How would you fix this table?

[HappyPerson258]

Hey all,

I’m looking for advice about what to do with these dips in this pine sideboard.

So far, I’ve tried sanding one of them out and it’s very nearly there but not far off. But my dad said about using a wood filler instead. I really want to stain this afterwards as the woods in good condition but I was worried if I would fill this that it would look a bit strange when stained. I’ve included pictures of the bevel that I’ve sanded down a lot and then also the one that I haven’t started yet.

What does everybody think?

If it were me, I would buy some brass strips which were the right size with recessed screw holes and put those in the dips with some nice brass flat headed slotted screws to make it look like they were deliberate and part of the furniture.
Or I would find an old bit of matching pine, cut some to size and glue it into the hole and sand it flat. I think they are too large and deep to fill with filler or sand out.

Of you want to sand them out you might be better using a plane?

Thanks@Geneticsbunnythese are all great ideas!!! I was wondering about a plane! Are they easy to use?? Was thinking this might be easier 🤣

I’d use filler, thin layers and build it up to make sure it dries solid but leave a thin layer undone, then sand the whole of the middle bit, save the sawdust created from the sanding, mix it with wood glue to make a putty and use that for the final layer. That way it’s the same colour as the rest of the top. Final fine sand just to make sure it’s even and then stain.

Omggg @InfoSecInTheCityyou are some sort of wood working genius!!! This is wild but sounds like a good idea!!!

It looks to me like when it was made, it was intended to be painted, hence quality of timber and build.

I suppose if you want to get a rustic Edwardian effect you could wax it.

I don't know what the grooves might have been for. Could it be to hold a kitchen dresser top?

@PigletJohn i reckon it's a sideboard and this is where the mirror would have fixed to.