Cost to get this table refinished?

[troutbug]

My Grandpa who passed many years ago made this table. He was a incredible woodworker. I had it passed down to me by my mom. Over the decades it has been through the family it has reached the time where it should be refinished and maybe a couple tiny repairs (couple small gaps between squares)

The legs/base is like the top, all squares.

Is this possible to refinish myself without wrecking it?

How much would it cost for someone to take on this job?

[Grizzly Adams]

My dad did some similar work. Still have his chess board. If it's the same, those squares are made from self adhesive wood veneer, about 1/16 " thick, not much to work with. I'd just appreciate it for what it is.

Grizz

[owlhoot]

Can you determine thickness of the wood? This will tell you if it can be sanded. If it is 1/16" like mentioned above you could easily sand thru the wood to the glue below, that wouldn't be nice. Deep stains in the wood could go right down to the glue layer.

[MrDave]

That's a nice table. The wrong person refinishing it will destroy it. I would only do that by hand. Lightly hand sanding would take a couple of days then another couple of days to seal it with several coats. Could be expensive to get done.
The cracks will be able to be filled with a saw dust mix, you can use the crayons, but I prefer the old school techniques.
I wouldn't allow a power sander on it or it will end up popping the glue loose under the squares. To me its not worth the risk. Too beautiful to chance damaging the table.
Refinishing is expensive when done right. Hopefully you can find a senior citizen with time and talent. My Dad used to get chairs brought to him from all over Alberta, because there aren't many people with the old world talents left. Unfortunately, he's gone so there is one less.

[tirebob]

Why eff with the patina? I would just give it is light clean and maybe oil it with BLO or Danish oil if it is bare wood. Unless it is solid wood, you will mess up the veneer.

[vcmm]

If your going to restore it, talk to an antique restoration specialist($$$$$)
Just think if that table could talk. Those aren't marks they are memories.

[troutbug]

I was inspecting underneath and this is what it is made of from what I can tell. Just noticed this chunk missing

[Bigwoodsman]

If it was my table, I'd give it a nice light sanding with 400 plus grit sand paper. Wipe it all done with a damp cloth, let dry then give it a few coats of Swedish oil. The Swedish oil will protect it from cupping and water damage.

BW

[Map Maker]

I agree with grizzly adams and bigwoodsman.

Looks like the pieces are fairly thick.

I would careful sand down the entire table to take off the finish and smooth all the gouges.
Refinish with the honey brown finish and seal nice and thick.

Very nice table that has alot of hours in it.