By the Skin of the Teeth

October 29, 2013

The 1920’s sideboard and table restoration was a compound cruncher. All work had to be done by Thursday night, Oct. 3 at the absolute latest, ’cause I was leaving Friday morning for a 12-hour auto trip to St. Augustine, Florida for a friend’s wedding on Saturday. Also on Saturday, the owner was coming to the shop to pick the pieces up for delivery to New York on Sunday for an important function up there, AAAAAAAAAA.

No Longer a Pile of Loose Pieces

September 04, 2013

Today I took the last steps to make sure that all the repaired and prepared pieces fit together well.

Restoration Of 1880s Maple Rocking Chair w/ Caned Seat & Back

July 31, 2013

This is a classic exuberant 1880’s mid-Victorian Eastlake rocking chair. Design wise, it was not a subdued age, but don’t confuse that with poor quality. This chair was made of solid hard maple throughout. Not just any maple, but obviously carefully selected quilted/tiger stripe/birds eye maple for the back uprights. Beautiful. The “gingerbread” — extra spool turnings here, there, all over — weren’t just for show, but tended to strengthen the chair. It was made to use, and last, a long time. And it did, already now well into its 2nd century.

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