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Dining Room Set Refurbish

25K views 30 replies 7 participants last post by  mtkate 
#1 ·
What style am I?

To make a long story short, a dining room set that has been in our family since the early 70's has come under my care. It's all white oak and we know it's at least 100 years old (but probably not more). Believed to have been made in New Brunswick.

If the set was made around 1900 or so, what would you call the style …. Victorian Revival? One of the chairs is below. The upholstering is real leather. The original finish was the darkest mahogany color you see left on the chair.
.

Furniture Wood Chair Outdoor furniture Rectangle


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Most of the set was stripped of it's finishing once. Unfortunately, I took a guilty part in that when I was a teenager and didn't know what I was doing either… The chair above was only half stripped and never got finished. The pieces that were stripped got refinished with minwax and a coat of varnish (not very well applied. I am aghast when I look at the buffet piece). There were also several attempts to fix wobbly joints (I'll take pics of these for another post) that make me realize how glad I am to have learned things from this site.
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It's a gargantuan task, and I am sure this will take me at least a year if I don't deviate. I need to remove the finishing, fix the scratches and broken pieces, strenghen the joints, refinish. Make it two years, because I will certainly deviate. But I am starting with this chair. I also have to re-upholster since the leather on most seats is cracked (and simply dirty - and you can't remove it) and it's lost it's bum-comfort.
.
One thing to say though - I love the look of this set.
 

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#2 ·
What style am I?

To make a long story short, a dining room set that has been in our family since the early 70's has come under my care. It's all white oak and we know it's at least 100 years old (but probably not more). Believed to have been made in New Brunswick.

If the set was made around 1900 or so, what would you call the style …. Victorian Revival? One of the chairs is below. The upholstering is real leather. The original finish was the darkest mahogany color you see left on the chair.
.

Furniture Wood Chair Outdoor furniture Rectangle


.

Most of the set was stripped of it's finishing once. Unfortunately, I took a guilty part in that when I was a teenager and didn't know what I was doing either… The chair above was only half stripped and never got finished. The pieces that were stripped got refinished with minwax and a coat of varnish (not very well applied. I am aghast when I look at the buffet piece). There were also several attempts to fix wobbly joints (I'll take pics of these for another post) that make me realize how glad I am to have learned things from this site.
.
It's a gargantuan task, and I am sure this will take me at least a year if I don't deviate. I need to remove the finishing, fix the scratches and broken pieces, strenghen the joints, refinish. Make it two years, because I will certainly deviate. But I am starting with this chair. I also have to re-upholster since the leather on most seats is cracked (and simply dirty - and you can't remove it) and it's lost it's bum-comfort.
.
One thing to say though - I love the look of this set.
You are in for alot of work. I hope you enjoy this type of stripping and refinishing. The refinishing is the fun part. The stripping is…well, you will find out.
Years ago I stripped and refinished a dinng room set my wife bought. It was beautiful old oak and was also a dark stain. It was a project I never would want to do again. I enjoy sanding but the stripping part with the chemical strippers was something that seemed as if it would never end.
 

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#3 ·
What style am I?

To make a long story short, a dining room set that has been in our family since the early 70's has come under my care. It's all white oak and we know it's at least 100 years old (but probably not more). Believed to have been made in New Brunswick.

If the set was made around 1900 or so, what would you call the style …. Victorian Revival? One of the chairs is below. The upholstering is real leather. The original finish was the darkest mahogany color you see left on the chair.
.

Furniture Wood Chair Outdoor furniture Rectangle


.

Most of the set was stripped of it's finishing once. Unfortunately, I took a guilty part in that when I was a teenager and didn't know what I was doing either… The chair above was only half stripped and never got finished. The pieces that were stripped got refinished with minwax and a coat of varnish (not very well applied. I am aghast when I look at the buffet piece). There were also several attempts to fix wobbly joints (I'll take pics of these for another post) that make me realize how glad I am to have learned things from this site.
.
It's a gargantuan task, and I am sure this will take me at least a year if I don't deviate. I need to remove the finishing, fix the scratches and broken pieces, strenghen the joints, refinish. Make it two years, because I will certainly deviate. But I am starting with this chair. I also have to re-upholster since the leather on most seats is cracked (and simply dirty - and you can't remove it) and it's lost it's bum-comfort.
.
One thing to say though - I love the look of this set.
Well, I am sort of a stripper - so to speak. I've done quite a few pieces. I know what I'm in for so I guess I am just crazy ;)

It's all the design and curvy parts that are going to kill me… but I'll do one piece at a time, finish it completely, then move on with no deadline. I got the mega can of stripping chemicals.
 

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#4 ·
What style am I?

To make a long story short, a dining room set that has been in our family since the early 70's has come under my care. It's all white oak and we know it's at least 100 years old (but probably not more). Believed to have been made in New Brunswick.

If the set was made around 1900 or so, what would you call the style …. Victorian Revival? One of the chairs is below. The upholstering is real leather. The original finish was the darkest mahogany color you see left on the chair.
.

Furniture Wood Chair Outdoor furniture Rectangle


.

Most of the set was stripped of it's finishing once. Unfortunately, I took a guilty part in that when I was a teenager and didn't know what I was doing either… The chair above was only half stripped and never got finished. The pieces that were stripped got refinished with minwax and a coat of varnish (not very well applied. I am aghast when I look at the buffet piece). There were also several attempts to fix wobbly joints (I'll take pics of these for another post) that make me realize how glad I am to have learned things from this site.
.
It's a gargantuan task, and I am sure this will take me at least a year if I don't deviate. I need to remove the finishing, fix the scratches and broken pieces, strenghen the joints, refinish. Make it two years, because I will certainly deviate. But I am starting with this chair. I also have to re-upholster since the leather on most seats is cracked (and simply dirty - and you can't remove it) and it's lost it's bum-comfort.
.
One thing to say though - I love the look of this set.
I can't put a name to the design, but it is almost identical to an oak set my mother-in-law has which she and her husband bought in 1940 just before Norway was invaded by Germany. The main difference is that the chairs have a back splat similar to the Queen Anne style. If I can remember, I will take a photo of it to show you when we visit her next week. Her set is in remarkably good condition after 70 years of use.
 

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#5 ·
What style am I?

To make a long story short, a dining room set that has been in our family since the early 70's has come under my care. It's all white oak and we know it's at least 100 years old (but probably not more). Believed to have been made in New Brunswick.

If the set was made around 1900 or so, what would you call the style …. Victorian Revival? One of the chairs is below. The upholstering is real leather. The original finish was the darkest mahogany color you see left on the chair.
.

Furniture Wood Chair Outdoor furniture Rectangle


.

Most of the set was stripped of it's finishing once. Unfortunately, I took a guilty part in that when I was a teenager and didn't know what I was doing either… The chair above was only half stripped and never got finished. The pieces that were stripped got refinished with minwax and a coat of varnish (not very well applied. I am aghast when I look at the buffet piece). There were also several attempts to fix wobbly joints (I'll take pics of these for another post) that make me realize how glad I am to have learned things from this site.
.
It's a gargantuan task, and I am sure this will take me at least a year if I don't deviate. I need to remove the finishing, fix the scratches and broken pieces, strenghen the joints, refinish. Make it two years, because I will certainly deviate. But I am starting with this chair. I also have to re-upholster since the leather on most seats is cracked (and simply dirty - and you can't remove it) and it's lost it's bum-comfort.
.
One thing to say though - I love the look of this set.
I'd send that out to one of those pro strippers that can do the whole chair in a big basin with some HD chemicals and a pressure sprayer to preserve the wood.
By the time you buy the stripper and tools you are almost halfway there and you'll never get it as cleans as they do.
Good luck with whatever you decide.
 

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#6 ·
What style am I?

To make a long story short, a dining room set that has been in our family since the early 70's has come under my care. It's all white oak and we know it's at least 100 years old (but probably not more). Believed to have been made in New Brunswick.

If the set was made around 1900 or so, what would you call the style …. Victorian Revival? One of the chairs is below. The upholstering is real leather. The original finish was the darkest mahogany color you see left on the chair.
.

Furniture Wood Chair Outdoor furniture Rectangle


.

Most of the set was stripped of it's finishing once. Unfortunately, I took a guilty part in that when I was a teenager and didn't know what I was doing either… The chair above was only half stripped and never got finished. The pieces that were stripped got refinished with minwax and a coat of varnish (not very well applied. I am aghast when I look at the buffet piece). There were also several attempts to fix wobbly joints (I'll take pics of these for another post) that make me realize how glad I am to have learned things from this site.
.
It's a gargantuan task, and I am sure this will take me at least a year if I don't deviate. I need to remove the finishing, fix the scratches and broken pieces, strenghen the joints, refinish. Make it two years, because I will certainly deviate. But I am starting with this chair. I also have to re-upholster since the leather on most seats is cracked (and simply dirty - and you can't remove it) and it's lost it's bum-comfort.
.
One thing to say though - I love the look of this set.
This stripping thing seems like a problem begging to be solved. I've used that stuff too, not very pleasant to use, but it worked well enough. I get the impression that those commercial firms really stress the wood with the very strong chemicals they use. I read in a refinishing book that it should be a last resort method due to it's being pretty destructive. I haven't tried it myself, so can't confirm or deny.
 

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#7 ·
What style am I?

To make a long story short, a dining room set that has been in our family since the early 70's has come under my care. It's all white oak and we know it's at least 100 years old (but probably not more). Believed to have been made in New Brunswick.

If the set was made around 1900 or so, what would you call the style …. Victorian Revival? One of the chairs is below. The upholstering is real leather. The original finish was the darkest mahogany color you see left on the chair.
.

Furniture Wood Chair Outdoor furniture Rectangle


.

Most of the set was stripped of it's finishing once. Unfortunately, I took a guilty part in that when I was a teenager and didn't know what I was doing either… The chair above was only half stripped and never got finished. The pieces that were stripped got refinished with minwax and a coat of varnish (not very well applied. I am aghast when I look at the buffet piece). There were also several attempts to fix wobbly joints (I'll take pics of these for another post) that make me realize how glad I am to have learned things from this site.
.
It's a gargantuan task, and I am sure this will take me at least a year if I don't deviate. I need to remove the finishing, fix the scratches and broken pieces, strenghen the joints, refinish. Make it two years, because I will certainly deviate. But I am starting with this chair. I also have to re-upholster since the leather on most seats is cracked (and simply dirty - and you can't remove it) and it's lost it's bum-comfort.
.
One thing to say though - I love the look of this set.
I'm with Bob #2. They really do a great job and don't cost much considering…
 

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#8 ·
What style am I?

To make a long story short, a dining room set that has been in our family since the early 70's has come under my care. It's all white oak and we know it's at least 100 years old (but probably not more). Believed to have been made in New Brunswick.

If the set was made around 1900 or so, what would you call the style …. Victorian Revival? One of the chairs is below. The upholstering is real leather. The original finish was the darkest mahogany color you see left on the chair.
.

Furniture Wood Chair Outdoor furniture Rectangle


.

Most of the set was stripped of it's finishing once. Unfortunately, I took a guilty part in that when I was a teenager and didn't know what I was doing either… The chair above was only half stripped and never got finished. The pieces that were stripped got refinished with minwax and a coat of varnish (not very well applied. I am aghast when I look at the buffet piece). There were also several attempts to fix wobbly joints (I'll take pics of these for another post) that make me realize how glad I am to have learned things from this site.
.
It's a gargantuan task, and I am sure this will take me at least a year if I don't deviate. I need to remove the finishing, fix the scratches and broken pieces, strenghen the joints, refinish. Make it two years, because I will certainly deviate. But I am starting with this chair. I also have to re-upholster since the leather on most seats is cracked (and simply dirty - and you can't remove it) and it's lost it's bum-comfort.
.
One thing to say though - I love the look of this set.
Thanks all - I never even thought of outsourcing the work. There is quite a bit of this to do. I'll have to check it out. I did start taking the chair apart and cleaning it up. The biggest pain is all the scratches the wood "inherited" over the years.

bentlyj - I still don't have a clear picture of what to call this style, but I am hoping Stefang's MIL set will shed some light. Maybe the set has brothers and sisters…
 

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#9 ·
What style am I?

To make a long story short, a dining room set that has been in our family since the early 70's has come under my care. It's all white oak and we know it's at least 100 years old (but probably not more). Believed to have been made in New Brunswick.

If the set was made around 1900 or so, what would you call the style …. Victorian Revival? One of the chairs is below. The upholstering is real leather. The original finish was the darkest mahogany color you see left on the chair.
.

Furniture Wood Chair Outdoor furniture Rectangle


.

Most of the set was stripped of it's finishing once. Unfortunately, I took a guilty part in that when I was a teenager and didn't know what I was doing either… The chair above was only half stripped and never got finished. The pieces that were stripped got refinished with minwax and a coat of varnish (not very well applied. I am aghast when I look at the buffet piece). There were also several attempts to fix wobbly joints (I'll take pics of these for another post) that make me realize how glad I am to have learned things from this site.
.
It's a gargantuan task, and I am sure this will take me at least a year if I don't deviate. I need to remove the finishing, fix the scratches and broken pieces, strenghen the joints, refinish. Make it two years, because I will certainly deviate. But I am starting with this chair. I also have to re-upholster since the leather on most seats is cracked (and simply dirty - and you can't remove it) and it's lost it's bum-comfort.
.
One thing to say though - I love the look of this set.
Hi Kate. I just remembered reading an article in FWW mag quite a few years ago about using glass shards to scrape off finish in difficult spots. A lot quicker and more effective that a sanding sponge or even metal paint scrapers.

The idea was to put a glass container (jelly jar?) in a thick paper bag for safety and give some whacks with a hammer. You should wind up with a lot of different shaped/sized pieces. You can then apply duct tape to make handles. The sharp edges really scrape well, and the different shapes allow you to do quite a range of profiles and other hard to get at places. Whatever you do, good luck with your project.

I haven't forgot about the pictures. I will take those pics as soon as we visit my MIL. I plan to ask her if she can remember what style they called it. She is 90 years old, so she might remember it.
 

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#10 ·
What style am I?

To make a long story short, a dining room set that has been in our family since the early 70's has come under my care. It's all white oak and we know it's at least 100 years old (but probably not more). Believed to have been made in New Brunswick.

If the set was made around 1900 or so, what would you call the style …. Victorian Revival? One of the chairs is below. The upholstering is real leather. The original finish was the darkest mahogany color you see left on the chair.
.

Furniture Wood Chair Outdoor furniture Rectangle


.

Most of the set was stripped of it's finishing once. Unfortunately, I took a guilty part in that when I was a teenager and didn't know what I was doing either… The chair above was only half stripped and never got finished. The pieces that were stripped got refinished with minwax and a coat of varnish (not very well applied. I am aghast when I look at the buffet piece). There were also several attempts to fix wobbly joints (I'll take pics of these for another post) that make me realize how glad I am to have learned things from this site.
.
It's a gargantuan task, and I am sure this will take me at least a year if I don't deviate. I need to remove the finishing, fix the scratches and broken pieces, strenghen the joints, refinish. Make it two years, because I will certainly deviate. But I am starting with this chair. I also have to re-upholster since the leather on most seats is cracked (and simply dirty - and you can't remove it) and it's lost it's bum-comfort.
.
One thing to say though - I love the look of this set.
Stefang, that sounds pretty scary with the glass… but if the scraper doesn't work out I might give it a shot. I started already and seems to be going fine to remove the "stuff" so far (though long…)

Thanks on the pics. I can't wait to see if they are similar.
 

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#11 ·
Interesting challenges from past "fixes" to the chair

It's amazing how many problems can result when someone tries to fix something fast. And all this is on just one chair!!!
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Brown Wood Nail Rectangle Wood stain


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Brown Wood Material property Hardwood Natural material


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Brown Wood Natural material Wood stain Gas


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Wood Gas Rectangle Wood stain Metal


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On the last image - not only was an extra screw hole added but the screw was put in straight onto the rail and whoever did it pierced the wood a bit on the other side as the screw was simply too long (AND too thick). I guess the most difficult part will be filling in the sections of oak that broke off. Over the last couple of weeks I took apart the back of the chair and stripped/sanded… it's ready for re-enforcement. A total of 16 hours of work so far but at least I find it relaxing and enjoyable.
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I was surprised the dowels holding the parts together we in pine. They popped out pretty easily. Too easily? I think they were part of a previous fix-up and I assume I should replace with maple or oak doweling. Time for a little research because I don't want to be doing this again for another 50 years or more (!).
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Oh, and taking apart this chair made me understand the value of having a wooden mallet. I did it with a rubber hammer wrapped in cloth but I finally get why there are so many wooden mallets posted to LJs…
 

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#12 ·
Interesting challenges from past "fixes" to the chair

It's amazing how many problems can result when someone tries to fix something fast. And all this is on just one chair!!!
.

Brown Wood Nail Rectangle Wood stain


.
Brown Wood Material property Hardwood Natural material


.

Brown Wood Natural material Wood stain Gas


.

Wood Gas Rectangle Wood stain Metal


.
On the last image - not only was an extra screw hole added but the screw was put in straight onto the rail and whoever did it pierced the wood a bit on the other side as the screw was simply too long (AND too thick). I guess the most difficult part will be filling in the sections of oak that broke off. Over the last couple of weeks I took apart the back of the chair and stripped/sanded… it's ready for re-enforcement. A total of 16 hours of work so far but at least I find it relaxing and enjoyable.
.
I was surprised the dowels holding the parts together we in pine. They popped out pretty easily. Too easily? I think they were part of a previous fix-up and I assume I should replace with maple or oak doweling. Time for a little research because I don't want to be doing this again for another 50 years or more (!).
.

Oh, and taking apart this chair made me understand the value of having a wooden mallet. I did it with a rubber hammer wrapped in cloth but I finally get why there are so many wooden mallets posted to LJs…
You are lucky that you can take it apart. I was asked to do a set for a lady that had been gorilla glued together! I told her what it would cost ($50-$60/chair) and never heard back again… I thought I was cheap! ;0)
 

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#15 ·
First chair ready to assemble

Plenty of elbow grease went into this…. but my first chair is finally prepped and ready to assemble. I am going to let the pieces "rest" for the day. Only 5 more chairs, a table and a buffet to go (LOL).
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Wood Gas Automotive tire Camera accessory Hardwood

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I learned that this set has a flaw in the design - nearly all of the leg posts that join onto the rails holding the seat area together are cracked. The mortise wall was simply too thin to the edge to sustain over the years. I am already starting the fixes on the second chair, and I had to rebuild one of the leg posts with wood putty because a chunk of wood was missing.
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I also learned a really valuable method. If you are a shellac lover, like I am…. definitely make yourself a sponge! It's the best thing since sliced bread. It retains the shellac and makes application a dream. I rushed out and bought extra cheesecloth after seeing this video on FWW (unfortunately, you need an account to view it): http://www.finewoodworking.com/subscription/skillsandtechniques/skillsandtechniquesarticle.aspx?id=29537
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Here is mine, resting safe and sound in a mason jar:

Brown Food storage containers Drinkware Liquid Mason jar


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The finishing process I used took several steps, and I based in on what seems to have gotten approval from this community in other posts. I took a shot of all the products so you can get a glimpse. Starting from the left, I rebuilt wood pieces with a wood paste that I would make from powder. I should have included the Titebond Hide Glue in the photo - I used that to repair broken pieces. Then I applied an oil based gel (first time using it) - a basecoat of red mahogany then a layer or two of spanish oak which is dark. Pieces took the color differently so some got one coat and a refresh in spots (like the legs) and other got 2-3 coats (like the rails). Then I shellaced two layers (320 grit sandpaper rubbed lightly to get nibs). Then two coats of wipe-on poly which went on like a dream (600 grit sandpaper rubbed lightly to get nibs). Then a coat of wax wiped on with a 000 steel wool pad. After getting all the parts assembled, I will rub on at least another coat of wax.
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Tin Food storage containers Food storage Ingredient Mason jar
 

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#16 ·
First chair ready to assemble

Plenty of elbow grease went into this…. but my first chair is finally prepped and ready to assemble. I am going to let the pieces "rest" for the day. Only 5 more chairs, a table and a buffet to go (LOL).
.
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Wood Gas Automotive tire Camera accessory Hardwood

.
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I learned that this set has a flaw in the design - nearly all of the leg posts that join onto the rails holding the seat area together are cracked. The mortise wall was simply too thin to the edge to sustain over the years. I am already starting the fixes on the second chair, and I had to rebuild one of the leg posts with wood putty because a chunk of wood was missing.
.
.
I also learned a really valuable method. If you are a shellac lover, like I am…. definitely make yourself a sponge! It's the best thing since sliced bread. It retains the shellac and makes application a dream. I rushed out and bought extra cheesecloth after seeing this video on FWW (unfortunately, you need an account to view it): http://www.finewoodworking.com/subscription/skillsandtechniques/skillsandtechniquesarticle.aspx?id=29537
.
.
Here is mine, resting safe and sound in a mason jar:

Brown Food storage containers Drinkware Liquid Mason jar


.
.
The finishing process I used took several steps, and I based in on what seems to have gotten approval from this community in other posts. I took a shot of all the products so you can get a glimpse. Starting from the left, I rebuilt wood pieces with a wood paste that I would make from powder. I should have included the Titebond Hide Glue in the photo - I used that to repair broken pieces. Then I applied an oil based gel (first time using it) - a basecoat of red mahogany then a layer or two of spanish oak which is dark. Pieces took the color differently so some got one coat and a refresh in spots (like the legs) and other got 2-3 coats (like the rails). Then I shellaced two layers (320 grit sandpaper rubbed lightly to get nibs). Then two coats of wipe-on poly which went on like a dream (600 grit sandpaper rubbed lightly to get nibs). Then a coat of wax wiped on with a 000 steel wool pad. After getting all the parts assembled, I will rub on at least another coat of wax.
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Tin Food storage containers Food storage Ingredient Mason jar
Oh, oh Kate, your post just reminded me of my broken promise to take some photos of my MIL's dining room set for you. She's 90 and she has been doing time in the old folks home to rest up a bit. She hadn't been sleeping well and that's why she went there for a short stay. She is back home now and we will be visiting her soon and I WILL take those pics.

That's a very nice job you did on those chair parts. If that is French polishing you are talking about, don't they call that polishing cloth a pad? You're right that it does work somewhat like a sponge though. I know, nobody likes a smart Alec.
 

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#22 ·
First glue up - holding my breath

I'll see how this all comes together in 24-48 hours from now…

I used many cuss words getting this together - and had to scream for help with the clamp positioning. You can never had enough clamps - as you can see I was reduced to using my crappy craftsman standby clamp.

I don't think the stretchers are going to hold well through time. They just "feel" weak. For other chairs, I might add more wood to them. Not sure yet.

Wood Picture frame Engineering Gas Machine

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After the glue up, I ran a damp cloth around the squeeze out and I think I got most of it. I noticed I have a few spots to retouch with color - which will be easy. Now I have to find a place that sells the right leather to start the re-upholstering.
 

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#23 ·
First glue up - holding my breath

I'll see how this all comes together in 24-48 hours from now…

I used many cuss words getting this together - and had to scream for help with the clamp positioning. You can never had enough clamps - as you can see I was reduced to using my crappy craftsman standby clamp.

I don't think the stretchers are going to hold well through time. They just "feel" weak. For other chairs, I might add more wood to them. Not sure yet.

Wood Picture frame Engineering Gas Machine

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After the glue up, I ran a damp cloth around the squeeze out and I think I got most of it. I noticed I have a few spots to retouch with color - which will be easy. Now I have to find a place that sells the right leather to start the re-upholstering.
That's looking really great. You are a plugger!
 

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#29 ·
Started on the table.... strip, sand, strip, sand....

Nothing to see here yet, just marking my progress…. more for myself.

Today I did some finishing touch-ups on the first chair, going around and being sure all the glue squeeze-out I missed was removed. Hide glue peels off easily off the finished pieces. Painted on some of the oil based gel in spots where I managed to nick the finishing (tsk tsk) in my glue-up. Waxed it up again. Gotta find an upholsterer retailer around here for the leather…..

I took apart the 7 foot long table with help (it is really about 5 feet with 2 dropleaf extensions), stripped and sanded to 80 the tabletop. Ready for refinement and finishing….

I am half done stripping a second chair, but I let it go today being too excited to get a big piece of work started (the table top).
 
#30 ·
Hi Kate. At last I have those photos of my 90 year old MIL's dining furniture I promised you so long ago and never delivered. I finally remembered to bring my camera today when we visited her and here are the photos you have breathlessly awaited for such a long time,lol.

My MIL got this furniture new when she got married in 1940. It was made by local furniture makers. I haven't been able to track down any name for the style, but I think it was generic world wide. Norway was a poor country in those days and perhaps 10-20 years behind the styles elsewhere in the world. At least it looks somewhat 1920's or 30's to me. I used to be in the family's furniture business, so I have a feeling for this.

This furniture was very well made in oak with hand carved details. Even with much use no repairs have ever been done to any of the pieces pictured except for reupholstering the chair seats, which was done around 1982. The original seats were in leather.

"Photobucket"

"Photobucket"

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"Photobucket"

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"Photobucket"

"Photobucket"

I thought you might like to see the accompanying sideboard and a matching silverware and china cupboard, and the coffee table which isn't exactly matching, but is in the same style.

The splat back chairs aren't as attractive as yours, but they have held up well. I hope you find these pics interesting and I'm looking forward to seeing your finished restoration project.
 
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