I took the slippery slope and cut out enough of the existing veneer and poplar so that the veneer patch would lay flat on the surface to minimize the need for sanding. It’s going to take some work to get the area dark enough to match the rest of the drum. I think this is the solution.

Well, I think things are looking better. I may need some more stain just on the patch and then some rubbing to blend it in and a little bit of putty to smooth it out.

I think this is as close as I can get to the darkness on the patch. I certainly prefer to work with solid wood and not veneer. The veneer on this drum is paper thin and so is the patch.

Light sanding after first coat of poly and second coat of poly.

Final sanding and fourth and final coat of poly. I’ll touch up around the patch with some putty.

Finished up this project today.

Here are the two last pictures including one that shows the tom mounted on the bass drum.

good work! Another drum saved.

Jim,

Great old school wood kit - love it !

Didn't you have a 15" marcher for a FT with this kit to make it a 4 piece ?

How about posting a nice pic of the 4 piece when you can sometime !

Thanks - Doug

Thanks Guys,

I’ll post some photos of the complete 4 piece kit on Tuesday. Here are a couple of photos showing the 15 in maple floor tom. I sure wish it was mahogany.