Antique Table in an Amateur's Hands: The Good, The Bad, The Ugly.

Until you get all the old finish off, the stain will be be uneven and it is important to not let build up of old finish fill in the turned details (last picture).  The legs being very dark would be fine, but you haven't got the surface clean and smooth.  I think you are in too much of a hurry with this, slow down and focus on the detail in each step.  

Hey Powder, you’ve come this far, complete the journey. You’re doing well, just continue to be patient as this type of project can take a lot of time and handwork.

I completely agree. The top makes a beautiful little analysis board. Consider taking a break — and some fresh air. Live with it as-is for a while. Seriously, it looks REALLY NICE. Well done! 

Yeah, just thinking back to where it was at the beginning, it's super impressive what you've been able to do so far. Enjoy it a bit!

I still have to reiterate....The board more than holds it's own by itself!

Thanks everyone. I really appreciate the advice, support and perspectives. I am going to take a break from the frame and legs for a little while. I was rushing and there's no need. I want to reconsider where I take it and ... take my time.

As people have noted, the top is a delight and I am stoked with that.

On taking time ... today is a day for that! Folk would know that many Australians love a good BBQ ... today I am going US-style - with a low and slow brisket. You can't rush that! I was up before dawn getting the Weber Kettle alight and a 12 hrs cook awaits ... maybe I can learn some patience!!

And thanks again for all your kind words. 

Yummy! Slow smoked brisket is awesome!

Now you’ve done it! BBQ is what keeps me going. i just chomped on some home made jerky, special blend. If i could, I’d be on the next plane waiting at your door like a homeless pup needing a meal. Ha! Yes sir, relax and take some time to slow down and enjoy the brisket. Well played Mr. Powder, well played! 

Just a quick update …I am taking a break from the legs but I felted the bottom of the board. I’m happy with this as a board - stand alone. If I can fix the table/legs - all the better.

I have used a mirror to give you a sense of how the felted bottom works with the top. Again-apologies for the colour balance across these three photos.

Looks great! Like I said in the other thread it looks like a fine piece of furniture and it matches your decor nicely.

Stunning! It's certainly a show piece.

The board is indeed beautiful and you did an outstanding job "rescuing" it from the table.  Is the board still flat after all its travels?

Well done!!! How does it feel to play on?

Thanks everyone! I’ll try answer @GrandPatzerDave and @Wits-end 

Is it flat? Not quite, after all the years but the slight warping doesn’t make the board unstable - I’ve tried to take detailed photos below.

How does it play? Sorry Wits… that one I cannot answer yet … I don’t have the appropriate sized set to play on it!! The squares are only 38mm … alas, it seems I need more pieces!! 🥴😊

I also note @MCH818’s kind comments about fit with decor, thanks you.  However the set on the dining table in the other thread is actually the Chess Bazaar board (60mm squares). Which I also love - below are photos together for comparison.
It is hard to explain and they are both beautiful in my eyes but the antique board is somehow richer, has more depth to it - clearly something that only age brings! 

Another word on playability - my most playable board is the solid wood board (55mm squares) that I renovated … for the life of me I can’t find the thread but that board is smooth, pieces slide well or can be aggressively plonked down with a reassuring ‘thunk’ and there’s no fear of damage to the board …. But on the larger board here - the gloss dents easily- it’s really for display  or gentle play only. 

Its a great hobby / the most expensive board here is the large CB board, the most satisfying and deeply beautiful - the older board and the most playable - the other board … but I love ‘em all. 😊 

Ahhh I totally missed that. At least they both look similar so I wasn't too far off. I would agree that the antique one looks richer. It has that aged look which is especially visible in the lighter squares. It is true that this only comes with age.

All awesome my friend. Thank you for sharing the journey with us all. Thank you Chess.com, how else would I ever get to enjoy all this?

The board has a lovely vintage aesthetic to it.I hope you don't add the legs,because it just looks so right as is......The collection is growing "down under".

I have not progressed the legs of this board but I still use the board itself for display … and now study. 
It’s a tricky size with 30mm squares - quite small. Eventually I would like a small Chavet or pieces with a bit of history to match this board. I’m the meantime…

Recently, I purchased another set and then - totally on spec - I decided add to the order and buy these cheap boxwood and ebonized pieces with a 2.7” king at circa USD $50.

Honestly - ridiculous value at that price.

Sure they are just generic Staunton-style pieces but still nicely carved …the little knights are quite attractive and more detailed than one might expect at that price.

The bases are not felted - rather some form of thin black stickers - better than raw wood but not as nice as felt. Anyway - the board is slightly crowded but ok and reflect how older photos seem to have more crowded boards. Anyway - the pieces don’t yet match the quality of the board but this is a great midway point and wonderful for study.