Replies

1. 
   Curtis | May 31, 2005 12:07pm | #1

   Hello the big question is do you want to keep it as an antique, or rebuild it for everyday use?

   As for keeping the antique value , Ide try colored waxes.  they make a nice red mahogany wax.

   other wise, how about trying some powered dyes? I like the alcohol kind, it drys quickly and doesn't raise the grain as much as the water stuff dose. I've found with a little play, I can get a pretty good match .

    

   Good luck on this project, How about showing some pictures of the project once you are finnished?

   C.A.G.
1. 
   MarkRD | May 31, 2005 03:44pm | #3

   Curtis,
   I'll post pics.As for the "antique" value - it really has little or none.It is currently completly disassembled in the shop - every joint (and I mean every joint) was lose. It was assembled with dowel pins (the kind with the grove spiral cut in them) so I know it's not that old. I said 75 years in a previous post but now I rethinking my estimate to more like 40 years old.The glue was brittle and scrapes off. I'm tempted to replace the joints with floating mortises since all the dowel pin holes are crusted over with the old glue. I could also use urethane glue (gorilla) but the squeeze out makes for a lot of clean-up - and I don't want to mess with the finish on the apron boards. (the legs were pretty beat but the aprons and top are fine).Mark
   

   Measure it with a micrometer, mark it with chalk, cut it with an ax.

   View Image

2. 
   Gretchen | May 31, 2005 02:52pm | #2

   I have had good luck using Deft stain for the color I am imagining you have. I used it like paint. 

   Gretchen
1. 
   MarkRD | May 31, 2005 03:45pm | #4

   No I've never used Deft. My dad used it a lot years ago for his trophy business though.I look into it.
   Mark

   Measure it with a micrometer, mark it with chalk, cut it with an ax.

   View Image

3. 
   notDusty | May 31, 2005 05:12pm | #5

                      Hi Mark ,

                                  The original finish may have been shaded or a stain sprayed on almost like a paint coat , since it is not a transparent finish . since you have it apart , have you considered stripping the entire piece ? You would then be able to re stain all parts and more likely to attain an even color . As far as the re glue goes , scrape and remove as much of the old glue as possible , and if a bit still remains I would use Urea Resin powdered glue , it seems to work the best with old glues . IMO re working the dowel joints and changing the original plan is not called for . You can remove and replace the old dowels with new ones if needed , when re glued the piece will last many years. Masking the Leather top off will preserve the leather and any Gold leafing that may be present .

                       good       luck                  dusty