Writing Box - where do I start?

[Wombat2]

This was my Son-in Law's Fathers - he would like it restored. There are a couple of issues - first the timber itself and the badly stained top - how do I tackle that? ( the round circle is where a round object had been sitting). The other issue is the brass inlay - one of the short pieces on the lid is missing and will need to find a replacement while the other has come off but is in hand and one of the long lid pieces is lifting. Anyone know what the black fill in the inlay would be. In the piece that has come off it is very brittle and crumbles readily but where it has been left on the timber it adheres quite strongly. I will need some long strips of straight brass inlay that run parallel to the patterned inlay- anywhere in Brisbane to get that? I guess as other issues arise as I get into it I'll be back with more questions.

David L

[JB]

first the timber itself and the badly stained top - how do I tackle that?

The timber is mahogany (the real one, from South America). First wash the old finish (it'll be French polish, ie shellac) off the top and the base with meths using 0000 steel wool. Then take some more photos and post them so we can see the extent of the damage to the top.

Anyone know what the black fill in the inlay would be.

Whatever it is, probably the best material to replace it with is 24hour epoxy resin mixed with black powder (concrete colour works fine). After it drys carefully sand it flush with the brass. If it's not an exact match come finishing time you can touch it up with black-tinted shellac.

I will need some long strips of straight brass inlay that run parallel to the patterned inlay- anywhere in Brisbane to get that?

Goods'nChattels in the Gabba should have brass inlay to suit. They also stock 0000 steel wool. A decent hardware store should also have these items (the brass is sold for some sort of handiwork, tends to be near the plumbing section). Paddington Hardware is great for this sort of stuff (along with slot brass screws of all sizes)

[Wombat2]

Didn't have any fine steel wool so had a go at cleaning with Meths and a rag ( and a bit of acetone on the paint rings) and pot scourer. So far so good

[JB]

So far so good

So far GREAT I'd say. Looks like the damage was only to the shellac. The idea of fine steel wool (or pot scourers) is to avoid taking all the polish off. Try to avoid heavy sanding the wood (lightly with 240 grit maybe). If you can leave the old polish in the grain all the interesting (not offensive) marks and dints, along with the aged colour, are retained.