Help With Wood Work Repair On Amberola V

[flashpanblue]

Hello,
I have started working on the case of the Amberola V I recently acquired. The top of the lid had the front and back veneers lifting but they glued back perfectly. I am now gluing back the veneer on the one side that had split and lifted. Although the case will need to be stripped and refinished the wood work is in nice shape with the exception of one small inch and a half chip out of the back moulding (see picture). What do you think is the best way to repair this? Should I just use colored wood filler? I have seen other member like Wyatt glue pieces of old scrap oak into the damaged area and then carve and sand it down. I have never used wood filler and my concern would be trying to match the color. Any thoughts?
Pete

[Curt A]

I would do one or the other of these choices:
1. Cut a small piece of oak and piece it in, then shape it to match (if you have a router or knife and sandpaper, that should be easy) or
2. Sand the missing area smooth and do your best to blend it in to the original shape (it's on the bottom edge of the molding, so it won't be overly noticeable)

Wood filler:
I am not a fan of "typical" wood filler in a can or tube, especially on an edge, since it may fall out after a period of time. The only good wood filler that I have found for this type of repair is the epoxy stick type, where you cut off a chunk and knead it in your hands until it is soft and blended. That stuff sticks well and has good strength when hardened... it can be shaped and sanded with no problem. The other choice wood be shellac sticks that are applied with a heated knife...

[Lucius1958]

I agree that a minor chip in an obscure area is nothing to worry over. Smooth the rough edges and leave it be.

Bill

[hearsedriver]

Sand it smooth and do not apply any wood filler.

[startgroove]

If you are as picky about your restorations as I am, you'd want to fill the chip in with actual wood. My method would be to sand the chipped edge so that it is relatively flat, and tapered at both ends. Then get some oak and cut a sliver thicker and longer than the chip. Form it to the shape of about what the flat part of the cabinet where the chip would go. Glue in place with Carpenter's Glue (NOT white glue) and after a few days, you can sand it down to conform to the shape. Any remaining small gaps can then be filled in with more slivers (glued in), or with wood putty.

[JerryVan]

My take on it, if you HAVE to do something about the chip, then do as Startgroove suggests. Especially since the finish is mostly toast anyway. But, please do NOT use wood filler and do NOT just try to sand it away or round it off. Doing the latter only removes MORE wood and essentially makes a bigger, longer "hole" that future restorers will hate you for. The other option is, leave it alone.

Don't let the caps make you think I'm "yelling" at anyone. Just trying for emphasis and not to demean anyone.