Expert: Eileen Cronk - 8/19/2007

Question
Hi Eileen,
My girlfriend and I decided it would be a great idea to put her computer inside her grandfathers roll top desk.  Well not being the furniture experts we thought it would be fine to drill a hole through the back of the desk to run the wires through.  Being the expert you are you probably already know what I'm about to ask you.  Yes, I drilled through the roll top of my girlfriend's grandfather's antique roll top desk.  AAARRGGGHHHH. I feel horrible and would like to get it fixed for her and her family. I ruined two of the slats.  Can you direct me to a place that may be able to help in replacing these.  

Thanks for your time,
Jason

Answer
Hi Jason
Nice to hear from you.
When I read your letter I laughed Jason...this is so funny.
But to get you out of the dog house, we better help.
First you must remove the two slats.
Its been a while since I had one of these desks apart, but its fairly simple.
Remove the back, and you should see the slat assembly.
The entire assembly will need to be removed.
When you have it out, you will note that the slats are glued onto a canvas backing.
Remove the "offending members"...(you will note I said this without laughing Jason).
You will need to pull the members from the canvas without tearing the canvas...if you tear the canvas you will really be in trouble.
Then take the slats to a good local wood shop and have them make you duplicates. Fairly easy job.
Ask the shop to advise on duplicating the finish as close as possible and perhaps they will even do that.
Then glue the new slats in place and you are in the families good books again.
Just a heads up Jason, I recall repairing one of these desks where I had to remove the left and right side of the structure that held the slats (the slat assembly is actually called the tambour) It was easily removed as there was screws that secured the sides to the desk top.
Sorry I can't be more exact about the removal but its been a while. Its an easy job though.
And stop worrying. This can be easily repaired.
Good Luck and thanks for making my day.
Regards
Eileen