AboutGreg Scholl Expertise Questions on Woodworking, wood finishing and refinishing of all kinds, repairing furniture and wooden objects, Architectural details, Woodturning, carving, tool usage, product usage, some chemistry as it applies to woodworking and related interests,cabinet making and furniture construction/design, etc. I have experience with all manners of colorants, finishes, paints, stains, dyes, glazes, and coatings, wood species recognition and usage,tool recommendations, blade types and recommendation,techniques and methods for many Woodworking related issues, etc.
Experience Fine furniture restorer and cabinet maker for over 30 years,serving high end Antique dealers, Interior designers, Collectors in the CT area. Consulting for area Painting/Decorating and Building contractors on non painting issues..(staining, wood prep.,clear finishing, floor restoration and architectural detail restoration and repair, etc.) Sold, built, serviced, setup Home, Industrial, and Commercial stationary woodworking tools for a major tool retailer in CT. for three years, sold hand and power tools , provided knowledge, parts replacement, service, and on site service, Trade show Demo, and training as well.
Publications Published in Fine Woodworking Magazine (12/97), included on Fine Woodworkings first "Best of Fine Woodworking" CD-ROM (2002) ...("27 year compilation of expert know-how")
Education/Credentials Art School at Silvermine Guild in Norwalk, CT., 9 year apprenticeship in a European run Cabinet and Restoration shop in CT., various classes on subjects having to do with the field. Seminars from major Tool manufacturers, Skil/Bosch, Delta, Powermatic, Ritter, Porter cable, Milwaukee, Dewalt/B&Decker, Performax.
Past/Present Clients Many varied clients including work on Martha Stewarts' Westport, CT. show house, many fine Antique dealers and private collectors in and around Fairfield County and in Woodbury, CT. (the Antiques capital of CT.), Golden Age of Trucking Museum, Wilton Historical Society.
Question QUESTION: In 76 we bought a "lane"? cedar chest, at auction. We found a lable that said Sears & Roebuck but no date. It has inlayed dark & light diamond edging on top center front. I was told front panels are tiger maple. If this is venere, is it still wood? I had dogs & it looks as if they shook dirty water on the lower part. I have cleaned w/murphy's oil soap, But spots come back when dry. Would Old English help? If not can It be refinished? Also could info be found a old sears catalog? Thx Tiger
ANSWER: Hello Tiger, if it is a Lane then they will be able to tell you the date, there should be a serial# and other info burned into the bottom of the chest. Lane is still in business, and you'll want to make sure you contact them anyway to replace the lock, as there was a recall on all these chests. I'm sure it is at least partially veneered, and yes it is wood...but products like the two you mention will not do anything for the type of damage you site. It's very possible that what you're seeing is actually urine, and that a small dog has been spraying that chest. I have seen this many times and it will need to be stripped and refinished. Post back if need be- regards- Greg
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QUESTION: Thank you greg, Is the stripping something I could due myself or shoud I get a pro.? i have douts that it really is a Lane, sence the lable inside says Sears. Is there a web site that would show me info? Also could it be from both? I've had it 30yrs is it possiable that it could be antique? What price would be reasonable to get it refinished? I am disabled & I couldnt get to see the bottom of the chest. Also There is a hidden draw, does this help date it?It is right in front, is this comon? Thx Tiger
Answer Hi Tiger, Sears usually didn't make furniture, it was made by someone else and sold by Sears, so yes, it could still be a Lane. I would call them and see...www.lanefurniture.com is their site, and they're really nice people. It's probably not Antique, as the classical definition of that is 100+ years...yours is probably from the late 30's mid 50's era. A complete refinish could run a few hundred dollars, but there's many variables such as any repair work, staining back to original color, removing urine stains, (if that's what they are...),etc. I would try to get a look at the underneath, maybe with the help of friends or relatives, and see if there is a serial number and/or style number there, that will be very useful to identify it. Regards- Greg
