Al Vendi writes:

Fellow Groopsters:

I need help in estimating an approximate cost to refinish this

customers' table and four chairs. This customer e-mailed these

pictures to me and asked if this table and chairs are worth refinishing.
 

What I know for sure about this table and base is that it has

been painted by the owner with a water base primer. What is

under the primer I'm assuming is a coat of shellac. He also

claimed to have patched the damaged veneer along the edges

with bondo. I'm also assuming that the veneer will have to be

replaced. Just not sure what type of veneer will be required.

Possibly the current veneer is a burl type which of corse will affect

the final cost. Looking at the pictures the wood appears to be mahogany.

 

I have a flow over system that will be used to remove the paint

and current finish. I will also apply a lacquer base sealer and top

coat to finish them when ready. The grain will be filled and the

final top coat rubbed out to remove any blemishes. The factors

I'm not sure of are the actual  extent of repairs beyond the basic

reglueing of joints and minor repairs for dents and scratches.

What I'm trying to prevent is the unseen problems that will

possibly come up as I start working with these pieces. What in

your opinion should I look for when preparing my estimate and

what should be charged. I have been able to come up with an

estimate for this job based on no mill work needed and assuming

the paint will be removed in one stripping. Also, I have not

included the cost for removing the old veneer and replaceing it with

new. My experience for removing old veneer is with a heat gun.

Very time consuming and somewhat risky. I would be interested

in a safer more efficient way to remove the old veneer if possible.
 

I have figured a charge for the four chairs of $800.00 to strip,

repair and finish them. This figure does not include upholstery or

any mill work. The table is figured at $1250.00 which includes

one pass in the stripping table, reglueing the joints, minor repairs and

finishing. It does not include the cost of new veneer or the time for

removing the old and applying the new. Sense I don't have a vacuum

press I will be using contact cement to adhere the new veneer.
 

This table and chairs look very interesting to me and I'd like to

see them when done. I would like to convince this customer that

the table and chairs should be refinished but I don't want to lose

my shirt doing so. So I'm asking for help to determine a fair price

to make both the customer and my company come out a winner.
 

Thanks for all of your input.

Al Vendi, Armada, MI