AboutGreg 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 of all kinds.
Experience Fine furniture restorer and cabinet maker for over 30 years,serving high end Antique dealers, Interior designers, Collectors in the CT area. 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, and offered instruction on use and care as well.I even have some Trade show Demo experience.
Organizations none at this time.
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"), local newspapers as well
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 by Major tool manufacturers, Delta, Powermatic, Performax, Porter Cable, Skil/Bosch to name a few.
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.) 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.), local Museums and Historical Societies.
Question I have my grandparents pine dining room table that is over 100 years old. On one side it looks like the it is "rotting" as the stain is gone. I am not sure if this is dry rot and am not sure what to do. We live in New Hampshire and our house is not humid although in the winter we do have a humidifier near by the one side of the table where this appears to be happening the most. It is only around the edges. Can you please offer any advice? Thanks!
Answer Hi Carolyn, I doubt this is rot, it sounds more like the finish is degrading, especially as you describe the humidifier being near it. It's likely that it has little real finish and maybe just a wax or oil finish. How do you care for it? Rot would be soft and crumbling to the touch. Insect damage can be another thing that pops up occasionally, as they can live inside the wood and burrow out, creating groups of small holes and channels. If there are no real signs of compromise to the wood surface, I would apply some mineral spirits on a rag and see if the look improves. If it does then I would perhaps paste wax the table. Post back- regards- Greg
