I did a 'hidden leaf' table that had 'birds eye maple' veneer for the main surface. The closed table was fine (and turned out better than fine) but one of the leaves had a gouge all the way into the base layer. We bought the piece anyway because it was beautiful over all. I ended up turning that whole leaf panel over to the side the maker never intended to see light. The quality of the veneer wasn't as good as the other 3, and I had four mounting holes to fix, but it came out good. Maybe the best piece I've done.

But that's why I'm in no rush to refinish the dresser. It keeps my socks and underwear just fine the way it is. :)

If I have a specialty it's always been dressers. Not the big fancy ones, the $15.00 one at the yard sale with 3 colors of paint showing. I check the dovetails on the drawers to get a good idea of what's underneath. You can pretty well tell when a piece was made by the dovetails.

I'm going to comment on the Traditions Post, but I need to say that this was far and away the best contest I've participated in. The entries were just huge! Good reading and good writing from everybody!