Is there anything I can do to fix this sewing machine table?

I would remove the old badly damaged veneer using a metal scraper and a heat gun.... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NtI7zplW6Po

Then can decide if you want to stain the wood underneath or get some wood veneer and add a new piece.

https://www.hunker.com/12596373/how-to-restore-veneer-on-an-old-singer-sewing-machine

I have run into this problem too. I remove the damaged veneer, sand and then stain or paint. It is a more rustic look and will not have the sophistication of veneer but it is easier.

It is easier to paint but veneer isn't so difficult. Most advice says to use contact cement to attach veneer but I have done it using wood glue with a spray water bottle and steam iron and it has worked well. Having a router with a laminate trim bit is a good thing. Otherwise I always end up chipping an edge when trying to trim excess with a razor knife.

My biggest problem is trying to match veneer species/color. On an older piece time will have changed the color of the finish coating and mahogany can look a lot like black walnut until it's installed and does not match.

If it were me. Strip it off. It’s usually only a 1/16th to an 1/8” thick. Buy a piece wood laminate from Menards. Use laminate glue (from Menards) Youtube videos on how to install new laminate. Match your stain at your hardware store. I would recommend Minwax Stain and Urethane combined. They also have it in spray cans too. Use tack,cloth,to make sure that the surface is dust free. Good luck!

You could also replace it with tile or stone.

For a quick cheep fix you could smooth the surface and cover with contact paper.

Best bet: plastic laminate. It is very hard to re-veneer on a finished piece (you can't clamp it) and it will usually bubble and buckle. Laminate won't bubble and is easy to glue down; use Titebond. You will need a quart. Cut up a plastic milk jug in pieces with even surfaces to use as spreaders; don't let glue pool. Thin coating is all that's needed.

Clean it up. Let it dry. With a cloth stain until you get the color you want. Let it dry. Then polyurethane it. Let it dry. Voila! you have a new table.

Supplies:

cloth ( for stain$

stain (any color)

polyurethane ( clear )

brush. (for polyurethane)

This is a very old piece of furniture with sentimental value I think the repair should fit the furniture's value. Replace the veneer with veneer. Take your time and do your research before you start.

I have the same problem. I am going to replace the veneer then chalk paint the sewing machine cabinet. My cabinet is from the 1800's. So I will be refreshing the old finish with the chalk. The old owner had put something on the cabinet and the girl at Menards told me that the chalk paint would cover over the old with no problem, without having to strip the old stain.

You're going to chalk paint and 100+ year old antique???

If you ever want to sell the piece for $$, please don’t do that. It will lose all its value. It will even lose some value with veneer just because it’s not original. Go w the veneer. Don’t be afraid. Watch tutorails.

Take the top off and flip it to the underside and see if you can use that instead.