Table of Contents
How do you fix a roll top desk?
If it is in bad repair, do not remove it; it still holds the slats of the tambour in place. Use fabric glue, applied with a paint brush, to glue a new piece of canvas to the old canvas. Take care to glue the new canvas not only to the canvas, but to the wooden slats where the canvas has separated from them.
What kind of glue do you use to repair a roll top desk?
All that you’ll need to fix the desk is some heavy duty fabric and glue (I used wood glue, but I’m sure craft glue would work as well). Cut the fabric to be about four inches less than the width of your roll top and just slightly less than the length.
How do you fix slats on a roll top desk?
Brush glue over the lift bar and wrap the end of the tambour cloth around it. Nail and clamp the cloth in place. Then apply a thin layer of glue over the lift bar and the slats using a foam brush, or by squirting lines of glue randomly over the bar and slats, rolling it smooth with a paint roller.
How do you put a roll top desk back on track?
Try reducing any high spots, using a chisel for the grooves, a wood rasp for the slats and a low-angled block plane for trimming end grain. Try another fitting, and if the tambour now moves more comfortably, rub paraffin along the edges to make for a smoother run. While the tambour is out, inspect its backing.
Do roll top desks come apart?
A rolltop desk has a wide variety of moving parts including the drawers and the actual roll top cover. Any one of these components could be damaged during transportation. If your roll top desk is a model that comes apart in two pieces (a bottom half and a top half), separate the two sections before attempting to move.
How does a rolltop desk work?
The rolltop desk is simply a “pedestal desk”–a top set on two columns of drawers–with a top case added. All rolltop desks have a three-sided cabinet that has tracks routed along the top and front edges of each side, lined with metal or plastic so that the roll part, or “tambour,” will slide easily.
When did they stop making roll top desks?
The roll top desk fell out of favor in the early 1900s with the introduction of sleek glass and steel desks. Larger quantities of documents also made the small stacked drawers and mini-shelves impractical. The need for more storage saw roll top desks replaced with filing cabinets.
What is the top of a roll top desk called?
rolltop desk, desk with a sliding roll top, or tambour, that encloses the working surface of the upper part and can be locked.
How do you unlock the drawers on a roll top desk?
Slide up the roll-top cover up using the palms of your hands. The jointed wood cover will fold away into the back of the desk, revealing the drawers and cupboards on the surface of the desk. Insert the key into the lock on the front of the drawer you want to open.
How do you lubricate a tambour door?
Paste wax is the normal recommendation for lubricating sticky drawers and tambours with carnauba being the hardest and most durable. Avoid spray lubricants.
How do you remove a tambour roll top desk?
Open the roll-top portion of the desk, looking inside for straps or screws which hold the top onto the rest of the desk. Remove the screws with a slotted screwdriver. Lift the roll-top portion of the desk and slide out the tambour, or slatted door, setting it cloth-side up on top of the replacement cloth.
How much does an oak roll top desk weigh?
57″ Roll Top Desk by Winners Only – Medium Oak (GZ257R) Color Medium Oak Brand Winners Only, Inc. Top Material Type Metal Number of Drawers 2 Item Weight 338 Pounds.
What is Tambour glue?
This tambour glue is a commercial grade adhesive formulated for the furniture industry. Ideal for gluing cloth backing to tambour door slats. This multi-purpose adhesive is flexible when cured and can be used for bonding wood, leather, cloth and other porous materials.
What fabric do you use for Tambour?
Tambour beginners should first practice on a piece of fabric and try out different stitches and textile decoration techniques. Organza is best suited for this, but you can also use tulle. In principle, this type of embroidery can also be transferred to other textiles if you have a good handling of the needle.
How do I install tambour panels?
Cut all panels prior to installation and “dry fit” to ensure proper fit. Apply a ¼” bead within ½” of all edges of panel and continuous bead across the panel every 4”. Apply panel to wall, pull loose and reapply. Press and knead repeatedly to insure contact.
How old is my roll top desk?
Check the desk for original locks stamped with a turn-of-the-century manufacturer’s name, such as Derby Desk Company, Schlicht Area Company, Shannon File Company or Cutler Desk Company. You might also find the name of the manufacturer underneath the desk, which could even include the date the piece was manufactured.
How do you move a heavy desk?
The best way to move a desk across the room is to utilize the right type of furniture sliders. Have your helpers lift each desk side and place a slider underneath each leg or edge of the desk. Then, push carefully the heavy desk along the room with zero damage on the floor and minimum efforts from you and your friends.
How do you restore an oak roll top desk?
How to Restore an Oak Roll Top Desk Apply a heavy coat of chemical stripper onto the oak roll top desk with a brush. Scrape the old finish off with the putty knife and steel wool. Sand the desk with 120 grit sandpaper. Wipe grain filler onto the oak roll-top desk with a cloth and work it into the wood.
