Restoring a Damaged Table Edge

The top is subject to more general wear and tear than other areas of a table, especially if they are used for meals or children draw at them. Scratches, dents, and stains are commonplace, and other problems can frequently occur with table tops warping, , splitting, and damaged decorative edges. Fretwork galleries are particularly vulnerable. By using the correct restoration techniques, however, it is possible to make good all of these defects and to bring a damaged top back to the condition it was in when the table was made.

This Cuban mahogany Georgian tripod table is missing a section of it's decorative edge. A new piece of wood needs to be cut, glued in place, and shaped to fit before being stained and polished to match the table top. This technique can be used on all oiled edges, including pie-crust tops.

If I win this contest, I plan to give my dad the tools, because he has taught me everything I know about woodworking, and is in need of new tools, but cannot afford them, due to us struggling financially. But if he had these new tools, then he would be able to work again, and be able to provide for me and my family. Please make sure to vote, like, and comment to let me know what you think! Best of wishes,
Gregorio626

Materials and Equipment:

• Screwdriver
• Same wood as the table top being worked on
• Jigsaw(saber saw)
• Tenon saw
• Chisel
• PVA(white) glue
• Spring clip
• Plane
• Carving tool
• Spokes have
• Fine-grade sandpaper
• Brush
• Stain
• Polish

Step 1: Step 1: Cutting a Replacement Piece

Step 1:

Remove the table top from the frame, undoing all the screws. Turn the table top upside down and lay it on a protected surface. Put a piece of mahogany, slightly thickener than the decorative edging, underneath the top, and draw around the edge with a pencil. Slide the mahogany farther out, by an amount slightly greater than the width of the decorative edging, and draw another curved line.

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Step 2: Step 2: Removing the Damaged Edge

Step 2:

Cut the mahogany along the pencil lines using a jigsaw(saber saw), then turn the table top right side up again. Cut through the damaged edging on either side of the missing area with a tenon saw.

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Step 3: Step 3: Removing the Damaged Edge(Cont.)

Step 3:

Remove the damaged wood underneath the missing edge with a chisel. Continue working until you have a flat, level surface.

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Step 4: Step 4: Glue the New Piece In

Step 4:

Check that the piece of mahogany fits in the allotted space. Apply PVA(white) glue and secure it with a spring clip. Leave to dry, then remove the spring clip.

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Step 5: Step 5: Planing the New Wood

Step 5:

Plane the mahogany down until it is level with the rest of the edging. Make small strokes to avoid damaging the table top.

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Step 6: Step 6: Shaping the New Edge

Step 6:

The inner ledge on the table must be shaped with a suitable carving tool. Again, avoid damaging the polished mahogany.

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Step 7: Step 7: Shaping With the Spokeshave

Step 7:

Use a Spokeshave to shape the curve along the edge of the top. It is easier to obtain a more delicate shape with a Spokeshave than a plane.

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Step 8: Step 8: Sanding

Step 8:

Smooth the top of the restored area with a fine-grade sandpaper. Fold a small piece of the sandpaper in half and hold it with your thumb and forefinger for accuracy.

Note: Please make sure to like/comment and let me know what you think.

Step 9: Step 9: Your Finished!

Once the detailed shape of the edging has been formed with sandpaper, stain and polish the repaired edging so that it is invisible.

If I win this contest, I plan to give my dad the tools, because he has taught me everything I know about woodworking, and is in need of new tools, but cannot afford them, due to us struggling financially. But if he had these new tools, then he would be able to work again, and be able to provide for me and my family. Please make sure to vote, like, and comment to let me know what you think! Best of wishes,

Gregorio626