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Cabinets, Furniture, Woodworks/refinishing ash table and chairs

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Expert: - 11/9/2011


Question
I have a hand carved ash formal dining table and chairs.  Currently, it has no stain, just a clear coat.  I looks good, but I have thought about staining it to an oak or maybe a walnut finish.  Is this reasonably feasible?  It is a very expensive table and I don't want to mess it up.  Should I just take it to a professional?  If I do that, what would be a ballpark figure to expect to pay for something like that?  The table is 41 X 84 and has two extra leaves.  It has 8 chairs.  The set also came with a large hutch.  Is this something a novice could take on and do right or is it something that is better left to the pros?  Thank you

Answer
Hi Jason, sorry about the late reply, we had no power here for a week..this type of work takes skill and experience to do...it would all have to be stripped first, then stained and finished...a LOT of work. If your experience level is not up to snuff, I would not suggest you try this, especially on a dining table which is one of the most difficult finishing jobs to do correctly. A set of this size would likely run a $2000 or more to have refinished professionally, but it would look nice in a darker finish.....frankly your money might be better spent replacing it when the time comes, as there are some great deals in furniture right now...but if you're attached to it, I would get a couple of estimates....hope that helps a little- post back if need be- regards- Greg

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Greg 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.

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