Ep. 96 | I found this beat up library furniture and restored it

[@MadCityModern]

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[@susan3037]

As a retired librarian, I give you a standing ovation for this project!

[@MadCityModern]

thank you so much

[@2Cambell]

Wow! I grew up with these in our schools and public libraries. This was when you went to these cabinets, you went for subject or author. The libraries used to be a quiet place, and my nerdy self loved finding what I needed. Your work and skills made this cabinet look fabulous and ready for use! ❤❤❤

[@susan3037]

@@2Cambell It was a special time!

[@lyndseybeaumont7301]

It’s a thing of beauty and transports me back in time, when libraries smelt of paper and wood. Checking out was a process to enjoy, watching the librarian search the cards. Now everything is automated and computerised. The romance has gone. Thanks for bringing it back for a while Barry x

[@CharlotteB.]

Finally a restorer who talks about the environment and tries to find non-toxic products (without even being sponsored). I've been waiting for this 🥰 PS Good job and nicely filmed, as always :)

[@jodidavis6595]

I work on small pieces simply bc I don’t have a “work” space so I mostly have to paint or varnish or strip stuff in my house if the weather isn’t nice enough outside. I’m glad you introduced this new product to us. You always save the old pieces in the best way. What a nice little treasure to have found. I just finished a quarter oak table and one chair. (Maybe meant for a plant I’m guessing) probably 60-70 yrs old. I’m tickled I was able to save it from the trash or dump. I’ve learned so much from your channel. Thank you Barry ❤️🇺🇸

[@pitsnipe5559]

Those old card catalogs bring back pleasent memories of hours spent at our local library as a boy.

[@julianneboys4062]

The grain on oak is truly amazing 😊

[@carlosandino821]

It no longer serves the purpose for which it was made, but it serves perfectly to store a fully organized numismatic collection.

[@carolfuchs2774]

I just read that EPA has banned the use of Methylene chloride by consumers as it is known to cause liver cancer. So kudos to you for sharing other methods and products. Love the project.

[@cynthiafisher9907]

I’ve always wanted a card catalog! They’re so cool! I’ve never seen one this small, it would be easier to fit into most spaces.

[@MadCityModern]

I totally agree!

[@moneymakingmikeg.9555]

Hello Barry, my name is Mike G. Pleasure to meet you Bud. Such an enjoyable project to watch come to life. Fantastically done as always Bud. Hoping all is well my friend, Dirty Jersey out!!

[@MadCityModern]

Hope you enjoyed the green grass

[@marybeth17]

Hi Barry, it came out beautifully. I don’t blame you for wanting to keep it. I would too.

[@carolmilburn2324]

I miss the card catalogs. Beautiful job!

[@MadCityModern]

Me too

[@shirleypedersen7406]

That was great Barry. I especially love when your pieces have real brass. Watching you bring them back to their original shine is awesome. Take care Barry and see you next time!

[@MadCityModern]

That was my favorite part

[@hickorygolddoc]

Beautiful! Love those oak useful pieces like this and file cabinets. Really did this justice!

[@MadCityModern]

Thanks so much!

[@dimeronjds]

Barry, I've already missed your videos, as always, excellent work. 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@allibaby24]

I have a vintage 15 drawer library card catalogue from Gaylord Brothers (circa ~1940). Bought it many years ago now and have always loved it. Reminds me so much of school libraries and particularly of the Langley library on Whidbey Island in WA State, and my all-time favorite librarian, Miss Lila McRae. Thanks for sharing your love and knowledge about all things vintage!

[@sunit84m]

UK fan here. There is definitely a place for epoxy or paint in furniture restoration, especially in a world where we should be trying to reuse and recycle as best we can. However watching old pieces like this being brought back to life with sympathetic restorations warms the heart.

[@texanasimmons1761]

You restored this cute piece to its original glory, if not better than the original! VERY NICE!❤

[@ritacollins8666]

Those dove tails on the top have my heart. Beautiful as always.

[@yvonnepagan9912]

A great little project for us all to watch. Turned out perfectly too. You have a keen eye and always work sympathetically with the style, grain and colour. I always love to see when you’ve added a new video!❤️

[@claudiahundhammer837]

A beautiful piece.....an pld Lady shines again❤

[@LL-sw7qj]

I NEED a card catalog to restore!! Lovely restoration, Barry!

[@timothyarchie320]

As always, a beautiful restoration. I used to work in the library in school and have many fond memories of teaching younger kids how to utilize the card catalog. I really enjoy your videos.

[@MadCityModern]

I love this

[@mrs.pattiderge6743]

Hi Barry. You did a wonderful job on this card catalog and certainly elevated its value. I enjoy watching you transform items. The change in the brass is dramatic, and the wood looks so much more "alive." Thank you!

[@lauris5708]

Another lovely restoration job. I just love the smooth, warm glow that your projects end up with. Thanks for another great video.

[@mdeysenroth]

I like the lighter finish. It really shows off the wood grain.

[@Becky-nn3pu]

Just gorgeous! It is a shame so many of these oak pieces were discarded. Thanks for rescuing this one!

[@zigprof]

It's an old piece and it looks wonderful, sometimes it's better to "respect" the furniture the way it is. Looks great. Good vibes and Namaste!!

[@MadCityModern]

Yes! Thank you!

[@lisabartl753]

My in-laws, grew up in Minnesota. They moved out west to the Seattle area, shortly after getting married, they go back for a visit every now and again, and they would be on the lookout for antiques. They had a beautiful large oak coffee table. They gave it to us recently, only then did I find out it was an old library table. My father in law had cut the legs down, after all those years, he still had the legs in his shop. Sadly we decided we had no place to store them, so we left them behind.

[@1minigrem]

What a treat, I went check my feed and here was Mad City Modern, quality as always. ❤

[@MadCityModern]

Little last minute surprise

[@chrisdavis1722]

Absolutely beautiful! The dovetails, the wood finish, the hardware…it’s a lovely restoration. Great job 👏👏👏

[@susankuhlman6514]

I remember when school systems were giving away their card catalogs. I went to the Library of Congress and saw card catalogs going off into infinity. I worked at a university library and one drawer was stolen from our card catalog and it too months to figure out what was missing. This is definitely where modern technology is an asset.

[@joyceclark8476]

Hi Barry, once again a beautiful job on this card catalog. I enjoy your Mad City Modern videos very much. Thank you, Joyce ❤️🙏🇺🇸

[@keithhaggard323]

Great episode and QCS sounds very promising. I agree with using gloves and a mask as you are removing unknown finishings from the wood. I do appreciate that it seems to breakdown whatever the finish was on the wood without a toxic reaction and doesn't seem to swell the woodgrain as much. White Oak has to be my favorite wood as its flecking is wide. I always wonder Barry who opened those drawers seeking knowledge. I enjoyed this episode immensely . Kudos.

[@MadCityModern]

Love this comment. I will share more info about QCS in the future

[@elizabethnash7491]

As always a total joy to see your work and how you respect the dignity of the pieces 🙏

[@CreativeIdeasMaker]

I liked the wood design of this renovation, and as a carpenter and furniture renovation enthusiast, I admire you

[@TheDragonsreach]

Love the end product, especially since I used to use the card catalogues at my library constantly. One suggestion, when you polish up the brass screws make life easier for yourself by partially screwing all of them into a scrap piece of wood, that way your fingers are ‘safe’ and it’s a one stop shop kind of deal.

[@VioletJoy]

Card catalogs are nostalgic to me. It's beautiful, Barry. I love the stain color you chose. What a neat addition to your workshop.

[@leanndoolin4284]

It turned out beautiful!

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you

[@JayRickard]

I feel ancient for saying so, but I'm genuinely bummed that my daughter won't have the same library experience I did. It was just magical and those oak card catalogs were a huge part of it all.

[@christiemay4444]

Another beautiful restoration Barry! Your talents are a joy to watch! Thank you!

[@joanb7567]

Around my area in Michigan those self for between $225-$275… what a beautiful piece

[@MadCityModern]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@richardpfefier1171]

Beautiful oak piece, and a great job on the refinish. Thank you for posting. You have a great eye for a quality piece. Shellac and wax is a good traditional finish for a niece oak piece.

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you very much!

[@kristinehard9419]

Love these unique furniture redesign. Many thanks sir

[@statewench2828]

I just love Quarter sawn White Oak. My favorite just ahead of Walnut. Love the dove Tail contrast.

[@valeriebigley8759]

Beautiful

[@kbreckan]

This is a great piece. You did it justice.

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you

[@shirleyannconfer9651]

I love this project! I remember using the old card catalog in my high school library. You’ve really brought out that beautiful wood grain, and I love a nice dovetail. You really made a good deal on this cabinet!

[@nickimontie]

The before pics look exactly like the one I have. My dad got it when our town library moved back in the 90s. Knowing him, they probably gave it him since he spent a lot of time there. I would love to upgrade and use it it for something. Someday...especially if it will look as fantastic as the one you did here!

[@lenabbixby7409]

Hi Barry ! I got a cabinet from a library with 15 drawers ! Love it. I can keep all sort of things in rhere.The cabinet is oak and I painted it. I know you dont aprove but I like the blue color. Your projects are really beautiful. Lena

[@linphillips8331]

It's amazing to see what it must have looked like new!

[@philomenahearn1717]

What a beautiful and useful little set of drawers.

[@SusieMonk-jh8tj]

Stunning piece of work Barry. It didn’t look too bad but next to the finished article no comparison. Love all the things you transform but the card catalogues inspire the most envy❤❤👏👏

[@kimhartmann4414]

Simply stunning transformation as always. I would love to have some cool pieces in my workshop like you do. I would imagine it gives you joy to see many of your beautiful pieces around you. You do great work and I love watching your videos.

[@founderist]

This turned out so beautiful…

[@ahamilton4021]

Thank you for the calm and thorough video - appreciate that you're using a more ecological product for stripping / cleaning now.

[@fraserwrobb3075]

That turned out beautifully, Barry. That new product seems to work very well. I hope you'll show how it performs at removing a few layers of paint from an old piece. I'm looking forward to seeing your upcoming projects, hopefully in the near future.

[@MadCityModern]

My thoughts exactly. That's why I showed the Purple Dresser. Great suggestion.

[@LadyLeigh]

Superb job Barry! Your attention to detail is terrific and I love your choice of stain, gunstock. I piece well worth enjoying!

[@teresatiradoalonso4139]

Trabajo impecable....al ser pequeño, puede tener muchos usos ❤❤ Saludos desde ANDALUCÍA ESPAÑA ❤❤

[@cecoya]

I love the tiger oak and the way it looks. You did a great job on this and it looks beautiful. You have a great day

[@mindyparmenter9241]

Stunning

[@karyndekeiser-moulton1213]

It’s beautifully Barry! Another fabulous job!

[@tudorhedgepig]

Stunning work Barry. Lovely eye for detail and commentary is spot on. 👌

[@karencooper9185]

Excellent job, the grain is beautiful, love gunstock too!!!

[@adireich256]

Amazing piece, I can see why you kept it. Good job!

[@1975dlawson]

Love this one. I remember those things very well.

[@joann5157]

Beautiful restoration, Barry.

[@rachealsmith5138]

Love this! I always wanted to find one, but never have the asking price. Looks great!!❤😊

[@ElaineWood-f2t]

What a wonderful restoration!! ❤

[@RED-cy7ig]

So beautiful. This is nice to add to your collection.

[@chris-8092]

a job well done barry. thank you for showing this process

[@mrscalifdreamer]

lol!!!! I knew you were going to keep it! Beautiful piece!

[@lindapassos]

Another great project Barry, you did an amazing job in a beautiful piece 🤩

[@colleenmccarthy-evans3149]

just beautiful, Barry! Love it.

[@lindahill7315]

That is a beautiful piece

[@irisf.9355]

Another beautiful piece!

[@caroltanzi29]

Barry: beautiful job. I love this collection of small chest that seems to be happening in your shop. I’m always intrigued about these smaller pieces. Carol from California

[@GeorginaRankin]

Once again, you have done a fantastic job

[@sueramsey8181]

Lovely project, Barry.

[@MissLady-pq4hc]

Beautiful work. Thanks for sharing ❤️

[@SparrowStockwell]

It’s lovely.

[@helenascheele5922]

WOW!

[@RumMonkeyable]

Great refinish! A+👍👏

[@MadCityModern]

Glad you like it!

[@paulapark9418]

Very nice.

[@MadCityModern]

Thank you

[@jimwalker5412]

Excellent workmanshirp

[@ednaalegria8710]

Lovely!

[@virginiabumgarner8807]

You did a super job!!!

[@dshey6802]

I'm envisioning the perimeter of your workshop someday lined with card catalog cabinets of varying sizes, full of all your tools and odds and ends.......

[@rickseyeview5345]

Beautiful!

[@suyashvikramagrawal]

Awesome

[@markwagner4909]

Free!

[@MadCityModern]

I wish : )

[@kathleennagwak1761]

Nicely done.👏👏👏

[@monicalundy4400]

So so nice

[@jd9351]

Gorgeous 😍

[@henkvandebeek7921]

Loved this!

[@Dbeldin]

thank you barry. sorry it has been a while since i watched........

[@TheParkAttendant]

I miss the old card catalogs. As I was looking for a book, I would find other books that looked interesting. I can't do that with computers.

[@killy1958able]

I love those, good job 😊

[@ajnormandgroome]

Love this!

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

That’s really beautiful! I have a question. I know that sometimes refinishing a piece destroys the value as an antique, and sometimes it doesn’t. How do you tell the difference?❤️🐝🤗

[@MadCityModern]

Great question. Buy something because you like it, poor your heart into refinishing it the way you wish, and don’t worry about any of the paper money involved. These are all just material things

[@deborahdanhauer8525]

@@MadCityModern Ok, thanks for the advice!❤️🐝🤗

[@vonsheliastarks2885]

Hi Barry. Where in Wisconsin are the best thrift stores for Midcentury Modern Furniture? I love watching your videos. A fan forever!

[@MadCityModern]

Try the North side and East side of Madison. I’ve always found items scattered across the state