Suggestions for repairing old wooden box

tlsnrt · **Posted: 12-03-2012 , 03:09 PM** #1

Hi,
I have an old wooden sewing box that has been in my family for 3 generations. The wood is in good condition, but the box is broken in several places. I'm sure it can be repaired, but I don't know exactly how, and I'm not sure if I could do it myself. I'd be grateful if anybody has any suggestions regarding this type of repair, or, alternatively, recommendations of a good place in Dublin where I could have it repaired.
Thanks in advance!

Eibhlin ni Sheambrai · **Posted: 13-03-2012 , 09:27 PM** #2

Hi there, any chance of a photo of the box. Hard to advise without knowing the type of box and the damage to it.

tlsnrt · **Posted: 14-03-2012 , 12:00 PM** #3

Here are a few photos. I hope it's possible to have a better idea of what needs to be repaired. The dimensions of the box are approximately: W - 25cm, H - 13cm, D - 13cm

I'd be grateful for any tips or recommendations. This box has a huge sentimental value for me.

Eibhlin ni Sheambrai · **Posted: 14-03-2012 , 01:08 PM** #4

This is beautiful. It doesn't look too bad. I have one like this only a modern one with none of the lovely carving. If you are missing some of the side pieces, the easiest thing to do would be to get a new one and remove pieces from it for your old one. If the wood is a different colour, you could stain it to match the old. If buying a new one for parts is not an option, try jumble sales/charity shops--you could be lucky. If you have pieces but the screws wont catch because holes are too old and loose, try a little wood filler in the hole, leave to set and then screw the existing screw or a new one back in the same place and it should be ok. Not sure how the lids are attached, new ones usually have 2 small hinges set into little grooves. If these are brogen you could get new ones. If there is no grip you could buy a length of piano hinge and cut to required length. That way the whole of the lid could be attached rather than all the work being in two small places. Hope this is helpful. Good luck with it. Eibhlin.

tlsnrt · **Posted: 14-03-2012 , 01:19 PM** #5

Hi, Eibhlin:
Thank you very much for your detailed reply. I don't think I would be able to do all these steps myself, but it gives me a much better idea of what needs to be done, and it will be very useful for the repair. There are no pieces missing, but all the screws are loose indeed, and the hinges are broken.
Thank you and best wishes.

Sarahnimble · **Posted: 14-03-2012 , 03:43 PM** #6

I would suggest taking it to somehwre professional who handle antique wood so perhaps a antique shop or specialist one, I have been recoemmended a few sites form a friend for restoing her wooden bed that has been handed down a few generations, its beautifully repaired and has been brought back to life! In Dublin there is Davourieireland.com is rated top I hear and excellent restorer. For a discount sites like groupon can have deals on these types of services os try on the dublin section of the site.

I hope you restore your box!

tlsnrt · **Posted: 14-03-2012 , 04:21 PM** #7

Sarahnimble,
Thank you very much for the recommendation. I have sent them an e-mail.
Hopefully I will manage to get the box restored soon - I will post pictures here then!

Sarahnimble · **Posted: 15-03-2012 , 02:28 PM** #8

Quote:

Originally Posted by tlsnrt

Sarahnimble,
Thank you very much for the recommendation. I have sent them an e-mail.
Hopefully I will manage to get the box restored soon - I will post pictures here then!

Not at all, Im happy to help! I know how frustrating it is trying to restore loved poccessions need to be bought back to their former glory!

:)

Let me know how it goes.

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	Posted: 12-03-2012 , 03:09 PM #1
tlsnrt Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Dublin 2 Posts: 238	Suggestions for repairing old wooden box Hi, I have an old wooden sewing box that has been in my family for 3 generations. The wood is in good condition, but the box is broken in several places. I'm sure it can be repaired, but I don't know exactly how, and I'm not sure if I could do it myself. I'd be grateful if anybody has any suggestions regarding this type of repair, or, alternatively, recommendations of a good place in Dublin where I could have it repaired. Thanks in advance!

	Posted: 13-03-2012 , 09:27 PM #2
Eibhlin ni Sheambrai Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Moate, Co. Westmeath Posts: 1,037	repair Hi there, any chance of a photo of the box. Hard to advise without knowing the type of box and the damage to it.

	Posted: 14-03-2012 , 12:00 PM #3
tlsnrt Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Dublin 2 Posts: 238	Photos Here are a few photos. I hope it's possible to have a better idea of what needs to be repaired. The dimensions of the box are approximately: W - 25cm, H - 13cm, D - 13cm I'd be grateful for any tips or recommendations. This box has a huge sentimental value for me. Attached Images

	Posted: 14-03-2012 , 01:08 PM #4
Eibhlin ni Sheambrai Member Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Moate, Co. Westmeath Posts: 1,037	This is beautiful. It doesn't look too bad. I have one like this only a modern one with none of the lovely carving. If you are missing some of the side pieces, the easiest thing to do would be to get a new one and remove pieces from it for your old one. If the wood is a different colour, you could stain it to match the old. If buying a new one for parts is not an option, try jumble sales/charity shops--you could be lucky. If you have pieces but the screws wont catch because holes are too old and loose, try a little wood filler in the hole, leave to set and then screw the existing screw or a new one back in the same place and it should be ok. Not sure how the lids are attached, new ones usually have 2 small hinges set into little grooves. If these are brogen you could get new ones. If there is no grip you could buy a length of piano hinge and cut to required length. That way the whole of the lid could be attached rather than all the work being in two small places. Hope this is helpful. Good luck with it. Eibhlin.

	Posted: 14-03-2012 , 01:19 PM #5
tlsnrt Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Dublin 2 Posts: 238	Hi, Eibhlin: Thank you very much for your detailed reply. I don't think I would be able to do all these steps myself, but it gives me a much better idea of what needs to be done, and it will be very useful for the repair. There are no pieces missing, but all the screws are loose indeed, and the hinges are broken. Thank you and best wishes.

	Posted: 14-03-2012 , 03:43 PM #6
Sarahnimble Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Cork Posts: 21	I would suggest taking it to somehwre professional who handle antique wood so perhaps a antique shop or specialist one, I have been recoemmended a few sites form a friend for restoing her wooden bed that has been handed down a few generations, its beautifully repaired and has been brought back to life! In Dublin there is Davourieireland.com is rated top I hear and excellent restorer. For a discount sites like groupon can have deals on these types of services os try on the dublin section of the site. I hope you restore your box!

	Posted: 14-03-2012 , 04:21 PM #7
tlsnrt Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Dublin 2 Posts: 238	Sarahnimble, Thank you very much for the recommendation. I have sent them an e-mail. Hopefully I will manage to get the box restored soon - I will post pictures here then!