Repairing and Restoring Varnished Hardwood

[BobSmalser]

Have a valuable piece of old boat bright work or furniture that is broken around the hardware? Yes

[BobSmalser]

Next day, I reinforce the repaired inletting with epoxy for strength, bedding the receiver tang in the process. First, I rout the wood to receive epoxy with Dremel ball and point cutters to expose fresh wood and to provide enough epoxy thickness to prevent chipping from recoil forces. Fortunately, this inletting is relatively clean and not soaked in linseed or motor oil as is common in old firearms. If it was saturated in oil, I

[BobSmalser]

Now for the more difficult task of equalizing the color. For this and other finishing inspections, sunlight is essential

[BobSmalser]

For a perfectly level finish, each coat of varnish is rubbed back to the grain surface of the wood. You can see the sunlight reflecting on the residual dents remaining

[Ed Jones]

Bob your work and attention to detail brought back old memories of a friend of mine that died over 35 years ago. He was a "black powder gun smith" that restored old weapons that had been damaged by mishandling or neglect. I thought the quality of his workmanship died with him until I saw yours today. The quality and attention you exhibit is a lost art to day, try and pass it along if you don't it may be lost for ever.