From Booklist
Every year seems to bring hundreds more books on making new furniture and even a few that tell how to create an "instant antique." But if there is another recent book on restoring true antiques, it is recondite indeed. Although Holcombe is concerned with restoring antique English furniture, his techniques can be applied to American mission, Shaker, and just about any other form of furniture. His tips on taking a piece of furniture apart, fixing joints, repairing the dings and scratches of the years, and then fitting everything together just as it was many years ago are invaluable. Although only 128 pages long, Holcombe's effort even includes chapters on glass replacement, finishing, and dealing with that dread condition--warped wood. Consider this a necessary addition to virtually any woodworking collection. Jon Kartman
Book Description
A handy practical manual of woodworking skills for restoring antique furniture, clearly illustrated with photos, drawings, and diagrams.
From the Publisher
How to Restore Antique Furniture is a hands–on guide to the care and repair of a range of furniture types. Beginning with a history of furniture construction, which introduces the techniques to be found in pieces from various periods, the book discusses the qualities and applications of most common wood types, offering advice on tools and accessories. Among the topics covered are: dismantling furniture; removing old nails, screws, and glue; repairing dowel, knuckle, mortise, and tenon joints; mending damaged turnings; tackling veneers and marquetry; and restoring glass, keys, and locks. Colin Holcombe is a professional furniture restorer and the author of An Introduction to Woodwork and Marquetry Techniques.
How to Restore Antique Furniture FROM THE PUBLISHER
How to Restore Antique Furniture is a hands-on guide to the care and repair of a range of furniture types. Beginning with a history of furniture construction, which introduces the techniques to be found in pieces from various periods, the book discusses the qualities and applications of most common wood types, offering advice on tools and accessories. Among the topics covered are: dismantling furniture; removing old nails, screws, and glue; repairing dowel, knuckle, mortise, and tenon joints; mending damaged turnings; tackling veneers and marquetry; and restoring glass, keys, and locks. Colin Holcombe is a professional furniture restorer and the author of An Introduction to Woodwork and Marquetry Techniques.
SYNOPSIS
A handy practical manual of woodworking skills for restoring antique furniture, clearly illustrated with photos, drawings, and diagrams.
FROM THE CRITICS
Library Journal
A professional restorer from England, Holcombe learned his craft the traditional way by going through a five-year apprenticeship. Though reading a text can never compare with such an experience, here readers can learn numerous tricks of the restorer's trade and how to assess and repair their own furnishings properly. Holcombe offers a great deal of background information, including the basics of English furniture construction, a glossary of furniture terminology and wood types, and a very brief description of commonly used tools. Dismantling, which is critical for any successful restoration, receives outstanding coverage. The bulk of this title shows how to repair specific parts of furniture, including veneer and marquetry, turnings, and hardware such as locks. Although it contains British terminology (e.g., "G cramps" for what we call C clamps), most North American readers should be able to follow. An excellent guide for readers of all skill levels, supplemented by clear line drawings, this is recommended for comprehensive public library collections. Copyright 2003 Reed Business Information.
Art & Photography
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