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A second coat won't make a lot of difference but it's worth a try. Morrells thixotropic grain filler would fill the white grain but starts to make the wood look muddy. I like to use van **** crystals as a stain but on veneered MDF needs to be used with care as it's water based.

I've used for over 25 years and found it to be a good product but with a few limits. I usually brush it on and then wipe it over within a couple of minutes to remove excess. It needs to be left for at least 2 or 3 hours before applying a finish but overnight better. Sometimes as it dries on...

I've just seen this thread which has already been well covered but thought this photo might be helpful. On the right is three Stanley plug cutters with the piece of oak used on the pillar drill to make the cross grain plugs, The square above has a plug fitted and the hole with a screw that...

Phill I have a box of 12 x 1 1/4 inch GKN brass slotted countersunk screws if you still need some. They were from a college that closed down at least 40 years ago.

I'd agree with Sgian above and I always use Paramose but in the UK the sale is restricted to the trade, maybe a restorer would sell you some. If the old finish is shelac (french polish) meths will soften it enough to remove it with a paint scraper. On a table top if the finish is flaking a...

Hi Rufus I've done this type of repair hundreds of times and would go with the scarf joint Inspector recommends but I always add two side by side biscuits (size 0 or 10) along the scarf, being careful not to let the biscuit poke through the leg. This helps the joint carry the sitters weight and...

A play table and chairs made for my niece's one and three year old daughters. Mostly constructed from reclaimed chestnut from old wardrobes. Made the table top round so they couldn't argue about who sits where. The table legs splay about 10 degrees for stability which made the drawer...

Here is a recipe that I've used as a cleaner and restorer for old polish. I think it was listed in a book but can't find it now. Pure Turpentine 200 ml Meths 100 ml Acetic acid (33%) 50 ml Teepol (liquid soap) 25ml Brasso...

The old sliding tray was the wrong size and was in a bit of a state. The hinged top had split so I didn't think it was worth saving.

I only read the Warrington Chest book recently and have not been on this forum long so hope this maybe of interest. My great grandfather set up as an iron founder in Ancoats, one of the roughest parts of Manchester, around 1890. The factory was demolished in the mid 1960s and my father, who was...

As a restorer I've had to get screws out of up to 250 year old furniture and usually succeed by heating the screw as already mentioned. I use a heat gun unless I need to avoid blistering the polish when a soldering iron on the head will work. After a couple of minutes try tightening the screw...

You've been told right that beech will go blotchy with spirit stain , as will cherry, pine ,ash and a few others. I usually apply hot water then sand when dry. After that apply a very thin solution of animal glue, other glue might work but I've not tried others. This is supposed to stop the...

Hi mrP The protruding dovetails on the front legs and general design I took from a chest designed and made by Sydney Barnsley. Ernest Gimson also used them so Peter Waals, as Gimson's foreman and successor, may have used them too on similar pieces

Hi Robyn, The dovetails are not quite like the normal ones so not a good example for a first try. Whatever ones you do I suppose the best advice is to mark out very carefully, use the best dovetail saw and sharp chisels and aim for a first-time tight fit. I learnt pre internet from books such...

I've just joined the group so thought I'd post something but not sure what's expected. I used to be a furniture restorer for 35 years but retired 4 years ago and built a small workshop in the back garden so I could make things for myself. I kept quite a lot of old wood and some machines but due...