Share
In 2011, I built this lovely Santa throne from plans bought from the USA. The majority of the timber came from Bunnings Parafield. Since then it has stood me in good stead over successive Christmas events (this is my 21st year as a Santa and yes, I have been Santa for many of Bunnings SA Stores).
Last year I found that white ants had worked their way up a crack in my shed floor and attacked the nearest leg they could find. I killed them off with poison spray but now I need to do a makeover to clean up the mess and get it ready for use over the next few weeks.
The first step - I think - is to take a 45-degree cut to remove as much as I can of the damage at the same time retaining maximum strength because I have some pretty hefty folks sitting on it at times.
It has been suggested that I then putty it to fill any remaining holes and possibly put a curve on the edge to make it look better.
Then it is time for the Paint shop to get Brunswick Green enamel to put 2 coats on the whole surface area. I will have to cut back the surface with my sander, advice on grit please.
Your suggestions are welcomed.
Hello @ilox
Thanks for sharing your question about fixing Santas throne. I agree with your idea of cutting the damaged area, but I also suggest putting in a support piece so that the leg will still be complete and not missing a section. I've placed an image below to give you an idea of how to do it. I also suggest cutting the damaged section in a square shape instead of a 45degree triangle. By doing it as a square the weight applied to it will be uniform.
Let me call on our experienced members @Nailbag and @Dave-1 for their recommendations.
If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.
Eric
Good Morning @ilox
Nice throne 
and It was so nice the termites had a snack 😕 Glad you caught it tho
So instead of sawing off the damaged bit this could be the perfect time to have a look at Timbermate products. There is a spray bottle rot converter that I have seen on their page in the big blue F social media land. It looks perfect for this situation. I had a look on the Bunnings page and cant find the spray bottle but can find the putty that you would use to rebuild the area.
The page shows examples of rot and how an everyday person fixed it and its impressed me enough to give it a go myself. I have used their products on broken timber laminate old school seats and it worked beautifuly as in solid and didnt crack.
The https://www.timbermate.com.au/ page itself Wood hardener is what you are after I think.
Dave
whoops lol Must have had a guy look. Sorry Good morning Eric, thank you for such a helpful suggestion. Because I build to battleship standard (see image) I do like your suggestion because it gives the continuity of support through the bulk of the area where these ants have eaten. It also allows me only to make one cut and not have to make a corresponding cut on the other front leg. I like that because this is a rushed job and I have to fit in with everything else's going on, Santa visits, university studies, etc..
When talking about the putty, I have my favourite Agnews Water Putty in an almost full tub. Do you think that would be sufficient or should I still get the spray putty that you and Dave have suggested?
PS: this is what I mean by building to battleship standard.
