rodger. Posted December 3, 2020 Report Share Posted December 3, 2020 A friend of mine runs a local store and bought this display case for his front counter. The seller said it was from about 1900 or so, but I doubt it is that old. Regardless, my friend wants to refinish it, and I would like to offer him some advice. Also, any chance of IDing the wood species? Mahogany, perhaps? Its a walnut colour, but it does not have the characteristic grain pattern of walnut. Thanks fellas! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted December 4, 2020 Report Share Posted December 4, 2020 For a good ID on the species, post a clear close-up pic of end grain sanded to at least 600 grit, and tag @phinds. From what I see, I would guess a mahogany variant, or maybe sapele. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phinds Posted December 4, 2020 Report Share Posted December 4, 2020 At the very LEAST get some well-focused pics. From what I can tell from these unfocused pics, I'd hazard a guess that it is indeed wood. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rodger. Posted December 5, 2020 Author Report Share Posted December 5, 2020 Ok, I guess my photos were not up to snuff! I'll get him to take some better ones and forward them to me. I took those with my phone camera, so not so good. The finish is peeling, and I am assuming removing it will be the only route to a decent restoration. He is looking for simple, so I am thinking remove the old finish and maybe a few coats of OSMO top oil. The old finish may contain lead, due to its age, so that is a concern. I've got Flexner's book and have read it many times. I'm going to take another look through it to see if I can get some more info. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tpt life Posted December 5, 2020 Report Share Posted December 5, 2020 That’s almost certainly veneer. If it is damaged, you may want to start looking into veneer repair and replacement techniques. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pkinneb Posted December 5, 2020 Report Share Posted December 5, 2020 3 hours ago, Tpt life said: That’s almost certainly veneer. If it is damaged, you may want to start looking into veneer repair and replacement techniques. FWIW Imaginegrove.com has a $10 webinar tomorrow on the subject. I have been attending this series and have picked up a few good tips/tricks Veneer Me Crazy! - #6 Repairs and Touch Up https://imaginewoodworking.com/pages/courses-and-demonstrations Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chestnut Posted December 5, 2020 Report Share Posted December 5, 2020 I have never thought about lead in clear finishes but it appears that you are correct. I'd make sure to take precautions if you are sanding. That said the levels are probably low and beign careful and wearing a P100 rated respirator would keep you protected. As to the wood. It really looks like wood.... It's probably not maple or pine. It's also probably not cherry. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drzaius Posted December 5, 2020 Report Share Posted December 5, 2020 Check out Thomas Johnson's YouTube channel for veneer repair & refinishing help Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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