Re-polishing a Cabinet 101. Part 1

[Shane Watson]

Ok, had this idea that some of you guys might be interested in following me through a relativly simple re-polish job I started. Since I now have a very easy way to keep a digital record of my work I can't see why I shouldn't let all of you into my secret workshop Hope you enjoy!

This is the job in question. Its a not so old radiogram cabinet. I am not doing anything to this other than re-polishing well technically re-finishing the outside of the cabinet.



Before I do anything I remove anything that can be removed eg, doors, back, top, legs & all hardware, hinges etc. This makes for easier access to hard to access areas such as tight cornors ( example once the top is removed there is no tight cornor where the sides meet the top so it becomes a very simple operation to work on the sides. ) The back on this radiogram was becoming a real mess, so it needs replacing.



Once I am satisfied I cannot dis-assymble the piece any further ( without risking damage ) I can proceed with the real nitty gritty stuff & first on that list is repairing the veneer that has lost its fight with the glue and the two are separating. Mainly for this I use a syrgical syringe and inject PVA glue under the veneer where necessary and then clamp it back together making sure the veneer clamps flat as you don't often get a second chance once the glue has dried. It is a real messy stage of the process, but a very necessary one that needs to be done with care making sure that all edges are double checked making sure that no loose veneer has been left.



Once I am satisfied I have repaired all the damaged veneer I can then start to remove the old finish. Note I said remove not strip. I am not a fan of any form of chemical finish remover especially on a veneered piece. My method of removing old finish is simply by using sandpaper. This eliminates the risk of damaging the adhesive bond between the substrate & the veneer, and it is a whole let cleaner.



And thats as far I got today. I will continue in a new topic when I get some more done. I apologise for the dark pics, lighting is a problem in my workshop and after I resize the pics, well that just amplifies the problem I will see if I can improve them latter.

If you have any questions/comments please add them here.

Cheers!

[ubeaut]

G'day Shane - Good idea mate. Like the photos. Waiting with baited breath for instalment #2. Just booked in for Brizzie, WWWShow, might see you there.

Cheers - Neil

PS Have you lost weight?

[DPB]

Shane - great item - pics are OK - looking forward to additional items.

Re darkness in photos - try to avoid taking shots into a bright light source. If your camera is set on auto exposure, it read the bright light source and set the exposure to this, resulting in the foreground appearing dark.

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[John Saxton]

Great shots mate as U said ...look forward to the next installment.

Is the radiogram in working condition?should be a great piece to have in your home when finished.

Cheers

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Johnno

[Shane Watson]

Neil - Great news about Brisvegas! Although I wasn't planning on making the trip this year as I have been getting more and more dissapointed every year with the WWWshow. But I said I wasn't going last year either & I ended up down there, never can tell with me, dosn't take much of an excuse for me to pack the ute up and head south. Actually I managed to get one of them $1 flights today to Brisbane for the first week in March so I ain't complaining, totals $140 inc Tax for a return flight! So if I can manage to get hold of another bargin like that then I will not hesitate in coming down for the WWWshow! Oh yeah, geez I can't believe you noticed! But yeah I have lost some weight.

DPB - I had to read your post a couple of times, but I finally understood what you were saying & hopefully have taken the appropriate measures to help improve my pics! Cheers!

Johnno - No mate its not in working condition & after having a fairly good look at it today I think it would take a lot to make it work. My client is having it repolished for sentimental reasons but they may have the electrics repaired one day.

Cheers & Part 2 is underway!

[This message has been edited by Shane Watson (edited 25 January 2002).]