Refinishing tips?

[Cheese]

That's Funny... [not worthy]

I took the bait, hook-line & sinker. My mom was born in 1923 and so I have heard a lot of the Great Depression tales but she never related to me the half of a table fable so I was curious.

 

[nclemmons]

Fantastic transformation!  Well done.

 

[tiralie]

Tim,  I didn't know what the best way to fill the cracks in would be so I left them.  With my limited experience with filler, my thinking was the cracks would eventually open up again upon some contraction or worse, restrict movement on expansion.  I would like to hear some comments from anyone who has some experience with fillers and/or the best way to go about this. 

Not sure any filler would help. I think the thickness of the veneer and what it is attached to are all working against keeping any of the joints closed. The veneer should probably be 3mm or less and the substrate should be either mdf, plywood or planks that are cut in pie shape so the grain runs the same way as the veneer to reduce cross grain contraction and expansion. I think, not sure you would essentially have to remove all the veneer resaw  or sand it down so it is thinner and/or replace those pieces that shrank and reattach it to another top.
What you did looks great, and retains the character of the piece.

It's a really nice piece, it's one built a few steps above my skill level.  I can't even take a gander on how to begin to plan this piece. 

The finish you put on it it really looks good, and subtle differences the shading of the wood shows the transparency effect and it all comes together really well.
Tim

 

[Wuffles]

Fantastic work Jim. Your avatar would be proud, and would order the "Number 8" to celebrate.