Expert: Eileen Cronk - 4/1/2007

Question
QUESTION: I have an Ethan Allen round table.  It began to crack and now has two clean cracks from one end to the other.  They now have warped.  I can't figure out why since it is in my kitchen and used.  The finish on the table is perfect..no marks, scratches etc.  If I put it outside in the sun will it ruin the finish.  I also have chairs that have become unglued.  Can you give me a solution to melt the old glue.  I heard of that somewhere.  Also do you have a home recipe for wood cleaner.  I have a piano in need of a good scrubbing.  My sister gave me on and I have lost it and she has since passed away.  Hope I haven't asked to many questions.  Thanks for any help you can give me.
ANSWER: Hi Marlene
Nice to hear from you.
Certainly not too many questions and I know they are important to you.
I'll start with the easiest first LOL
To melt old glue...use hot vinegar.
This works extremely well on the newer water soluble glues and very well indeed on the old hide glues. (don't let anyone tell you it doesn't either as I have used nothing but hot vinegar to disolve any type of glue except contact cement and super glue my entire working life.)
While you did not ask, here is the best chair glue made (in my humble opinion)
http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=1&cat=1,110&p=30261
Next cleaning you furniture
I do not have a home recipe as I usually use varsol as a cleaner on very dirty furniture.
There is however lots of furniture cleaners available today. Here is one I get rave reviews about.
http://www.restorzit.com/
I left the table question till last because it has me stumped.
I just cannot see how a table with the top finish in perfect condition would do this.
This is definately a moisture problem of some kind.
Unfortunately, the finish would not do well out in the sun as you must turn the table upside down on wet grass to straighten the boards.
It is also my experience that any board will not straighten with this method unless the finish is removed from both sides.
Putting the table right side up in the sun will only increase the warp.
I suggest the top be removed from the table legs, then the table skirt removed, then the boards stripped of their finish, then the sun and damp grass treatment (hump up) then the boards biscuit joined back together and a new finish applied. Sounds like a lot of work, but its not really for an experienced hand.
And this only applies if the wood is solid and not veneer.
If its veneer, the table top is garbage.
Hope this helps
Regards
Eileen





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

QUESTION: If I were to treat the table top with linseed oil would this protect this from the moisture for the 6 hours?  Would a protective finish help before I do this sun procedure?  I agree that it is probably be a moisture problem since we have a problem with dryness in our home.  We try to use vaporizers in the winter.  Thank you for your answers.
ANSWER: Hi again Marlene
Sorry you must have misunderstood my answer
I said "It is also my experience that any board will not straighten with this method unless the finish is removed from both sides"
Marlene it sounds like you are really anxious to try and fix this table.
The only thing I can say is its not my advice to do so this way.
The oil will not hurt at this point, and possible protect the wood as you suggest.
Good Luck
Regards
Eileen
PS..keep me posted


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

QUESTION: Sorry, it's me again.  I just was looking at the restorz it that you referred me to for cleaning.  I mentioned that this product would lock in the natural oils keeping it from cracking and popping up.  My impression was that the table top was warped.  In reading this my table cracked and popped up.  This then is a different problem.  At least I'm learning some things here.  Sorry to be such a pest.  I would appreciate your expert opinion on this.  Thanks.....
Marlene

Answer
Hi again Marlene
Well lets hope the top has only come off of the table skirt and you have no warping.
Thats a better problem.
So my expert opinion LOL...is that the boards must be removed and glued back together by a pro.
They will need to have biscuit joints to hold.
This is not a big fix at all, and any reputable wood shop will do this for you.
They have the biscuit cutter and table clamps.
If done properly, there is no need to refinish after the fix.
I was so gald to hear this.
Thanks Marlene