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Drafting Table – The Top
Separating the top from the base is simple, it’s held in place with metal attached to the top with screws and a slot in the support arms.
With the top separated it is clear that only a few minor repairs will be needed.
Using a chisel to square and remove waste in the most damaged areas I glued matching replacement blocks planed smooth once the glue was dried. After looking at all the edges it is clear that adding a band of red oak will enhance the look of the table and cover up the repairs.
Once cut to the correct thickness and planed smooth I set up clamps and prepared to glue the banding in place. Following rule 3.0 of woodworking that states “No glue up shall be allowed to go smoothly” the pressure from the clamps on the top caused it to split.
What followed was a scramble of glue and clamps that returned it all to one piece.
Planing to be done to smooth the edges and top and I’ll be able to move on to the base.
Drafting Table Refinish
A week ago I sent out a quick teaser for my next project on my Instagram account. If you don’t follow me there you can see the latest photo and link on the right side of my blog. Please join me on Instagram it tends to get more quick photos of woodworking and beyond.
The teaser was a photograph of the label on a drafting table that has been floating around in my house for many years.
The Hamilton Manufacturing Company began operation manufacturing wooden type for printing presses eventually expanding into furniture in particular drafting tables and the large cabinets used for storing maps and plans. It shut its doors forever in 2012. Looking online you can dig up more information including the companies catalog.
As the days get shorter and the rivers flow decrease I put the kayaks away and look forward to woodworking. There are a couple of projects that are tumbling around in my head and getting them on paper is the first step to making them a reality.
There really is not a lot of work to be done. Repairs to the top followed by cleaning and refinishing. Then perhaps a couple of attachments to hold my drafting tools and pencils.
orepass 