Oval Table Update - Working on the top

I was able to disassemble the oval table which makes it a lot easier to work on.

I am focusing on the top right now.  The first picture shows how rough the top was.  The wood is very nice and not torn up or damaged but the finish was pretty nasty.
I only had to glue up on little 3 inch strip along one edge.  That is where the clamp is in the first picture.

I spent some time scrapping the top and then sanding it.  I started with 220 grit and finished it off with 500 grit.

Once that was done it was nice and smooth and looked great.  I brushed it clean and then tack-ragged it to get the dust off of it.

Then it was ready for a finish.  On this table I am using Kramer's Best Antique Improver.  I really like this and use it on all of my 'old' wood.

I apply the Antique Improver with cloth pads like you would use for waxing your car.  In this picture you can see how it looks versus the sanded wood.  

By using the cloth pads you will also pick up any leftover sanding dust and particles.

Now you can see the completely "Improved" top.  This wood was/is really dry and it sucked up this first coat like a camel in the desert.  I put a second coat on after this one dried for about 10 minutes.

Here you can see how the inlays standout from the rest of the wood.  This top has some interesting design in it as the ends are 2 pieces with a third piece in the middle but the center section doesn't have this.  I found that quite interesting.

I will end up putting a few more coats in the Antique Improver on this over the next couple of days.  After that the wood should be restored and not as dry as it is now and should really look nice.

Then it will be on to the legs.

Mark