The secret of the mysterious dresser: What's behind it?

This video is about the restoration of an old Bidermeier dresser. Many parts with broken veneer have to be repaired, the drawers have to be repaired and everything in the assembled state.
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[@aok2727]

I love your videos but struggle to read the subtitles when it comes up so fast. Please let the words and translation sit a moment before moving on. I like to hear the story and challenges you face as you plan to refurbish. Ty

[@helenascheele5922]

I agree. Especially when neither German nor English is your native language. I have to play it at 0,75 speed to have a chance to understand. So please, let the text stay longer😊 And, I’m so happy I found your channel. A man who can handle a chisel and a planer…😊

[@karl-heinz6287]

I can only agree with that. Even for me as a German, it was sometimes not possible to read the text without rewinding and pressing pause.🙃

[@andreelauzier3276]

Me too! ❤

[@marlenneespinoza6403]

Me pasa lo mismo 🤭

[@jillsmith6052]

Me too!

[@redspoonredspoon1298]

Alles gut - aber kann man es so machen (bitte), dass die Texte länger stehen? Ich bin schon ein fixer Leser, aber sogar für mich sind die zu schnell weg. Danke!

[@chrigunrestauration]

😀

[@JollyRoger2408]

Diesem Wunsch schließe ich mich an. 😃

[@ricjamil3073]

This was a labor of love. You did an amazing job bringing back this dresser to its formal glory. Beautiful work.

[@chrigunrestauration]

😀

[@kevincinnamontoast3669]

Former.

[@shirleyannconfer9651]

I absolutely love that wood grain! I’m so glad that you didn’t darken it into oblivion. I was intrigued by the process of creating the new key.

[@chrigunrestauration]

😀

[@lauralake7430]

I appreciate when people restore the locks! I love when the locks work, and have never considered making a key, i have a collection of old keys and usually find one that works and then have it copied. But now i know something new!

[@CreativeIdeasMaker]

A beautiful restoration. Personally, as a carpenter, I really liked the wood designs and knots, and I will definitely make one with this design for my cottage design. I thank you for the patience you used to restore this piece and I hope you will be successful in this direction💗

[@chrigunrestauration]

Thank you very much

[@MichaelAdamGReale]

I stood in awe as you brought the majesty of that piece. It truly was a beautiful restoration job.

[@chrigunrestauration]

😀

[@pablobarros610]

Congratulations on your work, these are beautiful restorations and conclusions that create enormous satisfaction when watching the video. A big "hello" coming straight from Minas Gerais - Brazil.

[@chrigunrestauration]

😀

[@jillsmith6052]

A master craftsman, you do wonderful work.

[@chrigunrestauration]

😀

[@designabeej]

As always, fantastic results 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@chrigunrestauration]

😀

[@TheParkAttendant]

I have never seen this kind of wood before. But you made it into a restored treasure.

[@chrigunrestauration]

Thank you. Unfortunately nobody could tell me which wood it is. 🤷‍♀️

[@janvafa9959]

@@chrigunrestauration - I have seen similar in some other videos and heard it referred to as tiger oak or perhaps flame oak?

[@lalyra2]

Ich finde, dass die Texteinblendungen zu kurz sind. Und ich lese nicht langsam… Ansonsten schaue ich die Videos aber sehr gerne.

[@chrigunrestauration]

😀

[@fredgolli4813]

Und mir ist es ein Rätsel, wie man das alles so restaurieren kann. Jeder Handgriff sitzt, nicht mal ansatzweise ein leichtes Zittern. Ich bin einfach nur begeistert. Sieht toll aus. 👍

[@chrigunrestauration]

Vielen Dank. 😀

[@jpc1147]

I would put this piece in my TV room with the TV on it so when family and friends watched TV they would see this beautiful piece of furniture. Great piece and, a great video. Thanks.

[@chrigunrestauration]

😀

[@benmoffitt7524]

Excellent work! You really brought it back to life!

[@chrigunrestauration]

😀

[@Judiland]

The beauty of the grain on this piece! I ❤ this!

[@chrigunrestauration]

😀

[@hazelpearson2975]

Love it when wood grain shows. Fantastic work 👍🙏❤️

[@chrigunrestauration]

😀

[@JohnDlugosz]

For the oil stain, you need literally soap. Find an industrial de-greaser, which might be sold as a floor cleaner. You can use it much more concentrated than what the label indicates, but it probably needs _some_ water added in order to work right. You can make a gel by adding fused silica, which you'll find sold as an epoxy additive. Also, I believe you didn't try mineral spirits in the video. That should be the next step after baking soda + acid.

[@chrigunrestauration]

Thank you very much

[@sakinatana3656]

Bonjour, magnifique vous êtes un magicien de la restauration. J’aime votre travail vous avez de l’or dans les mains. Je suis admirative du avant restauration et après. C’est génial de pouvoir redonner vie à certains objets bravo monsieur.

[@chrigunrestauration]

Merci 😀

[@martinebangs6520]

That is just gorgeous, love that wood....Take care...cheers !!!

[@chrigunrestauration]

😀

[@heathermacmillan962]

Awesome job! Turned out great 😁💙

[@chrigunrestauration]

😀

[@josepherhardt164]

2:25 Wasser, Kola, Backpulver. Sounds delicious! :) I'm not sure I want to know how many hours of work went into this! Fantastic job repairing all that while keeping the spirit of the original item.

[@chrigunrestauration]

😀

[@cferguson3368]

For those who like me found the subtitles were flashing much too quickly...I was about to quit watching the video because it was so frustrating...I found that the transcript (on the video description tab) had the full subtitles. Not a perfect solution, but it is better than backing up the video multiple times.

[@kellygears8514]

I love watching your videos! It relaxes me when I have a migraine, but I just plain love to watch it! I live in the US. Can you please watch your fingers when cutting narrow, long wood!

[@chrigunrestauration]

I'll do that. 😀 Greetings

[@dimitrakaramanogou9324]

I was like ok that's nice, for the most part but when it got to actually key smithing I was wowed. Great stuff!

[@chrigunrestauration]

😀

[@RhooseRestorations]

Großartige Arbeit wie immer, Chris Bravo. Ihr Kanal und Ismail @restomaniac waren für mich die Inspiration, meinen eigenen Kanal zu starten. Ich werde nie so gut sein wie ihr, aber wir können alle träumen!! 😉

[@chrigunrestauration]

Vielen Dank! Einfach machen. Ich lerne bei jedem Projekt. Gelernt habe ich von Videos. 👍

[@sheilarowan8664]

Absolutely stunning brilliant job ❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@chrigunrestauration]

😀

[@marciagarcezmanzella7132]

Congratulations, the restoration was beautiful and perfect!😀💜💜💜

[@chrigunrestauration]

Thanks 😀

[@marciagarcezmanzella7132]

@@chrigunrestauration 😀💜👍

[@rnspowell]

Absolutely beautiful.

[@chrigunrestauration]

😀

[@user-ph6eh1yh8j]

Folgender Vorschlag zur Entfernung von Ölflecken: nimm ein Löschblatt, lege es auf den Fleck und fahre mit einem heißen Bügeleisen darüber. Das müsste im Prinzip klappen. Das Öl wird vom Löschblatt aufgesogen. Gruß aus dem Elsass 🌻🌻🌻

[@HomeFromFarAway]

yes. soaking with an oil based solvent should speed this up👍

[@chrigunrestauration]

Vielen Dank. das werde ich das nächste mal versuchen. 😀

[@exsaxpommernjung]

First treat with a solvent for grease, work with steam iron or very hot iron and a wet cloth. There are also devices with steam jet, known for cleaning in the household.

[@stephanietaylor8003]

Amazing! It's beauty is restored by a true craftsman ❤

[@chrigunrestauration]

😀

[@mollysheridan7134]

That came out spectacular!

[@chrigunrestauration]

😀

[@dunjalenk9660]

Mega schön geworden- danke dafür 😊

[@chrigunrestauration]

😀

[@gregoryPurpura]

Wie immer, gut gemacht!

[@chrigunrestauration]

Danke

[@denisemurray412]

I noticed your flat screwdriver did not seat fully into the screw slot.28:11-28:16 That can strip a screwhead. Your technique is beautiful. Thank you.

[@frazzledhaloz3184]

Stunning!

[@chrigunrestauration]

😀

[@thie1161]

eine schöne Kommode mit interessantem Furnier

[@chrigunrestauration]

😀

[@mardigra1916]

Excellent craftsmanship

[@chrigunrestauration]

😀

[@tanjajohansson7952]

Ganz phantastische Arbeit. Hervorragend zu zuschauen. ❤❤Gratuliere!!

[@chrigunrestauration]

Danke für das Lob!

[@Amourtendresse]

Magnifique restauration 👍👏✨

[@macuarminana3485]

Enhorabuena, maravilloso trabajo, ha quedado espectacular

[@chrigunrestauration]

😀

[@gwenlauer-loop8696]

It is amazing what you do for your restorations/ Great job and so informative.

[@chrigunrestauration]

thank you 😀

[@clairemillette4645]

Cette commode avait vraiment manqué d'amour je vous félicite pour votre travail car maintenant il est magnifique 🌟🌟🌟👍👍👍😘

[@chrigunrestauration]

😀

[@jodirauth8847]

Beautiful work

[@chrigunrestauration]

😀

[@maxberres1701]

Sehr schönes Ergebnis...😀

[@chrigunrestauration]

Dankeschön 😊

[@MASI_forging]

Agreat restoration. Keep going bro 👍👍👏👏

[@larrynelson3329]

Beautiful bravo

[@chrigunrestauration]

😀

[@user-ei6os1uk7x]

Красотища.Браво❤❤❤❤

[@chrigunrestauration]

😀

[@denizberlin9441]

Ich dachte zuerst an geflammte Birke, dafür ist es aber wirklich zu intensiv. Dann dachte ich vielleicht an Tiger oak, aber dazu passt die Struktur nicht. Bitte sei so nett und lass die Texte länger stehen.

[@chrigunrestauration]

😀

[@killy1958able]

Love it, v well done 😊

[@chrigunrestauration]

😀

[@lynettemayhew1723]

Great videography 👍

[@chrigunrestauration]

😀

[@davidk-w5322]

Schönes Video, auch wenn der Vorbesitzer dir sehr viel Arbeit hinterlassen hat. Vielleicht kannst du bei den Detailaufnahmen etwas mehr rauszoomen, damit es nicht so schnell unscharf wird? Außerdem sieht man nicht so viel, wenn es soooo nah rangezoomt ist… übrigens - danke, dass keine nervige Musik im Hintergrund ist

[@libraryBDL]

The work you did was very nice but I cannot read the English subtitles as they go by so quickly. Probably won't watch again. It's too frustrating. 🤔

[@user-th9td4eu2z]

Браво!!!

[@chrigunrestauration]

😀

[@tancredenitida7527]

Bravo pour la serrure !

[@chrigunrestauration]

😀

[@sheep1ewe]

Awesome!

[@chrigunrestauration]

😀

[@founderist]

Such beautiful work and what a gorgeous piece. Well done. A little piece of advice though, try capturing parts of your video from distance as well. It’s awesome where you have zoomed in, where detail work is required to be seen. However in whole 30 mins clips I was not able to see your work from broader angle. It will be delight to see it from distance to see the whole picture as well.

[@chrigunrestauration]

There is no room. The workshop has 2x3 meters. That's why I film the way I do it. greetings

[@founderist]

We enjoy watching your videos a lot. Regardless the size of space. ❤️

[@galinapatey9371]

Класс!!!👍👍👍

[@chrigunrestauration]

😀

[@user-li7jk2oh5z]

Посмотрите натуральный шпон из африканской древесины макоре - Макоре «пирамида» [Makore Crotch].Такой рисунок получают строганием развилки ствола. Очень похож. Спасибо за Вашу работу!

[@chrigunrestauration]

Большое спасибо. Я так и сделаю. 😀

[@megwolff58]

Beautiful work! What kind of wood is it?

[@chrigunrestauration]

Thanks. I do not know.

[@georgeannapatterson5553]

So gorgeous❤

[@chrigunrestauration]

😀

[@lesleygreig8225]

Beautiful result. Does the shellac kit come with instructions in English?

[@chrigunrestauration]

Thanks. 😀 Yes, there is also a translation in English.

[@lesleygreig8225]

@@chrigunrestauration thanks for your reply

[@nadinnadin5975]

интересно. это шпон из карельской берёзы?

[@chrigunrestauration]

Я не знаю.

[@corneliamuller1635]

...ich bin nicht vom Fach... Aber Olivenholz sieht doch auch so wild aus....😮

[@chrigunrestauration]

Das stimmt. Ist es aber leider nicht.

[@teariana1]

I've found ink usually comes out best with isopropyl alcohol. Just drench it and have lots of old cloths handy as the ink drips off.

[@chrigunrestauration]

Thank you. I will give it a try. 😀

[@markphillips6154]

Outrageous

[@robertgriffith9703]

That was a Very Crunchy and Thirsty piece. So Much Work to do but Very worthy of Being Restored! Great Job as Always! I think the Veneer might be Elm. I've only seen a few Examples but Someone said It's Grain is similar to walnut but it's Patterns are More Chaotic. No Handles or will there be Replacements Later?

[@chrigunrestauration]

Hello, no. There will be no replacement. The Biedermeier chests of drawers were opened by the keys. The drawers glide so easily that this is possible without any problems. Regards

[@lexi19969]

Hi, I have similarly built dresser and I tried to restore it myself but both sides are cracked in half and separated and I can’t figure out how to fix it. I tried pushing them back together to glue them but they won’t move, so I probably need to disassemble the dresser and glue them together, right? But the problem is I don’t know how to take it apart as everything is glued together and covered in veneer. What do you suggest? I would be so thankful if you can help me with some advice! Thank you for providing us awesome content and I’m looking forward to your reply 😊

[@chrigunrestauration]

Hi, that's very difficult to say without having seen the chest of drawers. In most cases, veneers and wood can be removed with warm water or steam. But it is a lot of work. If the boards are apart, you could use a wood chipper over the entire length. Then close the cracks with wood filler. I'm sorry if I can't help you any more. Regards

[@lilashelton535]

A major transformation

[@chrigunrestauration]

😀

[@diannebernau3293]

What beautiful wood grain in this piece. Question though - as there are no handles on the drawers how do you open them?

[@chrigunrestauration]

Biedermeier chests of drawers have no handles. The drawers are opened with a key. That's why I made an effort to make them run so easily again. 😀

[@gunterschone8402]

Schönes Video, Chris. Die Kommode sieht klasse aus! Was für ein Holz das ist, weis ich leider auch nicht. 🥴 Wo du das Furnier geleimt hast, wäre da nicht eine Spritze mit Nadel besser? Ui hast du das Bügeleisen von deiner Frau genommen, nicht das das Mecka gibt? 🤔😂 Habe mal etwas nachgeschaut, könnte es evtl. Zebraholz sein? Es ist ja meistens so, das es durch die Kamera nie so rüberkommt wie real

[@chrigunrestauration]

Danke dir 👍 Ich kann es dir leider nicht sagen welches Holz das ist. Ich habe mich mit 3 Fachleuten unterhalten und keiner wusste es. 🤷‍♀️ich brauchte keine Spritze. So tief musste ich den Leim nicht drunter geben. Das Bügeleisen war mal meiner Frau. Bis ich ein altes Furnier damit abgeleimt habe. Dann habe ich ihr ganz schnell und freiwillig ein neues bestellt. 😬Grüße

[@karinamarkina5167]

Congratulations on the great looking dresser! Veneer to me looks like machagony pyramid. Also, the runners you replaced was already replacement. Same as veneer at the bottom of drawer faces looks like replacement. Someone was fixing this at least once. Regarding shelack polish - if you want to show it better do in steps with some comments, if I wouldn't know how it's done I would be lost. I'm lost anyways, as I don't understand if steps are shown in correct sequence (if they are that's not the method I would use).

[@chrigunrestauration]

Hello. Many roads lead to Rome. I have already made a video where I have explained the steps in detail. Let's see how the interest develops. Regards

[@karinamarkina5167]

@@chrigunrestauration Thank you, will check that out!

[@chrigunrestauration]

@@karinamarkina5167 It's the video, 2 secrets found in Dresser. 😀

[@karinamarkina5167]

@@chrigunrestauration Watched it, the result looks very good, but I disagree with the method. But, as you said - there're many roads to Rome 🤗

[@cleo1034]

Wow!!! 🙂

[@chrigunrestauration]

😀

[@susanackerman217]

Wow! ❤

[@chrigunrestauration]

😀

[@daniel_bohrer]

Bei dem Furnier musste ich auch als erstes an Birke geflammt denken, allerdings passt der Kontrast nicht dazu. Also dachte ich, vielleicht war vorher eine dunkle Beize drauf, die an der "abtauchenden" Maserung tiefer ins Holz gedrungen ist, und dann nachher beim Schleifen dann nicht mehr abgetragen wurde…? 🤔

[@chrigunrestauration]

Das sagte ein Restaurator in unserer Nähe auch. Er war sich aber trotzdem unsicher wegen dem Holz. es könnte Birke genau wie Nussbaum sein. 🤷‍♀️

[@TheParkAttendant]

I think I have a lead on the type of wood used to make this chest of drawers. I think it may be Brazilian rose wood. I watched a channel that used a veneer of rose wood and noticed the similarities.

[@chrigunrestauration]

Thanks. I'll have a look at it. 😀

[@lexi19969]

Where did you buy those keys? I need them also but can’t find them anywhere 😢

[@chrigunrestauration]

www.antikebeschlaege.eu/antike-beschlaege/schluessel/

[@redspoonredspoon1298]

Oxalbleiche? Vielleicht hilft das? Oder wie früher weiße Tonerde? Die heißt auch Pfeifenerde (oder Pfeiffenerde, sollte es beim Drogisten geben). Mir Spiritus sauberreiben, Tonerde über Nacht oder auch füe 24 Stunden draufgeben. Abwischen + mit Spiritus nachreinigen. Fluchen, weil es nicht beim ersten Mal klappt. Vielleicht das mal probieren?

[@chrigunrestauration]

👍 Danke

[@andrewclarkehomeimprovement]

I've had success with soaking the oil stain with methylated spirits for a minute and then setting light to it. Sounds scary but, MS burns at a very low temperature and if you only let it burn for a short while, it doesn't damage the wood or veneer. Extreme caution needed and some experimentation.

[@chrigunrestauration]

I don't know if I trust that for a chest of drawers that is over 200 years old.

[@andrewclarkehomeimprovement]

@@chrigunrestauration fair point. I've used the technique best on solid wood with a fairly open grain.

[@andrewclarkehomeimprovement]

@@chrigunrestauration further thought. You might get in touch with Thomas Johnson over in the USA. In his 40+ years I'll bet there's no problem he hasn't had to deal with. YT channel Thomas Johnson furniture restoration.

[@chrigunrestauration]

@@andrewclarkehomeimprovement Thank you very much 😀

[@williamdiaz2532]

Sal y vinagre?? Podría quitar la mancha de grasa

[@chrigunrestauration]

No lo sé. Tendría que probar 😀

[@RitaMoore]

Please leave your German captions up a bit longer. I get halfway through reading it and it is gone

[@chrigunrestauration]

The next time 😀

[@user-tq5lu1wp7e]

Neben der, wie immer sehr detaillierten Ausführung der Restaurierung, ist mir besonders der Schnitt des Videos aufgefallen. Tolle Großaufnahmen, wie für einen Bildband, aber wunderbar geschnitten und aneinandergefügt. Hier ergänzen sich die handwerkliche Arbeit an der Komode und die Kameraführung und Schnitt wunderbar. Toll zu sehen, wie du dich von mal zu mal immer wieder steigern kannst. 👍👍👍👍👍

[@chrigunrestauration]

Danke für das Lob! 😀

[@aletalaveaux244]

😊

[@chrigunrestauration]

😀

[@fionam7768]

Given my limited knowledge and experience, I hesitate to make this suggestion, but could the wood be zebra wood? I've only seen it once, in a small sheet of veneer, but it has stayed with me. I believe the trees from which this type of wood is harvested are grown in Central America and, while exotic and thus $$, are not *as* $$ as rosewood and mahogany, which might be why they are used less: customers at the $$ end of the market might want the most $$, and simply what is most beautiful of what is available to the craftsman? Not that there is anything not to live in rosewood or mahogany, but this is so unusual, and it's grain/stripes were used so well in crafting this particular piece.

[@chrigunrestauration]

Unfortunately, I can't tell you. I've spoken to 3 experts. One of them was a restorer. None of them knew. 🤷‍♀️

[@user-nb5ux6li1z]

Здраствуйте мастер !я живу в австралии когда смотрю.ваши видео я просто любусь вашей работой я русский но волею.судьбы жизнь забросила жить в астралию тут жена дети работа .я многое подсмотел у вас для себя я занимаюсь реставрацией машин иногда приходится иметь дело с деревом ..я люблю страрые ретро машины с ними интересно заниматся пока делаешь много инересного находишь в них .еще раз спасибо за ваш труд .вы молодец крепко жму вашу руку ..мастер .

[@chrigunrestauration]

Большое спасибо. 😊

[@user-cy1pk6rf4k]

👏👏👏

[@chrigunrestauration]

😀

[@hanszeidler549]

👍

[@chrigunrestauration]

😀

[@donnakoprek7005]

Die muessen die Untertitel laenger aufrechterhalten! Danke.

[@helenascheele5922]

What tree does the veneer come from?

[@chrigunrestauration]

I don't know.

[@corneliamuller1635]

Sorry, muss ich kurz nur mal loswerden... Mir sind die Sätze und Beschreibungen zu kurz eingeblendet. Ich muss ständig zurück und auf Pause um genügend Zeit zum lesen zu haben. Sonst sind deine Videos super!❤

[@chrigunrestauration]

Danke. Ja. Das höre ich nicht zum ersten mal. Irgendetwas ist da wohl durcheinander geraten. 🤷‍♀️Gruß

[@teresaduda932]

Pięknie wyszło z takiej ruiny

[@chrigunrestauration]

😀

[@marlenneespinoza6403]

No sé qué pasó con los tiradores de la cómoda 🤷‍♀️ sólo entendí que no eran originales, lo demás no lo alcancé a leer 😢 Saludos desde Valdivia al sur de Chile 🇨🇱

[@chrigunrestauration]

Están en la basura. Sólo había dos de todos modos.

[@Ripplesinthewaters]

To remove stains, I have seen people use Oxalic Acid.

[@annmcewan6981]

For oil stain removal; pour on methylated spirits, leave for a couple of seconds then flash off with a lighter. See video by the “ English Polisher”. Looked quite effective

[@chrigunrestauration]

Thanks

[@HomeFromFarAway]

please stop trying random recipies with baking soda etc on everything. Oil is oil. use an oil based solvent: mineral spirit, turpentine, even gasoline/petrol

[@cferguson3368]

However, I do understand trying with these remedies... these treatments are commonly used to remove built-up grease on pans.

[@chrigunrestauration]

Thanks. The next time.

[@pohkeee]

@@cferguson3368: …detergents with surfactants…

[@jonathandonovan1802]

there is basically three ways to remove oil: Heat, Unpolar substances like petrol, or soapy water

[@ncmnt9697]

Savý textil + žehlička, voda, mýdlo, soda, pak opláchnout.

[@chrigunrestauration]

Děkuji. Zkusím to.

[@chrigunrestauration]

Thank you. I will try it

[@mollynakamori]

I think your veneer might be West Indian satinwood.

[@chrigunrestauration]

I have no idea. I'll have a look at it. Regards

[@wholefoodplantbasedmama5398]

Where are the handles?

[@chrigunrestauration]

Biedermeier chests of drawers have no handles. The drawers are opened with a key.

[@vincenzosebastiani1810]

Bel lavoro volevo sapere quanto costa il kit per lucidare e se si possono avere istruzioni in Italiano.

[@chrigunrestauration]

Salve, il set di lucidatura costa 47 euro. Tuttavia, è necessario riempire i contenitori con Istpropanol e far sciogliere la gommalacca. Le istruzioni sono scaricabili in italiano al momento dell'acquisto del kit.

[@user-xd5ip1rc3l]

What about the handels?😊

[@chrigunrestauration]

There is none for Biedermeier furniture. These are opened with the keys.

[@StephanusCaesar]

might be Tiger Maple

[@chrigunrestauration]

I'll have a look at it 😀