Woodworker's Journal 1984-8-1, страница 20
Restoring Antiques by John W. Olson Restoring Hopeless Cases Every now and then I'm asked to restore an old battered and broken piece of furniture that, at first glance, would appear to defy any attempt at rehabilitation. Usually, it's sentimental value that motivates someone to bring in such a ramshackle piece — for in most cases the monetary value is minimal. In spite of my initial skepticism though, 1 usually find that a piece like this can be brought back to life, although sometimes even my best effort will give it little more than a weak puise. For many though, this well-worn look is much desired, It gives the piece a certain charm or "patina of age" that a new piece just doesn't have. To study the worn top of an 18th Century desk is to feel a sense of history, for as that desk gracefully aged, so too, did our country. It's that kind of special feeling that gives these pieces such strong appeal. With this type of restoration, the first steps involve disassembly and repair. Stripping should be delayed until all repair and smoothing of rough areas has been finished so that the bare wood or any new wood will be the same color as the adjacent surfaces. Any disassembly should be restricted to joints that are obviously loose or broken. Before starting, carefully examine these joints to determine how they are fastened. Generally, you'll find that they were glued, however in some cases they may have been further secured with small nails or brads. This was a common fastening technique on furniture made from the Victorian period right on up to the 1920's, so it's a good idea to take extra time to inspect pieces from that period. If nails are found, the first order of business is to remove them, as any force applied to a nailed joint can damage one or both members. Look for clues such as slight indentations or discolorations that conceal filled nail holes. A sharp awl makes an ideal tool for probing these suspected trouble spots. In many cases, the best way to disassemble a joint is to simply use your two hands while supporting the piece in a good woodworking vise. Careful pulling, pushing, and twisting, using minimal force, will often do the job. If more persuasion is needed, a mallet or hammer can be used. To protect the surface of the wood, use a rubber mallet or wrap rags around the face of the hammer. Tap lightly at first, taking care to avoid causing damage. Work slowly and be patient. You'll be surprised at how often this method works. At times, a tight joint must be opened to allow disassembly of a loose joint. When this happens, the tight joint can usually be opened by wrapping it with water soaked rags. The furniture glue used around the turn of the century (and before) will soften when exposed to water, although time and patience may be important. Allow several days of soaking before you give up. 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