Desk returned from the Ashes

**hcbph** · 9th January 2006, 03:10 AM

Thought you might like to see a repair job I just finished for a customer. The drop front desk was in a fire recently. Burn off 2 legs, the base, one side, burnt off the end of the drop front and top along with the back. The inside was so warped from the water from the fireman's hoses, it had to be replaced also. The original top, the sides and inside writing surface were each out of one piece of walnut (sides are 15" side and the inside surface was 18" deep). About the only things salvageable were part of the panels I had to cut apart, part of the faceframes, the drawers and the pidgeon holes.

Realizing the extent of the damage, they didn't expect an exact reproduction. All they wanted was a desk they could use a desk again. Understanding the situation, I think they'll like it. Still needs to have some sanding and finishing done to it, but I think you get the idea.

Oh yes, the color looks off due to my camera, not the desk. Other than the soot and burn that has to come off yet, the rest is close

Pal

**AlexS** · 9th January 2006, 08:31 AM

Good recovery job there - sounds almost as big as making from scratch. Hope the customer is happy.

**oges** · 9th January 2006, 08:45 AM

Great work on the restoration

**Grunt** · 9th January 2006, 09:39 AM

I thought we lost the Ashes to England.

**hcbph** · 10th January 2006, 04:56 AM

Originally Posted by AlexS

Good recovery job there - sounds almost as big as making from scratch.

Actually it's probably a bigger job than making new. So much of the salvaged parts were partially burnt, or warped it was incredible. I had to cut parts of it to in turn attempt to remove some of the fire damage. This was in addition that it appeared to have made about 100 years ago and was not square or straight in the first place. I had to work in the various issues in order to get it so it would go back together right and look right. If I squared it up, then the various drawers, etc wouldn't fit correct.

Thing is, I actually like doing this kind of work. Bringing something like this back from the brink and restoring a former craftsman's work is very fulfilling.

Have a good one.

Paul

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