I've been an occasional visitor/reader here for over a year, and I have to say that it's a terrific forum, and I learn something new on every visit. This being my first post, I suppose I should introduce myself- My name is Phil Doyle, I hail from Commack, Long Island, NY, and woodworking is a love and a hobby for me. I do mostly small work (magazine racks, napkin holders and so on), and maybe some day will have the guts to post some pics here (pretty intimidating prospect for a hobbyist like me ). I have no formal training, but have managed to turn out some decent pieces (for an amatuer) by sheer determination and a mildly obsessive attention to detail. So, that's me... now for the situation that has me hoping for some advice from some of the esteemed pros who are regulars here.
This solid oak desk has been someplace or other in the family for a LONG time. It's at least 50 years old, probably older. It has received several coats of paint over the years (none by me, I promise you). I've been thinking about refinishing it for years, and finally took a shot at it. I was able to get the paint off one of the drawers with a few applications of some K3 methylehylene based stripper. It wasn't easy, especially with all those decorative gouge marks. To my chagrin the paint wasn't the end of the existing finish story, as you can see from the drawer front. I'm not sure what the remaining finish is. The inside of the drawers appear to just be shellac. A local refinisher/restorer who does very nice work quoted me $600. for a complete restoration or $300. to take it down to bare wood. This leaves me with a few questions-
1. Am I getting in way over my head if I try to tackle this myself (if not, what's the best way to proceed)?
2. Does the piece 'look' like it might be worth investing that kind of money in?
Anyway, if anyone can offer some guidance it would be much appreciated. Either way, thanks for an enjoyable and educational forum.
phil doyle