I think the milling tool you mentioned is where they scrape the black japanning off of the SN plate. The operator apparently got a little carried away on this one and the japanning was marred to the right of the plate, too.
You've got your work cut out for you on this one. I have never liked the crinkle finish - it collects dust and always looks dirty, to me. And sewing - ugh - who wants a surface that creates drag on your fabric? I know a lot of people like them, though - and they're glad people like me aren't out there pushing the prices up! LOL!
Have fun with the new project - it'll sew planks when you're done with it.
