Expert: Eileen Cronk - 10/12/2008

Question
Dear Ms. Cronk,
We have a piece of Northern Furn. #1276.
It is a 3 drawer, with a china hutch above. With glass slider at front.
The rear legs have broken off where the pertendicular is under the top of the leg...the small feet are broken off.
We note that the feet have been broken and repaired befor but not sure when.
We would like to seperate but having taken out 8 screws we can not get it to budge...we suspect the finsh has sealed together.
We would like to seperate to make it easier to make repair.

My question is does the top hutch come off the bottom?

Thanks,

NORM


Answer
Hi Norm
Nice to hear from you.
Yes the top comes off the bottom section.
Often times we see the backs of these units are one piece going from the bottom unit to the top.
Look at the back..is it one piece?
If it is, the back will need to be removed in order to separate the pieces.
If its two separate pieces (top and bottom), then it should come apart easily..but yours is not so...first remove the drawers. Then look at the underside of the top of the drawer section..any screw heads there?
If yes, then of course remove them.
If not, its likely as you suspect and the finish has stuck together.
Not really that hard to "persuade" the pieces to come apart.
A few taps with a rubber mallet often does the trick.
Or a flat head screw driver inserted at the back where the pieces join to gently pry up slightly.
Only one other concern I have and thats if the pieces could possibly be dowelled together where they touch.
This dowelling will be across both sides if its there.
Wish I was right there to help Norm but try these things and let me know how it goes.
Regards
Eileen