Restoring a Broken Desk - Shellac Finish and Wood Repair by Fixing Furniture

This roll-top desk was broken and had a very worn finish. Learn how to patch broken wood, match wood stain, revive an old finish, and re-glue parts to restore wood furniture. We teach the skills of furniture repair, so you're going to learn something new in this video.
This desk has a broken pedestal that has come apart. It needs to be disassembled to repair a piece of wood that broke off. Watch how Scott prepares and patches in new wood to glue in a new piece. He then stains and finishes the wood to match the existing wood.
The desk top and the top of the gallery have a damaged shellac finish. In many cases, applying a new coat of shellac is easy... but this desk turned out to get messy. The old finish reacted to the new finish. Scott shows tips and techniques to deal with challenges like this.
Bonus - there are some old treasures hidden inside the roll-top cavity.
RESOURCES:
Workshop Tour Video - • Workshop Tour of a Fur...
Wood Clamp Testing Video - • Clamp Tool Review - Tr...
Wood Filler with Mohawk Finishes Video - • Best Wood Filler to Ma...
Book - Classic Finishing Techniques (French Polishing - amzn.to/3XMghdx
TOOLS & SUPPLIES USED:
Dozuki Hand Saw - amzn.to/3eTea6d
🇨🇦 Canadian link - amzn.to/3LqBUuQ
Liquid Hide Glue - amzn.to/3QQiu3y
Respirator for Woodworking - amzn.to/3Dz4QPk
Plastic Razor Blades - amzn.to/3Bsq26D
Wood Filler - amzn.to/3DuMZch
Blunt Tip Syringe - amzn.to/3BOQsAZ
More tools we use in our workshop: www.amazon.com...
🇨🇦 Canadian link - www.amazon.ca/...
Note: purchases made with these links help contribute to our video production work
Fixing Furniture is not only a KZbin channel but it's also a membership community. Get access to videos before they're published on KZbin, watch all the videos without ads, get downloadable reference sheets, and participate in Fixing Furniture Live every two weeks. Learn more about membership at www.fixingfurn...
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This video is hosted by Scott Bennett, Owner of Wooden It Be Nice - Furniture Repair in Brooklin, Ontario, Canada. WoodenItBeNice.ca
#restoration #broken #furniture

[@terrydawson4594]

I’ve been refinishing and repairing antiques for 45 years (self taught). I learned more from your video than from any other! One video and you have a loyal fan! Your teaching technique is spot on! Thanks 😊

[@laurasrn5067]

Right!! This video was packed full of knowledge!! I'd subscribe and like this video twice if I could. Definitely going back and watching older videos and I'm excited for the next video. Looking forward to the clamp video!!

[@MrTech337]

Ditto, easy thumbs up on this one.

[@giovannacasadio9600]

Just what I thought.

[@mrsdinosaur1009]

That spray 9 stuff is amazing.

[@PreservationEnthusiast]

This is amazing. I would normally just *completely smash* this kind of shit up with a sledge hammer. Then it goes in the wood stove. You should see how this stuff crackles. It is really dry. I have busted up 100s of desks and pieces of furniture this way. Now I have some idea how to restore them instead of *busting the crap* out of them.

[@Richard-vw8no]

"A roll top desk hiding an accidental time capsule." What a novel idea!

[@FixingFurniture]

Lol, never thought of it that way, I'm sure the customer will enjoy looking through what I found in there. Cheers. Scott

[@waaynneb1808]

@@FixingFurniture I'm wondering whether you offered any modification/ remedy to prevent future "time capsule" incidents. ..and what would that remedy be..?

[@Kittsuera]

@@waaynneb1808 just off the top of my head i thought of something that could be done. a back panel on a hinge and a center key lock to keep it closed.

[@richardvinsen2385]

Growing up, I had a child-sized roll top desk. So often, things would get caught up just like this. We never got to the point of taking it apart like in this video but I remember it being quite a pain to clear things out to get the top rolling again.

[@michaeldelucci4379]

A lot of desks, dressers, cabinets all had secret compartments to hide money and important papers

[@franktuckwell196]

At one time i worked for a saddler and leather workers workshop. We did all sorts of work for all sorts of people including the Foreign Office, who sent two diplomatic bags for repair and instructions to please mend one and use the other as a pattern to make five more. Whilst taking the one apart, we found a secret compartment, so rang up the customer to ask about it. A black van turned up in about three hours and removed both bags, they didn't know about the secret bottom. The firm got compensated for loss of work. This was in 1970s UK. Your secret catch reminded me of this. Have you ever found a hidden compartment whilst mending furniture? Great vlog.

[@jennymartinez4597]

I was wondering the same thing - secret compartments 😮😉

[@sindicta5757]

I love your calm demeanor, the lack of obnoxious music/quick camera cuts, the helpful explanations and the humble attitude. The fact that you respect the desk is an heirloom and don't act judgmental or crack any rude jokes is really something to be valued. And obviously your craftsmanship backs it all up!

[@AristotleLaoTzu]

I'm a DYI hobbyist wood worker. I admire your precision & meticulous way of achieving the restoration. You remind me of Bob Ross the painter from the 80s & 90s on the PBS network. You're similar (speech-pattern) by the way you explain in layman's terms so beginners & novices can grasp & will fully understand. One video & you've hooked me as a subscriber. Your intellectual knowledge of products you use, & you also convey it in a charming way. You're a master craftsman, but another talent that gleams is teaching by visual demonstration. The careful way you sifted through the clogged rollway & made a point to return it for sentimental value speaks volumes about your character. I feel blessed when I discover like minded people. 100K subs by 2022 probable, but should be 10 times that by 2024. God bless you & your wife.

[@melainenicholson]

Outstanding! My son, who's 30 now, used to believe only the fanciest people had roll top desks. I shared your restoration and he shouted, "Vindication!!!" Because, apparently, only the fanciest person is worthy of this desk, now. Thanks for sharing your work. It's truly fascinating.

[@FixingFurniture]

Thanks for the chuckle Melanie, and thank you for sharing this video with others. Glad you enjoyed it. Scott

[@jennifermanian1420]

I have a roll top desk that is my favorite piece in the house. Really, there is nothing fancy about me!

[@ruthkaiser6168]

​@@jennifermanian1420 Me too Jennifer. I bought my desk at a yard sale probably 45 years ago. I love it. I'm not fancy either. Scott, you did a beautiful job on this desk. Thank you for sharing.

[@MappingAmy]

=D I'm planning to bid on a roll top desk this week! Hoping to get a fancy bargain =D

[@Arkay66]

My grandfather found a lady's rolltop from the 1880s out in a field in the 1970s. He fixed up and gave it to me. I still use it and it's my favorite piece of furniture. Neither the desk nor I are fancy...

[@Mtlmshr]

The amount of things that were crammed behind the roll top was very impressive and that’s always fascinating to see what it all is, it’s a window into the history of that desk. At some point someone was sure they had those pictures or one of those stamps or any of the other things and could not figure out where they could have gone! Well now they know🤔🤭

[@lonely-laura]

How funny to think of "hey! I remember looking for that stamp!" 40 years ago🤭

[@fredziffle5219]

We got an old beat up ship’s captain desk with hidden African postage stamps & an old quill type ink pen nib. Kinda showed the age & proof that it had been “around the Horn” so pre Panama Canal. We just cleaned & oiled it. The broken brass inlays & old scars remain on both pieces. Incredible what can be found in second hand shops & the secrets they sometimes hide.

[@schiacciatrollo]

i hope there were consequences .. and he knew to stop the potential of new hamstering

[@shilsam8467]

Good camera work. You’ve put in the effort to get good angles (wide and close ups/ inserts) that makes the video so easy to follow. Also, the lapel mic audio is excellent. Overall, a top quality media work. Mark of a good artist.

[@FixingFurniture]

Thank you very much! You recognized the details that go into making a quality video. I'm glad you appreciate that. Thanks for your comment. Scott

[@carolinarivetto8687]

Porfavor traducción al español!!!! Saludos muy buen trabajo

[@laurasrn5067]

This video was packed full of knowledge! The desk looks absolutely beautiful!! I totally agree with keeping some of the aging/character and not make it look new. So excited to find your channel

[@FixingFurniture]

I'm glad to hear you enjoyed it Laura! Thanks for sharing that. Scott

[@timothymbess]

It was fairly common for roll top desks to have that locking drawer mechanism. It creates a series of dependent locks, so that the user could simply roll the top down and lock it to the desk surface, which in turn, locked the drawers as well. Clever system for locking up the whole desk without having to install a bunch of locks and tumblers on every individual drawer.

[@juliebrooke6099]

You are an excellent teacher. You don’t just clearly explain what you’re doing but also why you’re doing it that way. Extremely informative. I loved the discovery of all that stuff that had been jammed in the back.

[@FixingFurniture]

Glad you enjoyed it Julie. Thanks for sharing that. Scott

[@carolg.6838]

The surprises you pulled out...I expected some was to be the result of mice nesting. However everything came out clean.. Kudos to all the very good wood restorers and refinishers who have gained such knowledge and provide this service. I can understand the owner not wanting to change the look as much as possible. When I moved from the family home to an apartment all the new things didn't feel right, didn't feel like home. Especially new Christmas ornaments. I will subscribe. Looking forward to see what else you have worked on.

[@lauralake7430]

I would love to know what the telegraph said, but of course it was private family business. Thank you for a nice, informative KZbin! Subscribed!

[@fair2middlin]

@@lauralake7430 The weather is here. Stop. With you were beautiful! Stop. After reading this put it in the roll-top desk. Stop. Have you seen my yardsticks? Stop.

[@who7056]

Simply awesome teaching content without any distracting, repetitive music! It’s refreshing to be able to watch without it. All too many KZbin videos are somewhat ruined by it. I’ve asked other people and they’ve agreed. Thank you for not having any in yours. I thoroughly enjoyed the way you showed us how to restore this piece. Unbelievable repair patching the wood! What a beautiful desk it is once again, thanks to you! ☺️

[@FixingFurniture]

Thanks for sharing that. I enjoy the creative aspects of editing with music, but as you've observed, I do it sparingly. Cheers. Scott

[@who7056]

@@FixingFurniture You’re welcome. ☺️

[@samiches2008]

I agree on all accounts! Too many KZbinrs have "background" music so loud you can't hear their instructions/tutorial. With others, God help you if you are wearing earbuds...the volume on some of their vids needs to be so high to hear them, that when they take a short break from speaking and blast the music, it blows your eardrums out!.

[@who7056]

Hi, @@samiches2008! Absolutely! Thank you so much for mentioning about the earbuds. So very true. I love, love, love Bumblebee Apothecary but if I have earbuds in, I can’t watch some videos. The music is simply not needed at all. ☺️

[@who7056]

@@FixingFurniture You’re welcome. ❤️

[@HighlandersWorkshop]

This guy is the Canadian Bob Ross of furniture. Love watching him work

[@watrgrl2]

I am so very impressed with your work! Such exquisite attention to detail and to preservation of the finish where at all possible and keeping the uniqueness of this antique desk. You are a master!

[@yvonnescholey8972]

Very nicely done. I love to see an old piece of furniture like this which has been sympathetically restored and shows it’s history. Thank you for explaining the process of repair it is very interesting. 😊

[@woodworkingandepoxy643]

I've been woodworking my whole life thanks to my dad and another family member and I just wanted to say this was so informative. It's much easier to me to build something from scratch than it is to repair and you sir are a master at it

[@FixingFurniture]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks! Scott

[@gav2759]

There's nothing quite like finding old newspapers, or the like, on a job. It doesn't do a lot for productivity, I find. Great content and well produced vid, thanks for posting.

[@FixingFurniture]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thank you for subscribing! Scott

[@triplex86]

Excellent video - very informative and clear. The end result was superb. Finding the hidden time capsule of household items was so cool.

[@jill552]

Great video. I love the clever mechanism to lock the drawers when the tambour was down. Old furniture is really neat.

[@FixingFurniture]

I agree. I thought that was so cool too! Scott

[@marcuscook3852]

Beautiful restoration. You have retained the character of the piece perfectly, unlike other so-called "restorations" I have seen on other channels.

[@FIVETS_ADVENTURES]

My wife and I are restoring an antique sewing machine, the draws are in the most need. We watched you video about a month ago and I remembered seeing you getting old glue to release. I searched my history to find your video again and find how you got the glue to come free. I used your tip and it worked great. Thank You

[@cathybenson5119]

I would've loved to see the look on the owner's face when you gave him what you found in the desk. Lol. You've done a great job mate. 👏

[@martinambrosecchia2991]

Nice work ! My first video of yours, are you you a hobbiest or do you do this full time ? Awesome teacher ! One of the most complete and informative videos I've ever seen. Thank you

[@garystrittmater8258]

I taught woodshop for 13 years and I know quality instruction when I see it! This guy reminds me of Russ Filbeck, a Master chair builder and a fantastic craftsman. He knows ALL the little tricks........just like this guy! BRAVO! I would have NEVER thought of using mineral oil as a lubricant on the final sanding.

[@FixingFurniture]

I'm glad you enjoyed my video Gary. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, and thank you for subscribing! Scott

[@tolentarpay5464]

I love how your power tools are set up - neat, tidy & so much versatility! I learned furniture woodwork in high school in the 80s (my teacher Mr. Henshaw helped make me the man I am today; God Bless you, sir!), but we never had anything like what you've got; I've been out of the loop far too long!

[@deborahnolan9360]

You are most certainly an artist, sir! I enjoyed watching you work and explain so clearly. I am no woodworker, but I love and appreciate beautiful wood pieces and to see someone so lovingly restore a well-loved piece is wonderful! One more subscriber for your channel. Keep up the superb work.

[@FixingFurniture]

Thank you very much Deborah!

[@lonely-laura]

My thoughts exactly. You can see the care and passion he has for his work! The accidental time capsule was the icing on the cake!

[@karodora]

The repairs and finish restoration were excellent. It was especially gratifying to see all the dirt removed. I wonder how much time the original users of the desk spent looking for items that had disappeared down the tambour track.

[@thetruthno1]

I know we had a couple more stamps?

[@josepherhardt164]

I also wonder how many people were blamed for losing stuff, or were accused of snooping in the desk. Good grief!

[@caroltanzi29]

Scott: this was another amazing restoration. And the treasures found at the back was an added bonus. That was exciting too. Great job! It was quite an involved project although not completely refinished to keep the authenticity of the piece. I especially like that. Thank you. Carol from California

[@FixingFurniture]

Glad you enjoyed it Carol. Nice to hear from you.

[@Grandpa82547]

In the deep recesses of my mind, I have always had a vague notion that shellac was to be applied with some sort of cloth pad. I think my Dad did it on an end table he made when I was about 5 yrs old (70 years ago). Now I know I didn't just imagine all that. Thank you.

[@andrewmassey11]

Great video and impressive work! I have a very similar desk that's been in the family for over 100 years. It has the same locking mechanism on the drawers and also has a secret compartment on the back right side that opens with a hidden lever inside the top of the right side drawer. I appreciate the great work you did restoring this roll top.

[@iamwhatiam4075]

Beautiful piece !! Great job keeping it original, even more so not tossing out all the things you found.

[@Bob3519]

I've saw some "restored" furniture in a shop. There was a multitude of different pieces that looked "brand new". After watching your restoration I can see the problem with what I saw in the shop is that the furniture looked "brand new". Your restoration made the furniture look "real" if can can use that term. Your restoration as well as what I've seen in museums or classic houses/buildings looks as if the antique/classic furniture is authentic and well cared for but not "rebuilt". Thank you for sharing your talent, wisdom and Knowledge.

[@andyboybennett]

I'm curious about the tambour top. You didn't show any repairs to that part at all. The front rail looks a little grungy--couldn't that have at least used some cleaning? Was the tambour section itself really in good shape? Didn't any of the fabric need to be re-glued? As always, a great video with great explanations, and great video portrayal of the techniques. I have learned a lot from your videos. Please keep up the great work!

[@FixingFurniture]

The tabour was in perfect condition. I did scrub away some of the grime on the front edge but if you scrub too much, it ends up looking spotty so it's a delicate balance. Ultimately it's judgement of the individual. I hope that answers your question. Scott

[@dewikle2]

Thank you! I have a desk that must have been made by the same company. The biggest difference is that the locking mechanisms that travel vertically behind the drawers is metal on mine. Otherwise there are just a couple of cosmetic differences. The hutch area has a few doors and drawers for example.

[@FixingFurniture]

Thanks for sharing that. Scott

[@JeanBenoitLesage]

It is such a pleasure watching an expert at work. Very methodical and clearly explained throughout. Reminds me of Baumgartner Restoration, like restoring an art piece but that happens to be in the form of wood furniture.

[@FixingFurniture]

Glad you enjoyed it Jean-Benoit. Thanks for sharing that. Scott

[@dianeadams9537]

YOU ARE AMAZING!!! THIS ROLLTOP DESK IS BEAUTIFUL!!!!💖💖💖💖💖

[@juliettpapa]

With this video you are on a new level. Congrats! Do you remember I suggested you to do more restoration videos than fixing ones and become TJ's succesor? ;-) I "consumed" your video in one part today because its cold and rainy outside. It was an indulgence. Regards from Germany.

[@FixingFurniture]

Wow, thank you for such a high complement! I'm glad to hear you enjoyed this restoration and I appreciate your support! Scott

[@shericreates]

Your videos are so extremely detailed! Thank you so much! Is that your lathe behind you? I inherited one and have no idea how to turn it on. I'm into refinishing/restoring and just signed up to your newsletter. Thank you for sharing your valuable information. I have two roll top desks. It amazes me how people just throw them away. I came to watch this one to polish up an oak bookcase/cabinet from England. The finish needs a little touching up. Thanks again

[@splitliving]

I own the exact same desk! It’s one of my best pieces of furniture and I just wish I had someone like you to lovingly update it

[@Ddrhl]

I just bought a huge rolltop desk from someone, and it is so incredibly heavy that it takes 3 people to lift the top. I will soon be moving the parts into the room it will go in, so finding your video gives me a better idea about what this will entail. Thank you for posting.

[@FixingFurniture]

That is awesome! Good luck with your restoration project! Scott

[@fugueine]

Thank you sir, your work is fascinating. I love antique furniture, am blessed to have a desk similar to this from my great-grandmother. So neat to see the restoration process.

[@S23K]

Amazing - I have an almost identical desk (just taller with a larger gallery) that is in dire need of repairs, this video will no doubt prove invaluable, thank you!

[@FixingFurniture]

Glad it was helpful! Scott

[@VE3AVA]

I just stumbled upon your page and decided to give it a watch and was delighted to see all of that history pulled out of the back! I have been wanting to repair some heirloom furniture that has been passed down to me and your channel is giving me the inspiration to get to work! Thanks, from Peterborough!

[@pennymoreland9602]

I love the way you explain everything you make seems so easy. I’m sure tonight but my goodness thank you for the tutorial so wonderful can’t wait to find more new subscribers here.

[@melherd4672]

I have a Grand rapids furniture company roll top desks almost exactly like this one. I need to do some repairs and you have provided me a lot of knowledge. I've just finished getting new keys made for it and I'm now ready to move on to doing some minor repair. Great video!

[@FixingFurniture]

That's great! I'm glad this was helpful for you Melvin. Good luck with your repairs! Scott

[@craigsmith3645]

Great "true restoration" ! When gluing the repair piece, I would have used a couple thin dowels to stabilize it more and make it stronger because of where it's physically located, and give it a bit more strength. I would have used a washer under the heads in the elongated holes as I have had the heads bind enough that the top still doesn't move like it should.

[@kassandralevingston9874]

I currently own a larger version of this desk. It’s been in our family since about 1964. It will go to my younger brother at some point. It is in perfect working order but I’ll send him a link to this video in case it ever starts having issues. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. 😊

[@FixingFurniture]

Thank you. Scott

[@gordon8858]

Hello, Thank you for this video, I love several things regarding your video. Your attention to detail is excellent and most importantly. the narration, you deliver clearly and concisely. I would love a writing desk like this one, hopefully, this will last another 100 years. "Relating to the 1920 letter" Good job I hope the customer liked the finished job, please let me know. Many thanks. Gordon, Halifax, UK.

[@NaDa-kw2fu]

To get the level paint spots off, I found a hooked dental pick (second hand/disposals) is worth adding to your tool set. It also helps when the spots are in corners and other hard to get places.

[@danahyatt5760]

I was hoping you’d tell us if the papers and stamps you found were worth anything! Or did they contain any family history items for the owner? You do beautiful work!

[@netherwent2725]

I'm subscribed! Loved the attention to detail and the great video editing. I'd call your work "museum quality".

[@FixingFurniture]

Thank you for your support! Scott

[@AlexandreaReed]

.Amazing!! Made me think of my father and uncle and their woodworking skills, building houses, and making custom trim throughout. Thanks for jogging that memory, Beautiful work, and I learned a lot about staining touchups. Subscribed.

[@karenheartoriginal3783]

Oh, I love your style of repairing instead of refinishing. It looks so beautiful…still aged and preserving its history instead of like an old piece of new-looking furniture. Just found your channel so did my part to help you reach that 100K goal 👍

[@FixingFurniture]

Thank you for your support Karen! Scott

[@carlosmartineztoledano2433]

Impresionante, ha descubierto unas trampas con las que no contaba y ha salvado ese bello mueble, mi admiración y respeto caballero, ha hecho usted un trabajo maravilloso 👏 ❤

[@_WillCAD_]

I don't normally watch finishing or restoration vids, but this one caught my eye because my grandfather had a rolltop desk very similar to this one. It was a fixture in my grandparents' home since before I can remember, and I'm in my mid-fifties so it was at least 1960s vintage and probably older. I knew immediately what those pins were: "Yeah, those are drawer locks. When the top is open, the drawers are unlocked, when it's closed, the drawers are locked." The finished piece looks terrific, but I'm especially impressed with how well the replacement section blends in with the original. It takes a lot of skill to blend a new finish with an existing finish so perfectly, particularly when the existing finish is eighty or a hundred years old.

[@FixingFurniture]

Glad you enjoyed the video Will. Thanks for sharing that! Scott

[@lkreinmiller-author]

That looks almost exactly like the desk that came out of my husband’s grandfathers jewelry and clock shop. It sits in my living room and is in much better shape. I thoroughly enjoyed this.

[@lizeggar2421]

I have just found your channel. It is great! The fact that there is no annoying music plus your voice, which is very pleasant to listen to and the way you explain every step made me subscribe. I hope your channel goes from strength to strength. Don't change a thing!

[@donnachase632]

The first time I have seen one of your videos and I found it very informative and entertaining. I love old furniture and especially roll tops. Thank you for the information and entertainment.

[@brucen4719]

The repair section you did was absolutely incredible. That is art!

[@debloui]

I learn so much from all of your videos. Thank you for sharing your knowledge. And for sharing the things that can go wrong so we can all learn. When you were taking the piece apart at the beginning (just before you discovered the amazing mechanical locking device - amazing!), you noted the piece that slid out and had a peg from allowing it to not pull out completely. That’s an extension piece that gives you an extra flat surface to work on. Thought that might be interesting for anyone who didn’t know what it was for. Thanks again for your videos from Australia 🇦🇺

[@terryrogers1025]

Thank you for taking the time to talk and show why and what you are doing with the pieces you are working on. Excellent tutorial sir.

[@FixingFurniture]

Glad you liked it Terry. Thanks for the feedback. Scott

[@donlunn792]

Thank you so much for imparting your hard earned knowledge. This is a masterclass. When I was an apprentice car mechanic, Trying to get information from some of the mechanics I worked with was just ridiculous. Some of them would say,when you have done three years, then I’ll explain it. I decided then that when I finished my apprenticeship,if I had an apprentice working with me,I would explain or tell him everything that I could. And so it transpired. With a number of apprentices working with me. Thank you for the information. Thank God that this attitude has disappeared in recent years.

[@vanrose9857]

Thanks for sharing your process with us. The video is very informative and actually very calming. You’ve done a excellent job with the restoration and the video as well!

[@FixingFurniture]

Thank you so much!

[@sealyoness]

O MY! What a beautiful job you do! And the owners must have been delighted at the finds in that fine old desk. I can't imagine what was in my grandparent's rolltop, but I can ask my uncles and aunts, who did the cleanout. I hope they found valuable information and things! MY gramma was kind of a hoarder, and was the key bill payer until she couldn't anymore. A sharp lady to the end, but not always organized.

[@annedouglas1456]

Amazing! Great attention to detail one doesn’t see anymore! I learned so much!

[@FixingFurniture]

Glad you enjoyed it! Scott

[@SmallWonda]

Very interesting - I bet you could do a show just on all the interesting bits you've found hidden in furniture. Would be nice to follow up on some of those old relics you found in that piece - You didn't do anything to the tambour? I would have been interested to see how it looked after all those years of not working so well. Hope your customer was thrilled with the result.

[@suenorton6032]

Great job!!!! Loved the look of it after and the care you took while working on it!

[@FixingFurniture]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@brendanswanson1742]

So glad the KZbin algorithm suggested this video for me. I immediately recognized the desk, it's very similar to one sitting in my wife's office. To the best of my knowledge, it was my Grandfather's desk that was originally used in the hardware store he owned in Wisconsin, well before my birth. I came to know it from my Grandmother's basement during summer family visits. I would sit at it and play with the old mechanical check printing machine, from the same hardware store. After my grandmother's death, we were helping clean up her house, and this was one of a few pieces I felt a vey strong draw to and asked my dad to keep. Shipped it out to our home at the time, and it followed us to our current home almost 11 years ago. Then my wife started grad school, and ended up completing her PhD dissertation sitting at this desk. My dad is thrilled that my wife uses it, it's not a "show" piece, but gets love and appreciation. The roll top on our desk has a few small drawers mixed in with the cubbies, the roll top pulls off a solid desktop, there's a center lap drawer, and probably one fewer drawers on each pedestal, and the pedestals sit on legs, but I recogized the desk immediacy. I called my wife over to look at the opening picture of your video, and she recognized it immediately as well. Thank you for refreshing some fond family memories. I look forward to discovering more of your videos.

[@krzysztofccc2705]

Pan powinien zostać nauczycielem w szkole. :) Dzięki za filmik. Zdrowia życzę.

[@terrystover7365]

I'm truly impressed with your talent. Excellent spot repairs, matching grain and color. You are GOOD!! I subbed your channel.

[@howarddodson3510]

Crazy good attention to detail that resulted in a beautifully restored piece! Just out of morbid curiosity- how much time did you spend on repairing and refinishing the roll top and (if you don’t mind revealing) what was the price tag on the restoration? I probably wouldn’t think about it for less than $500 and I don’t have near the skill set/patience that you have. Thanks for sharing!

[@sharonyost3807]

Wow you’ve shown me some great methods of repairing wish I’d known this years ago when my sister took apart my dad’s rolltop desk

[@latitudeash]

Beautiful old writing desk. Been after one like that for ages. You did a professional job. Just the right amount of correction to keep it with its character. The owner will cherish your work for a long time

[@FixingFurniture]

I'm glad you liked it! Scott

[@BadgersInTheAttic]

Such an informative video! Thank you! I have a couple pieces that I inherited from my great grandmother. Her house was heated with coal fires, and the finish on her furniture became impregnated with coal dust over the years. I'm curious whether, in your opinion, that blackened and crackled finish adds to the historic value of the pieces, or detracts from them. If you were repairing such a piece, would you completely refinish it, or try to mimic the old, coal-infused finish on areas that have damage?

[@josephkerley363]

That was a very nice job of repairing the missing piece of wood. Unless you know it’s there, no one will see it. Well done! It’s ready for another 100 years.

[@ironbarsjack7977]

My mom used to have one exactly like this, I have so many childhood memories at that desk. We used it as a computer desk and for arts and crafts. I remember my moms friends broke the roll top while we were moving, my mom got really upset cause she likes to collect antiques cause they’re nostalgic for her. It was actually her grandmother’s desk so she’s had this thing forever but I don’t remember what happened to it after high school.

[@schechnera]

Outstanding work, Scottie. I appreciate how in-depth and comprehensive you are.

[@FixingFurniture]

Thank you Adam. Glad to hear you enjoyed it. Thanks for subscribing to our channel

[@javig5045]

My first time watching you're channel, I found it totally entertaining and relaxing, finding that hidden time capsule wan really fun, I'm very impressed with your knowledge of wood and how to restore with proper products. thanks I'm subscribing.

[@commandrogyne]

I enjoy a good voiceless restoration, but it was super cool to hear the explanation for everything. Its always great to see experienced professionals at work, this was a real treat! Proud of myself for catching the canadian accent almost immediately lol

[@FixingFurniture]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for sharing that. Scott

[@arjones57]

I have absolutely no interest in doing this type of work myself. But, here I am watching the whole video and enjoying your work. Sept 2023 and at 99.6 subs. Your work is incredible and I look forward to seeing more of your videos.

[@tquirk8454]

The blocks underneath the pillars are designed to be fitted with casters for moving the desk. When not needed, the blocks are inverted and slid into slots where they are out of the way

[@FixingFurniture]

Thanks for sharing that knowledge! Scott

[@kathryn2826]

I loved the part where you pulled out all the stuff that was stuck in there. I watched every bit, I was absolutely mesmerized. Thank you. Another grandma!

[@shirleypedersen7406]

What was under that roll top was amazing. No wonder it didn’t work. Your masking of the repair was perfect. So interesting watching you. You truly are a master of repair. Awesome to watch. Loved it immensely.

[@FixingFurniture]

Well thank you Shirley. Scott

[@beverlyw56]

Wow, that was a lot of archiving in that room top. What fun! I appreciate how you tell the details of each step of work you do.

[@FixingFurniture]

Thanks so much!

[@richardbryant7972]

Well you answered why my wife’s roll top doesn’t open all the way. Great restoration love it all. Thank you for sharing.

[@FixingFurniture]

You're welcome Richard. Maybe there are some treasures in your wife's desk too! Scott

[@elebecepe]

It's like you didn't do a thing to it, and that's exactly the goal here; it looks almost exactly the same but better ;) Nice desk!

[@FixingFurniture]

Glad you like it! Scott

[@tfitz44]

New subscriber! I’m so glad that this popped up in my feed. Absolutely love your attention to detail and how meticulous you are. I can’t wait to watch more of your videos. Well done!

[@FixingFurniture]

Thanks for subbing Taylor! Glad you enjoy our video style. Scott

[@jzsuperstar9948]

I like the way you work and teach. I have a secretary desk in the bedroom that needs some love and now I am inspired. I have a touch of experience in wood working and this video made me realize I may be ready to level up. Thankyou. Subscribed.

[@davelafferty605]

My goodness, sir. This is the first video of yours I've stumbled across, and you've already opened my eyes to how much I don't know. You are truly a craftsman, and you just earned yourself another subscriber. Your attention to detail is extraordinary, and your expertise inspiring.

[@FixingFurniture]

Awesome! Thank for your support Dave! Scott

[@buffsheeri]

yeah I stumbled on this as well, beautiful job.

[@klaus_niemand]

Put the marker for the cutting depth on the vertical fence instead of the table, keeps the eyes focused closer to the sawblade, especially safer for wide workpieces. To avoid pencil markings use tape. 13min30sec+: Fill the groove with a suitable piece to prevent the wood from breaking off at the bottom

[@steviemichelle7271]

The treasures that you found inside!! 😱😱😱 I bet that family was thrilled to not only have an heirloom repaired, but the time capsule you found for them must’ve been the icing on the cake. This one had me so excited to watch as you pulled out each item. I hope your videos help others out there to want to repair old furniture instead of throwing it out or tossing it into the backyard fire pit. Who knows what all is out there hiding inside of old pieces of furniture lol

[@mascoll]

The woodworking knowledge got you the watch, but the historical excavation earned you the subscription! ;) Super interesting! :)

[@DavidWhite]

Scott this is one of your best thank you for sharing your fine work

[@FixingFurniture]

Thank you Dave. I appreciate that!

[@DavidWhite]

@@FixingFurniture I watch a lot of your videos to get ideas and this one really gave a lot of info Kudos to you great job

[@sharpma]

This was the first video I have watched but, it will not be the last. My father was a self taught carpenter and I use to watch him when he worked. Watching you remind me of my childhood. Thank you.

[@Lynne.E.Davies]

I hope the owners had a family reveal for all the treasures found in the desk. I can picture Uncle Chuck saying “that’s where my yardstick disappeared to”, and Aunt Minnie marvelling when her missing journal was revealed. Wonderful teaching video. The how and why of each step was very informative.

[@FixingFurniture]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for sharing that. Scott

[@Flintlock1972]

Hal Ledyard, born1931 to died 1973 Professional Football Player. For nine seasons (1953, 1956 to 1958, 1961 to 1965) he played at the position of quarterback in the National Football League and Canadian Football League with the San Francisco 49ers, Ottawa Rough Riders, and Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Born Harold Ledyard in Montgomery, Alabama.

[@johnschmoe]

I like your videos but just warning for you, you should never pull the material backwards on a table saw, if you add any sort of angle when pulling it back that piece is going to kickback big time, you need to stop machine then pull the work out, never move the piece with the rotation of the blade/bit

[@andyboybennett]

Nah! With the workpiece riding the fence, that's an unnecessary worry. And without using the fence (as in using a miter gauge or a sled) the off-cut falls away, so worry is still unnecessary. Someone has filed a false report with the safety police.

[@lakecountyliprippers6311]

I cringed when I saw this as well... You might get away with it 99 out of a hundred times but that one time is the one that sends a piece of wood into your stomach... Always, always stop the blade before moving your work piece in the reverse direction

[@anthonymokelkie9360]

good video i leanred lots, seems so pleasant to work on the wood. i guess you can apply this to many wood projects. Great video ! good well balancd instructions. Leanred lots. im be a subscriber ! learn more. I have some projects too here to start. many thanks !

[@FixingFurniture]

Glad you liked it Anthony and thank you for subscribing! Cheers. Scott

[@faithm9284]

I have learned more from you than working alongside a local Virginia furniture restoration business for 5 yrs. Thank you. I will be sharing this! 👍

[@davidhbrown9767]

Thank you for going through the junk trapped up in the desk. 🙂 My curiosity was definitely peaked. I really liked your presentation of this project.