| Woodworking |
From "Ask DIY"
episode ADI-702 |
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Q: I really like the lines of arts-and-crafts furniture, but I'm not particularly fond of the heavy grain in oak. What other woods would you suggest I use for this style? A: (Ask DIY Woodworking expert Bruce Johnson) I really like oak, but I agree with you that it does have a heavy grain. Although it's the type of wood generally associated with the arts-and-crafts movement, you can achieve a lighter look by using cherry, which has a softer grain (figure A). Also, using wood knobs instead of the usual hammered metal will help keep the furniture from looking too massive.
Q: I have cleaned my walnut dining room table and chairs with oil soap. Now I have a dull finish on the wood. How do I get a more polished look? A: The problem with oil soaps is that they leave a film (figure B), but you can restore the shine with a paste wax. Paste wax has a bed reputation because people generally use too much of it, but if you use a thin coat, you shouldn't have any problem with it. Simply apply the paste wax with a soft cloth and rub in a circular motion (figure C). Let it set up for about five minutes, then use the other side of the cloth to buff off the surplus. Go back later and re-buff for an even sheen.
Q: I have an old chest of drawers that is veneered and has been painted. I want to repaint it. What do I use to fill in the places where the veneer has chipped off so that I will have a smooth finish? A: That's where wood filler comes in handy. Just use a putty knife to apply a small amount to the damaged area (figure D) -- be sure to mound it a little, as wood filler shrinks slightly as it dries. Let it dry for four to six hours, then use 120-grit sandpaper to smooth the surface (figure E). After that, it's ready to paint.
RESOURCES :
The Complete Manual of Woodworking
Author: Albert Jackson
Publisher: Knopf
ISBN: 0679766111
Arts and Crafts Woodworking Projects: 11 New Designs in the Stickley Tradition
Model: 0811726622
Author: Robert E. Belke
Restoring & Repairing Furniture
Model: 157145229X
Author: Alan Smith
The Complete Illustrated Guide to Woodworking
Author: Lonnie Bird, Andy Rae and Gary Rogowski
Publisher: Taunton
ISBN: 1561586021
The Complete Woodworker's Companion
Author: Roger Holmes
Publisher: Watson-Guptill
ISBN: 0823008665
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