Antique Oak Wardrobe

Repairing the base was a demanding job. I determined I couldn't repair the existing end panels, so I decided new ones had to be made and fitted into the base. I started by removing the old panels. This wasn't easy since they were held in place with glue blocks, nails, and they had a tongue on each end that fit into a groove in the front and rear legs. After some careful but persistent work, I was able to free them.

I measured the old pieces and each opening and milled some oak stock to make the new panels. The main problem I faced was that both openings were not square. No matter how I tried to wrack the base assembly, I couldn't get both ends square at the same time. So, I made the new panels a little wider than needed and trimmed them to fit with a block plane. I installed them before stripping the base unit so that the stripper and old finish would stain the new wood and make it match up with the existing wood around them.

Below is a list of thumbnail photos. By clicking on a thumbnail you will see close up photos of some of the details in this project. Use the "Back" button on your browser to return to this page.

	This panel was split at the glue joints.
	View after removing the old panel.
	The panel on this end was missing a piece when I got it.
	This single piece of 8/4 oak stock was enough to make both panels.
	Next step - Resaw the 8/4 stock into three pieces on the bandsaw..
	The six pieces were flattened on one face over at the jointer. Now I'm running them through the planer to final thickness.
	I glued and clamped the pieces making the two new panels. Afterwards, I scraped them with a cabinet scraper and cut them to final size. I used a block plane to get the fit exact.
	The panels are fitted and glued with hide glue and clamped until dry. I installed the triangular glue blocks that came loose when removing the old panels after that.
	The stripper and old finish left a stain on the new wood and helped it blend in with the old wood in the base.


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