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Collectibles-General (Antiques)/Refinishing antique(?) table
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Question
I've acquired an old table, slides are "Walter of Wabash".
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It has drop leaves at each end, 2 fixed "leaves" and 2 removable leaves. It doesn't look like it has been refinished, but the old finish has been sanded off the top.
The construction of the top is narrow 42" long wood pieces, glued together. Some of them are separating and one of the leaves is not flat anymore.
How can I restore the flat condition and bring the separated ends back together?
Hi Tonydee
Nice to hear from you.
I have made such repairs many times but you need the correct tools.
It just can't be done without the tools.
First I'll address the leaf that is warped.
I have also repaired this type of damage many times too.
I will say the success rate for this repair is 85%.
Sometimes it just does not work and you need to make a new leaf.
Good news is you need no tools for this repair.
So heres what to do.
Pick a real hot day.
Make sure all finish is removed front and back of the table leaf.
Take a water can with water and water an area of grass a bit larger then the table leaf. This area must be in full hot sun all day.
Place the table leaf over this wet area cup side down (think of the leaf as a cup and turn the cup over on the grass..understand?)
Walk away for several hours.
Slowly you will see the board straightening out.
When its straight remove and set indoors overnight.
If the warp returns a bit (it won't fully), out it goes again after you wet the grass.
Tonydee I have often left the board too long and it has cupped up the other way LOL..no problem, just turn over (cup side down) and start over.
Now the split table top.
The method I use is not one I was taught. It just seemed like common sense to do it this way and it works. But if there is a better method I can't imagine what it is.
Unfortunately you can't just squeeze some glue into the split and clamp back together. Whats happened is the board has shrunk.
You cannot unshrink it LOL.
First the table top must be removed from the legs and table skirt (easy).
Next I cut along the joined (and split) lines of the boards.
A table saw is required for this.
Next the edges of the cuts must be run through a jointer to get them really smooth (you need a jointer for this).
Next I use my biscuit cutter to cut biscuits along both edges of the boards (you need a biscuit cutter for this).
Then glue and insert the biscuits and clamp the boards together (you need long clamps for this).
So you see what I mean about the right tools.
The good news is that any wood shop will make this easy repair for you.
Tonydee if I had this top in my shop I could do this in less than 3/4 of an hour. So this is not a "biggy".
Drying time is overnight, and you will have to redrill some holes in the table skirt as you loose the width of a saw blade on each side of the board. But its in no way noticeable from above.
Hope this helps
Kind Regards
Eileen
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| Rating(1-10) | Knowledgeability = 10 | Clarity of Response = 10 | Politeness = 10 |
| Comment | Great response, I am such an amatuer and Eileen sent me a LOT of information. I'm not capable of using it all, but she has lead me to look for more help! Thanks! | ||
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Collectibles-General (Antiques)
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Eileen Cronk
Expertise
I can answer most questions about the repairing and refinishing of all your old furniture items (the things we call antiques). I can also give you advice on what wood items to choose and what wood items to avoid at auctions, flea markets etc. I DO NOT give appraisals on antiques as this is not my field of expertise.
Experience
I have been repairing, refinishing and of course buying old furniture for the past 30 years. On any given weekend I can be found at auction sales or flea markets searching out a good buy. I have taken several courses in this area over the years, but I find "Hands On" learning to be the best teacher. I can help you avoid the pitfalls and problems of this wonderful rewarding craft.
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