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How to repair Singer sewing machine wood veneer?

I’ve got my great grandmothers sewing machine from 1900s. The wood veneer is chipped and peeling away. Is there any way to repair this and restore the wood veneer? I found it’s continuing to worse. When I dust it the delaminated veneer catches the fabric of cleaning rags.

I’m not sure if gluing the segments back down and using wood putty to repair the missing segments is what you would do? Then how to finish the wood to seal it? If I glue the bits down will it look unsightly?

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Comments

Jason

Hi @claire_porter,

I suspect the damage cannot be repaired but am keen to hear from some experienced furniture upcyclers in the community.

You can see how member @Cyclist replaced the top of a Singer sewing machine in similar condition in the Featured Project Upcycled Singer sewing machine as vanity.

Other members that might like to share their thoughts include @bellee78, @TheSparrowHome, @Renowayoflife, @Poshrustic and @JoeAzza.

Jason

JoeAzza

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/47777#Comment_47777

Hi @claire_porter, I would replace the top of the sewing machine with solid timber, then stain and varnish to the finish required, or you can buy veneered wood and replaced the damaged vaneer panel. Here is a company that sells it online.

https://topveneer.com.au/

EricL

Hello @claire_porter

I'm afraid the damage is too severe, I agree with @JoeAzza's suggestion to replace the timber veneer of the machine. Just to add to the suggestions made, I also recommend looking at the 1200 x 810mm 3mm Plywood Pine Premium BC Grade as a possible alternative. to cover your sewing machine.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

Cyclist

Hello Claire,

My Singer sewing machine was in much the same condition. I couldn't see any way to repair it so decided to carefully remove all the damaged top pieces and side pieces and use them as a template on new marine ply. I carefully traced the shape on the ply, cut them out with a jigsaw and did some final sanding/cutting to make them fit the shape of the top/sides of the machine. It was a bit fiddly but well worth the effort for the end result. Where the ply couldn't be successfully removed in one piece, I pulled it off and simply traced the shape directly from the top of the machine.

I lacquered four coats of natural varnish on the new ply, to bring out the grain and protect it from the damp bathroom environment. If you are not using it in a wet environment you may not need that many coats.

Hope this helps.

Jane

EricL

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/47991#Comment_47991

Hello @Cyclist

Let me tag @claire_porter to make them aware of your suggestions. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and experience in regards to the restoration of the Singer sewing machine.

Eric

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