Restoring the mirror panels on a 1940's Dresser

[Rob Schramm]

Well I love a challange but this one is a big one. I am matching panels finish to a 1940's dresser, below is a pic of the dresser (which is in CA and I am in IL) and also a pic of the original and my sample. My sample is under the piece on the bottom right. The match is 99% spot on but it was simple what is going to hard is taking measurements from someone in CA and then cutting it in IL to fit without the piece. I keep telling her to either let me make a panel of mirror and ship it to her OR have her ship me the dresser and I will do it all right here. Waiting.... I hate to wait!

Rob

[Kent Smith]

I have had similar issues and when the customer insisted, I made certain that they were responsible for accurate sizes. Had good luck most of the time and only had to make new sizes once. I prefer to have one in the shop though too. A quality customer should appreciate needing to have accurate matching to the original. Good luck and I'd rather wait and be safe.

[James Warwick]

Hi Rob..

Don't trust measurements... Not everybody has been to ruler readin school... Have them make a paper pattern of all the pieces that they want you to replace and then mail the patterns to you....

A friend taught me this trick, when he had his house built. Each piece of inside trim was patterned, cut to pattern, installed, then the next piece the same. The trim carpenters didn't like doing it but he was paying the bill. The finish product was quality with nice fits!!

Patterns don't lie... measurements do...

Good Luck

[Rob Schramm]

James,

Already have the patterns on their way to me she sent them yesterday. I have done a couple of these but never once have I done one long distance. Fortunatly I got a glass guy involved on the other side and he was the one that made the patterns and he is the one that will size it and install it. I told her that I wanted to just make the glass and send it to her but she insisted that I cut it as well. Well the money is good as long as the stuff all fits but honestly I hate working long distance.