Mom's Dresser

Magicman · June 25, 2010, 10:20:19 PM

Before her health failed, my Mom started refinishing this old White Oak bedroom dresser. She had stripped the old finish and dismantled everything that would come loose. It was in 23 different jigsaw pieces.

As a tribute to her, it was finally time to reassemble it. Next to go on will be the mirror frame assembly. I haven't decided whether to actually place a mirror on it yet.

I'll probably use a Danish Oil or something like that for a finish. That should make the oak grain really stand out. I'm thinking that this dresser should be 75 to 100 years old.

Tom · June 25, 2010, 10:33:43 PM

Do you have the key to the drawers? :D

Or, as Norm Abram says, "Draws?"

That's a mighty fine job y'all did. A note hidden within with her name, your name and a little story about the dresser will mean a lot to family down the road.

If you could find a beveled mirror that would fit the frame, it would really set it off. Who wouldn't be proud of this effort. Good show!!

CHARLIE · June 25, 2010, 11:45:09 PM

If you need parts, keys, mirrors and stuff like that when restoring antique stuff, try this company. At the very least you should order a free catalog 'cause they are fun to look through.

http://www.vandykes.com/

Magicman · June 26, 2010, 07:51:38 AM

Quote from: Tom on June 25, 2010, 10:33:43 PM
Do you have the key to the drawers? :D

No, to the keys, but I'll check that vandykes link. Notice that the keyholes each have a wooden escutcheon.

Burlkraft · June 26, 2010, 09:17:09 AM

Nice ;) ;D ;D

Dan_Shade · June 26, 2010, 10:39:35 AM

that is very nice.

How are the carved peices attached?

Magicman · June 26, 2010, 02:13:32 PM

Quote from: Dan_Shade on June 26, 2010, 10:39:35 AM
How are the carved peices attached?

I had to go and look. Little brad nails and glue. There is no sign of looseness on any of them.

Magicman · June 29, 2010, 04:06:17 PM

I got a big surprise when I dug those pieces for the mirror frame out. Mom had left the job of removing the old finish for me to do. Anyway, I got busy, removed the old varnish, etc. and assembled the frame. Surprisingly, every piece was there.

The mirror frame pieces.

Removing the old varnish.

Mom would be proud. She loved old stuff that has had new life breathed into it.

WDH · June 29, 2010, 07:59:33 PM

From the look of the old varnish, you made a vast improvement!

Magicman · June 29, 2010, 09:42:44 PM

Yup, old black wrinkled up stuff. It took three times to finally get it melted off.

Patty · June 30, 2010, 06:02:06 PM

WOW! That is a beautiful dresser....good job!

Magicman · June 30, 2010, 08:25:48 PM

Thanks Patty. My Mom was working on that old dresser in 1995. A bad car wreck stopped that and all future projects for her. The stripping was just too much for her, so it's been in the barn since then.

Pat got after me last week to finish it. Once I got started, it seemed like I was obsessed. Of course, I thought about Mom the whole time while working on it.

Yes, she would be pleased, and I am proud.

Don K · July 01, 2010, 09:40:33 AM

Looks good Lynn. Your Mom would be very proud.

Don

metalspinner · July 06, 2010, 09:31:39 AM

The color of the raw wood is awsome!
Did the barn hold any animals? The reason I ask is that ammonia fumes from their urine would have made the color change significantly.

Very nice job.

Magicman · July 06, 2010, 10:02:19 AM

Nope, no animals. That thick coat of old varnish had the wood sealed quite nicely. Actually, I guess that some of that old finish soaks into the wood and gives it a richer color. I ended up putting one coat of sanding sealer on it, and am planning on just leaving it as is. I'm very pleased with the satin finish.

SwampDonkey · July 06, 2010, 05:25:38 PM

Looks great Magicman. You did a good job for your mom.

My uncle did some restoring of furniture that was my great grand mother's. Dinning room table and chairs, dresser, commode, spool bed. Mostly I think was made in Montreal, mostly hard maple and ash.

ljmathias · July 07, 2010, 07:57:50 PM

Nice work, Magic- just what I'd expect.

Lj

terrifictimbersllc · July 26, 2010, 06:14:05 PM

high five to you

Magicman · July 26, 2010, 08:45:57 PM

The next time that DonK visits, that dresser will be right beside of his bed.

Bill Gaiche · August 01, 2010, 10:46:27 PM

Magicman that is a very nice piece. Your Mom is proud you can asure yourself of that. Show the kids and family and keep the story alive as long as you can about its history. Make sure that the next person that shows it in there home when you decide to pass it on,that it will mean as much to them as it does to you. These pieces of furniture are priceless. bg

Lud · August 02, 2010, 02:52:32 PM

Good looking job. You might consider writing the story of the piece of furniture on the back with a permanent marker.

Or on a drawer bottom, you could epoxy a printout of this thread and we'd all be a part of history. :D :D

Provinence should be a part of everything we make. That's why we sign and date our work, right? 8)