Beginner - advice on first project

[adrock]

Hi Woodworkforums,

I'm pretty new to woodwork - in fact I'm really looking at just playing with restoration at the minute until I can get the feel of this thing.

So I picked up an old table from ebay for 10 bucks. It's an art deco style dining table. I have no idea what type of wood it is but you may be able to deduce it from the photos which I've given a link to (can't seem to not stretch them though sorry).

I could sand it back and look then finish it but there are so many options available I'm not really sure which way to take. I'm keen on that semi-distressed look or something not that fully processed/polished look. Just an oil finish?

So basically I'm just asking for a few suggestions as to how to go about this. I've got an ROS that I have to put a new velcro disk on which I have the gear for and a few different grit sanding sheets. Other than that I don't have much.

Also, as you can see from the images there are some cracks in the end. Any idea how I should fix those?

Thanks in advance and it's great that this resource is here. Gotta love the net!

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/2523/dsc00480b.jpg
http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/5889/dsc00481dq.jpg
http://img340.imageshack.us/img340/2801/dsc00482d.jpg
http://img826.imageshack.us/img826/7766/dsc00483lk.jpg
http://img267.imageshack.us/img267/7236/dsc00485di.jpg

[mcjimmyd]

Hi, its Australian made, Art Deco style which in Aus was later than the rest of the world so 40's to 50's maybe. Walnut veneer everything except carvings and feet, finished in lacquer. So carefully does it, chemical strip and hand sand, stain and finish however. Apply heat and you'll stuff it!

[adrock]

Thanks mate. Does it matter what chemical stripper I use? Will do on the hand sand. There are a few little cracks in the end. Any suggestions for fixing those? I'll do a bit of researching on the finish. Do you know where I might find a good resource on what finish will produce what look?

Cheers for the help!