Expert: Greg Scholl - 3/3/2009

Question
QUESTION: I purchased 2 identical dressers that were originally made (maybe in the 70's) to be hung on a wall. I have decided to make them into one dresser by cutting off the tops and adding feet, etc. The dressers are not solid wood -- veneer. How do I go about removing the tops of the dressers? Any other tips to make this as easy as possible?  I live in Manhattan and will be completing this in my apartment and will likely rent tools from Loews or Home Depot.  Thanks...appreciate your advice!

ANSWER: Hi Jen, the tops could be doweled into the sides, or screwed in from a frame inside, you'll have to investigate that...trying to cut through the sides without experiencing the veneer chipping and shredding will be tricky, as to make the best cut, it should be cut from the other side....which is tough to do without disassembling the piece completely. If you've never done this type of alteration before, I would seriously think about hiring a Pro to do it....as a table saw, circular saw, and other power tools are probably required to to the best job.....post back if need be- regards- Greg

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the speedy reply!  I am not overly worried about the veneer as I plan on painting the piece once it's one dresser.  I want to keep my costs to a minimum.  I emailed a few carpenters about an estimate but no one has responded; however, I doubt that it's cost effective to have a pro cut the tops off because they would have to pick up the pieces, bring them to their shop, cut the tops and redeliver to my apartment.  I also posted on Craigslist...thought maybe I could find someone to help but still no luck.  You can view the dresser at:

http://newyork.craigslist.org/mnh/hsh/1056041999.html

Do you know anyone in the NYC area who may be willing/interested?  What do you think having a Pro pitch in would cost?


Answer
I'm afraid I don't know anyone in your area, and the logistics of pick up and delivery would probably prohibitive...I'm concerned though, after viewing the pic's, that you may not be able to just remove the tops and stack them. There is a clearance issue between the drawers once you stack them. The tops may indeed come off with just a few sharp raps with a mallet or a block of wood and a hammer, as they're probably just doweled and glued into the sides. Take out the top drawer and look under the top to see if there are any visible screws or other means of securing the top. If you don't see any, then you can probably knock it apart. The real issue will be how the bases are constructed, and whether one section will just sit on the other without the upper and lower drawers of the two pieces impacting each other, and also if the base is constructed well enough for you to just add legs...or will it require a frame of some type. What you really need is a furniture restorer or cabinet maker...not a carpenter...they also look like Walnut, which would be a shame to paint over......