.jpg)
This was a group project.
...
Reference: Robinson, W. (2007, August 14). An Inspired longdroppe. Australia, New South Wales: The Pike and Musket Society. download.
This one was a restoration rather than new build. C.1920s cabinet, made in England, exported to Australia after spending 1940-1970 in South Africa. When I bought it, it had been outside for a few years and was exhibiting water damage. Cleaned inside and out. Replaced failed ⅛" oak ply on top and ¼" shelf with 7mm red oak ply, and delaminating ⅛" oak ply on the side with 3mm red oak ply. Remade all joints using hide glue, replaced missing parts with oak, pine or walnut as appropriate. Black lead paint on metalwork removed and replaced with water-based metal paint following the original foundry's advice. Made new cornice to suit thicker top in mountain ash. Planed drawer sides to ease binding.
Renovated lock and replaced levers with new brass. Replaced missing drawer hardware pieces – the drawer pulls aren't original but are part of the history of the piece because they date from the last restoration in the 1970s.
Colour matched all new wood with van Dyke crystals, then another coat overall to freshen up the old colour. Filled nail holes with home made linseed oil putty coloured with burnt umber. Replaced drawer lining with wool/viscose baize and wheat starch paste. Sealed with shellac and polished with beeswax/turpentine/linseed polish.
This one's not for sale. If I could be convinced to do another, I'd be looking for at least A$1,000 (not including the purchase price), 3-6 months work time plus many weeks' lead time to clear the orderbook and workshop.
