How to fix damaged timber legs of Santa's throne?

ilox

In 2011, I built this lovely Santa throne from plans bought from the USA. The majority of the timber came from Bunnings Parafield. Since then it has stood me in good stead over successive Christmas events (this is my 21st year as a Santa and yes, I have been Santa for many of Bunnings SA Stores). 

The throne ready for use.

Last year I found that white ants had worked their way up a crack in my shed floor and attacked the nearest leg they could find. I killed them off with poison spray but now I need to do a makeover to clean up the mess and get it ready for use over the next few weeks.

the front right leg  the front right leg the front right leg the front right leg

The first step - I think - is to take a 45-degree cut to remove as much as I can of the damage at the same time retaining maximum strength because I have some pretty hefty folks sitting on it at times.  
It has been suggested that I then putty it to fill any remaining holes and possibly put a curve on the edge to make it look better.
Then it is time for the Paint shop to get Brunswick Green enamel to put 2 coats on the whole surface area. I will have to cut back the surface with my sander, advice on grit please.

Your suggestions are welcomed.

EricL

Hello @ilox 

Thanks for sharing your question about fixing Santas throne. I agree with your idea of cutting the damaged area, but I also suggest putting in a support piece so that the leg will still be complete and not missing a section. I've placed an image below to give you an idea of how to do it. I also suggest cutting the damaged section in a square shape instead of a 45degree triangle. By doing it as a square the weight applied to it will be uniform.

Let me call on our experienced members @Nailbag and @Dave-1 for their recommendations. 

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric