| Antique Repair: Extending a Stickley Library Table |
From "Woodworking"
episode DIW-212 |
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Antiques are often passed over because of damaged areas, but with a little TLC , value can be increased and the piece can be enjoyed for years to come. DIY Woodworking host Bruce Johnson demonstrates a modification to restore a Stickley library table to a more functional and attractive state, complete with new arts and crafts details. When restoring antiques, Johnson advises woodworkers to study old catalogs, photos or books for original specifications: dimensions, material and design. Johnson's Stickley table was modified by a former owner -- who had cut 2" off each end of the tabletop. As a result, the top looked too small for the base. To solve the problem, Johnson decided to add wood to each end using a tongue-and-groove technique . Materials: Ruler
Pencil
Utility knife
Back saw with fine-tooth blade
Router
Table saw with dado blade
Hammer
Small clamps
Bar clamps
Drill with 3/8" bit
3/8" wooden pegs
- First, examine the piece before deciding how to approach the repair or restoration . Johnson begins by removing the top, then clamping it into place on a workbench.
- Then, Johnson measures 7/8" from the edge -- where the tenon will be cut and the tongue-and-groove will meet. To score a straight line, as Johnson did, use a ruler, T-square or yardstick as a guide before scoring the tabletop surface with a utility knife (figure A).
- A router is used to cut away excess wood and create a tenon. Measure the distance from the edge of the router to the bit (figure B) and add to the measurement in step 2 (in this case, the total measurement is 1 7/8"). Clamp a wooden guide into place (figure C) and set the depth of the router at less than 1/4" before creating the tenon.
- After the tenon is cut on the top surface, flip top over and repeat technique on the underside.
- When adding the new end pieces, use table saw with 3/8" dado blade to cut a groove in the edge. Make pencil marks (figure D) on the saw to indicate its cutting area. Feed wood slowly into the saw blade. When finished, shut off saw, making sure that the blade has stopped cutting before removing blade.
- Next, use back saw to remove any excess tenon (figure E) to fit snugly into the groove. Use short, even strokes while sawing.
- Use hammer to tap the tongue-and-groove assembly (figure F) into place and use bar clamps to pull snugly together.
- Wooden pegs are used to strengthen and secure the tongue-and-groove assembly . To follow Johnson's example, measure 5" from the end of the added piece and make three marks -- one on each end and one in the middle of the top surface.
- Then, drill 3/8" hole -- just deep enough to go through both tenon and groove at each of the marks (figure G). Add wooden peg to each hole and hammer flush with surrounding area (figure H).
- Repeat entire procedure -- if necessary -- to increase length on the opposite end of table.
- Finally, stain the new end pieces to match the finished antique as closely as possible .
RESOURCES :
The Furniture of Gustav Stickley : History, Techniques, Projects
Model: 094193635X
Author: Joseph J. Bavaro, et al
Restoration Recipes
Model: 0811825108
Author: James Bain, et al
Restoring & Repairing Furniture
Model: 157145229X
Author: Alan Smith
How to Recognize and Refinish Antiques for Pleasure
Model: 0762701145
Author: Jacquelyn Peake
Furniture Repair & Refinishing
Model: 1580110061
Author: Brian D. Hingley
Antiques, The Magazine
The editorial emphasis of this magazine is for collectors of antiques and works of art.
Brant Publications, Inc.
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