PDA

View Full Version : Antique bed - how to approach repairs?















conomum
4th August 2012, 01:51 PM
Hello,

I am a complete novice woodworker and have an walnut coloured antique?? bed that I need to restore so it can be used -it has bad splits in the turned wood posts and needs to be glued and clamped but I'm not sure what the best plan of attack is. I have PVA and Sika Polyurethane that I was going to use -have only ever used PVA before and not sure if this is the best thing to use.
I need to work it out quick as current location for storage is my carport which is causing damage to the wood finish. I am hoping someone here might have some advice -I did contact an antique restorer and he wasn't interested in taking on the job. Not sure what else to do but any advice would be wonderful.

Thanks!!

Antipodes
5th August 2012, 01:50 AM
Before you start, measure the length of the space for the mattress. Mattress lengths have increased in modern times - you may have a bed but would it fit a contemporary mattress.

On anything pre-WWII never use PVA or similar. It is wrong for the type ofnfurniture and near impossible to replace at a later date for the next restoration. Hide or fish glue is probably your best starting point. Do a search in here for more info. Fiddlier in its way but better on so may levels.

Lawry01
9th August 2012, 06:32 PM
Hi Conomum, and welcome to the forum. A few photos would go a long way to helping us help you. Once a fewe of us can see the work needing to be done, then I'm sure you'll see some responses to help you along the way. Also, do a bit of a search through the forum..youmay find a few threads with ideas etc. to get you started. Cheers, Lawry