
>
>The set is from about 1940 and is mahogany. This will be the first
>big refinishing project I have ever done. I am partially excited
>about it because the varnish is cracking and wearing off, mainly on
>the tops and the backs of the chairs.
>
>The biggest thing I have to deal with is that gouge. It is about six-
>inches long and about 1/2" or so wide. How do I tackle that? Do I
>fill it up with filler and then top it off with a shellac stick or
>something? The good thing about this problem is that it is near the
>back of the cabinet top and not on the front but, still, it is on the
>top. I am a little scared to fill it only with putty as I have not
>had much success with it as I can't seem to "hide" it even in small
>areas, let alone a large one like this.
>Also, anything else I should be on the look out for as I attempt to
>refinish this? Any gotchas that I need to look out for?
How deep is it?
How many fibers did it tear out?
Is it a scrape (to be filled or replaced)?
Or just a depression (which might be steamed out)?
etc.
A picture is worth 1,000 words, so find a way to put one online for
us.
--
Happiness comes of the capacity to feel deeply, to enjoy
simply, to think freely, to risk life, to be needed.
-- Storm Jameson