Refinishing a Toolbox

[SamC]

Hi:

My 94 year old dad gave me a wooden tool box that must be at least 50 years old. I'm not sure of the wood but I think it might be maple. I would like to restore it. The tool box must have been in his Tool and Die shop for 50 years. There is grease and oil stains on the wood.

Can someone explain to me the best way to clean it and remove the oil and grease. What's the best way to restore it?

I am a novice working with wood so please be specific including naming products where necessary.

Thanks,
Sam

[wheelinround]

Hi what a gift to get.

The oil stains are going to very difficult to remove as they will be well into the wood try a bit of Metholated sprits to dry it out sand and see how that work do it on an area not visible for starters.

It would be nice to see a pic of it if possible.

Ray

[SamC]

Hi what a gift to get.

The oil stains are going to very difficult to remove as they will be well into the wood try a bit of Metholated sprits to dry it out sand and see how that work do it on an area not visible for starters.

It would be nice to see a pic of it if possible.

Ray

Ray:

Your wish is my command. See Post #1, I added Pictures.

Sam

[wheelinround]

Sam thats a real nice heirloom thanks for the photo.

It looks well cared for a good clean up and finish would make it look almost new but it has the well aged look and is a keeper as it is.

[SamC]

Sam thats a real nice heirloom thanks for the photo.

It looks well cared for a good clean up and finish would make it look almost new but it has the well aged look and is a keeper as it is.

Thank you for the compliment, All the dark spots that you see in the pictures are oil and grease. I am cleaning it.
The way I am doing it is using a degreaser and OOO steal-wool pads. It's taking off the oil and grease but not the finish. After I am done, I will mix together
- 2 parts Clear Coat (Satin Finish) polyurethane
- 2 part mineral spirits
- 1 part Boiled Linseed Oil

I'll spread this on giving it thin coats until I get a desired finish.
By the way, I did not come up with this solution. Someone I know who does cabinetry suggested I do it that way.

All the drawers are lined with a green felt. They also will be replaced.
It will take me a week or so but when I am done, I will post some pictures.

If you have an opinion on this solution, I would like to hear from you.

Thanks,
Sam

[munruben]

It looks well cared for a good clean up and finish would make it look almost new but it has the well aged look and is a keeper as it is.

I agree with that comment Ray. I would certainly not attempt to restore something of that nature. It has a natural beauty that has taken 50 plus years to achieve and cannot be replaced if the box is restored. I am sure it will detract from the value of the box and take away the magic of its present state. This box represents history and to take that away from it by cleaning or trying to restore it, in my opinion would be a shame and a loss of so much of the history and life of the box would be erased in the process.

Sorry Sam but that's just the way I feel about things like that. I wold leave it as is.

[Sapling]

Got to agree with Wheelin and munruben. There is plenty of patina there. If you want a new one make another. Most I would do if any would be a light clean and wax.

[wheelinround]

Degreazer I've never heard of it on wood, I have seen what it does to some metals rubber and plastics. Seriously I hope you don't ruin it.

I do look forward to further photo's and results.

Ray

[SamC]

Degreazer I've never heard of it on wood, I have seen what it does to some metals rubber and plastics. Seriously I hope you don't ruin it.

I do look forward to further photo's and results.

Ray

I didn't do anything to the tool chest except to use a product called "DegreaseAid". Spray it on and wipe it off. The cabinet came out looking great. I will be redoing the drawers. They are lined with a green felt. That felt is full of grease and oil.

Question: would you recommend a clear coat of polyurethane?

[Sapling]

Looks great with just the wash. Personally I wouldn't go near it with poly. Try some of our forum sponsors traditional wax and a bit of elbow grease over the existing finish it will bring it up beautifully

[wheelinround]

[SamC]

The cabinet came out looking great. I will be redoing the drawers. They are lined with a green felt. That felt is full of grease and oil.

Some of you have probably made jewelry boxes or small storage boxes where the drawers are lined with felt. I have a question in this area. Today I bought felt to replace the felt in the drawers of this cabinet. It didn't work out. The problem is when I use carpenters glue the felt is porous and the glue seeps through to the upper side of the felt. Can you recommend a felt looking material and/or a glue that should be used?

Thanks,
Sam

[wheelinround]

San you should be using Contact Adhesive you can either buy a spray on can which should do the lot a light spray to the fabric and same to the draw.

[SamC]

San you should be using Contact Adhesive you can either buy a spray on can which should do the lot a light spray to the fabric and same to the draw.

Thanks, I will give it a try. I have a can of it.

Sam