Anniversary Rebuild - Need Suggestions

[AnniRebuild]

New to the forum here and hoping to get some help. I really appreciate the previous threads on the Anniversary rebuilds but i have a problem that i have not yet seen discussed!

I have begun work on refinishing a table that has been in the family for many years and in storage for a long time. The walnut on the top rails is in very bad shape - dents, burns, and what appear to be some cracks in the veneer joints. I have been able to remove most of the dents and I think with the right effort the burn marks can be removed as well.

The real problem is that the walnut veneer has lifted in a couple of places along the outside radius and it appears that some material is worn away. I don’t think I can just re-glue if I could even get the walnut to clamp back down tight. Has anyone tried milling down the walnut and replacing with new material? If so, any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

By the way, the picture that i have attached is prior to removing most of the dents.

 

[Mr. Bond]

if you cant reglue and fill the cracks, (preferable to keep original veneer if possible) then yes, you can neatly cut away the old veneer and then (match up) and reapply some new walnut or what have you

 

[MoonshineMattK]

It looks like you have an earlier Anniversary with solid walnut covered rails. I don't consider it a veneer, its thicker. Looks like your rails need more of a repair than a refinish. Mark Gregory does amazing work and specializes in Anniversary/Centennial Brunswicks. He'll get your rails into better than new shape.

This thread shows the stunning restoration Mr. Gregory is capable of.
http://forums.azbilliards.com/showthread.php?t=277736

 

[AnniRebuild]

repair indeed.....you are right on with that photo showing the end of the rail, seems to match exactly how my rails are constructed. The walnut is about 3/16 of an inch thick on the flat surface and is thicker as your photo shows on the radius. I was contemplating removing that same amount\profile and replacing with new material and was curious if anybody had tried that yet?

Based on some info from Ken (Classic Billiards) it is probably in the 1947-1949 vintage.

thanks for the photo.

 

[goldcrown4]

One to remember at the end of your rails restoration are the aiming sights... sand too much and they get so thin you can crack them with your finger nail.

I haven't done it yet because it will cost around $200 but I'm replacing my mother-of-pearl sights (that aren't in the rails anymore) with lab-created faceted yellow sapphires. They are chemically identical to natural, and only diamonds are harder so they should prove durable enough. I may still cut these myself because I have access to a faceting machine, but I need a few more cutting lessons and the necessary gem rough.

 

[AnniRebuild]

Thanks GC4, unfortuantely most of mine are alreaday cracked and even have a couple that are missing. I may have to check in with you later on about your custom sights.

Just recently finished putting the Danish oil on the new walnut veneer for the legs, love the depth of color that it gives the wood.