Walnut veneer repair for khorns

[atl#62]

I just picked up a pair of khorns in walnut.Serial #s 8512450 & 8512452.One speaker has a few chips on the top corners of the bass bin. Any advice on how to repair?

[Malcolm]

Really depends on what your standards are. Possibilities are:

1. Shellac stick in appropriate color. If the chips are small and not in a prominent place, you might get by with it.

2. Wood putty in appropriate color, followed by appropriate finish blended into existing finish. You could paint on the appropriate grain to match the existing veneer before finishing. Much of the exotic woods in victorian era houses is actually painted on a less expensive wood.

3. Finely ground sawdust from the same type of wood in glue, follwed by appropriate finish... Yields a better result than off-the-shelf wood putty.

4. Patch the veneer, followed by appropriate finish... Find the best grain match in the same kind of veneer. Use an irregular patch shape so it doesn't stand out. There are veneer punches for this kind of operation. But you can do as well with a sharp knife, patience and time with a little skill. Because the chips are on the corners, you may be able to get away with straight edges on three sides.

5. Reveneer damaged surfaces, or the whole thing.

I sure others have other ways and will chime in.

[fini]

Are the chips gone? How big are they? One technique I've used is to "harvest" veneer from the piece (speaker), from an inconspicuous place (like the bottom), and basically graft it in. Sharp tools, good light, and good eyes are all helpful here.