Oak Icebox

This icebox was in very rough shape when I got it in my shop. It had been stripped once before and finished with polyurethane. I received it with the doors and all brass hardware removed. The owner had already started sanding off the finish on some of the doors. This icebox had suffered from shifts in temperature and humidity due to it being moved to several locations at the owner's home. The top was beginning to warp across its rear edge and the entire case was showing signs of wood needing to move but not able to for various reasons.

My job was to work within a specified budget and make the icebox look as good as possible. Stripping it was the worst part due to the use of polyurethane the last time it was finished. After it was stripped, I sanded and filled nail holes. I finished it using stain, a Danish oil, and paste wax. This project turned out looking better than it did when I got it but I still can not say I was excited with the results.