Woodworker's Journal 1984-8-5, страница 6

Letters

I need to know how to repair a "bubble" (sometimes called a "blister") that has formed near the center of a veneered top. I guess it was caused by high humidity when I refmished it outside under my porch.

L.F. Swoope, Sulphur, La.

In an environment of high humidity, veneer will take on a lot of moisture, causing it to expand. If under the expanding veneer, there is a spot where little or no glue was applied, or an area where it was inadequately rolled, a bubble is likely to form.

To repair the bubble, use a sharp knife or single-edge razor and make two cuts (parallel to the grain direction), one on each side of the bubble. Using the point of a sharp knife, work fresh glue into the opening formed by each cut, taking care not to further split the veneer. A glue injector, a tool

that 's much like a big hypodermic needle, is ideal for a job like this. One can be purchased from: Constantine, 2050 Eastchester Road, Bronx, New York 10461.

Wipe away any excess glue, then apply clamp pressure. A scrap piece of wood will protect the veneer when clamp pressure is applied, and a piece of wax paper will keep the scrap wood from sticking to the glue. If a clamp won 7 reach the repair area, place a few heavy books on top of the scrap wood.

. , . I've found that wire reels (the kind the electric utilities receive wire on) make excellent workbenches. They are especially handy for staining, varnishing, or stripping a piece. Their circular shape makes it easy to work your way around a project, and when you've finished the job, they can be flipped on edge and rolled out of the way. And perhaps best of all, they are usually free for the asking.

David Honbarger, Jr., Salisbury, N.C.

In his article on restoring hopeless cases (January/February 1984, page 19) John Olson warns of hidden nails and the use of a sharp awl to locate them.

I find that 1 can remove such hidden nails (with a minimum of damage to surrounding wood) by drilling a 3/32 in. diameter by V* in. deep hole on each side of the nail. Then, to pull it out, 1 use a good quality, medium-size needle-nose pliers. Once pulled, the holes can be filled with a wood filler.

Percy F. Hanson, Walhalla, N.D.

I am having difficulty locating brass bed bolt covers. Can you suggest a

^source? L.M. Waechter,

Columbia, Ohio

The Wise Company. 6503 St. Claude Ave., Arabi, LA 70032 sells a bed bolt cover measuring IVi in. diameter,

Editor 's Note: John Olson, who writes our Restoring Antiques column, was

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