Tiger wood

 

Tiger wood or Curly Maple

 

Recently; I was asked to restore an antique table top for a new barn style home that is nearly completed.

A piece that had been in the family for many generations and a friend of mine.

 My own mother has one of these type library tables from her great grandmother. The wood is like that of a tiger, so growing up I had always referred to it as tiger wood.Always intrigued as a child how wood was made from Tigers? Ha Ha! Just a thought, until I was a little older and understood different types of wood grains and finishes. My grandfather was an excellent wood worker and restorer of many types of projects!
I guess that is where the knack comes from.

Interesting fact that in the growth stage of this wood the wood fibers are actually distorted. A chatoyant pattern is formed, producing wavy lines called flames. Many people assume it is the grain of the wood that creates this effect, but actually it is referred to as 'figure", a distortion that is perpendicular to the grain of the wood direction. A prized wood, often used in musical instruments and fine furniture.

It's origins of westward roots and early settlers of Western pioneers and explorers can be traced to the lands of the Western Appalachian Mountains, and the stocks of Kentucky rifles.

A little sand paper, some wood filler and the table was restored and brought back to life to raise another generation of family.
 It will be up to the speed of on the go snacking, carpools and activities galore!

Now, this is the table top before the restoration.
 There are pieces of veneer missing, and the surface has some white spots from heat. All in all, a wonderful antique piece that needs some TLC to bring it into the new century. We did not change the color either, just matched the existing finish.

In the awaiting stages.........ready for that new face lift!



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The after.
 Fully restored, cracks filled and faux painted to resemble the tiger wood veneer.
Lines filled, surface evened out and sealed to preserve and protect for at least another generation.

The original leaves that were also restored and refinished. Though a hardwood, probably oak and not tiger wood. These are used for bigger family gatherings and not on a daily basis.




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Answer to yesterdays quiz........

The pedigreed pooch

The new litter pup, by Carlton Varney.