Around 59 years ago I bought an antique full size iron bed as a gift for my Mom. I paid $14.50 for it and I had to put it in lay away! Anyway once it got to her house she started to remove the many layers of paint, I think there were 8 or 9 layers, she used lye! It worked, still took about 3 weeks, then she painted it white and painted the embellishments gold. It looked nice, and she was very proud of it. I have it now, I have painted it twice, first time a Forrest green, and now it’s an oil rubbed bronze and looks very beautiful. I really hope it stays in the family but I’m not sure anyone really cares about it like I do.
Oh, dear, do I ever relate! The year I and my two little girls moved back to my home state of Washington from St. Louis, I decided I wanted to make a “family tradition.” Every year at Christmas, I would buy a nutcracker, one for each girl. Every year, faithfully, since 1987, when I barely had two cents to rub together. Four years ago, my youngest daughter passed away suddenly. During the chaos of setting up a funeral, I mentioned to my other daughter how she’d be getting youngest daughter’s nutcrackers upon my death. (I’d particularly bought Nutcrackers relevant to her husband being a Marine Sargent, etc., so he’d feel included.) When I made the comment, I was really hurt when she snapped back how she didn’t want them. Okay, heard. It was a major slap in the face and the timing was the absolute worst. When I finally got over the sting, I decided I will likely donate the now 70+ nutcrackers to a children’s hospital or other charity where they will appreciate the decorations. Sometimes, you can only do so much.
“Trena, smarten up.” There, quoted in full. Just as a personal story, in 2015, at age 53, I suffered from massive blood clots that went to my heart and lungs. To this day, the doctors have no idea why this happened as I did not meet any of the known causes. My father was a construction worker and we had a small farm, so at a young age I was around the occasional chemical smells. As an adult, I worked 25 years as a paralegal so short of paper mites and computer monitor exposure, I wasn’t exposed much either. In short, I wasn’t doing what you are doing. Please, Trena, wear your PPE. If not for yourself, then certainly for your family. You are awesome!
Hi Trena. Was so great to hear you advocating for restoring family treasures or old pieces to suit modern day tastes- preserve the beautiful old furniture for future generations! Growing up we had an older farm house with larger rooms and high ceilings- unlike the average Aussie home today, unless you're into the modern large big box like structures etc- which is fine if that's your taste! My parents had a beautiful BirdsEye Maple bedroom suite - an amazing heavy wardrobe with a beautiful beveled mirror set in a central door- tall, heavy and superbly made, rich colour and a real piece of art! The 'tall boy'/chest of drawers, heavy and beautifully crafted, was fairly ornate with scrolled work on either side of the drawers- which I can remember lovingly touching as a child- it was so magical to me. Huge extendable cedar dining table, such a beautiful colour , and also tall narrow cedar cupboard with shelves from top to bottom, plus a matching sideboard! There was an old washstand- cannot remember the wood - pale honey coloured - like a desk almost,with drawers on either side, from floor to hip high, to put your things in, and a small narrow shelf to store shaving gear. Either side of where the wash basin went, there was room for crystal jewelry dish/es, combs and hairbrushes etc. I had my Grandma's lovely ?Rosewood bedroom suite- Queen Anne style- just gorgeous; and my sister had our Nan's bedroom suite - can't remember the wood. I was so privileged to grow up surrounded by such lovely old things. No wonder I just love your channel SO much Trena!!! Thanks for the enjoyment.
Yes please make it a habit to wear gloves, respirator, and eye wear to protect yourself. It will pay off a few years from now when your lungs, eyes, and hands are still healthy and disease free.
You're right about the shortage of young people taking up the old trades, so it's great to see someone like you "flying the flag". Even as an old geezer, I'm a strong advocate for female engineers, so I really enjoy seeing a lady restoration worker at work.
Hi Trena, I watched one of your other videos which I loved (The black painted cabinet) so now I am watching your channel from the beginning and your work. Very addictive. You are so easy to watch and listen too. I have learned a lot already (adding this to what my dad taught me, he was a hobby woodworker. If he could make it or renovated rather than buy new, he would, RIP Dad) So relaxing to watch your work and love all your tips and trade secrets. My tool and product wish list is getting bigger now 😀 (so when my daughters ask me what I would like for Christmas, I know wheat i might ask for..😄😉) Brilliant job on the cases. Please stay safe and wear respirators or a mask when you can (remember) I will probably comment on all your videos.... Love, Phil.
I love the work you do and I completely agree with you regarding handing down the skills you show so expertly, more than that, you also have great patience and your attention to detail without taking shortcuts. Sadly, very few people share that sentiment, I'm called ancient when I fix things and restore rather then buy new flimsy furniture. Your work is excellent, as they beautiful results show. Please keep doing what you do, and remember, styles change, style doesn't. Stay safe and well, God bless 🙏
Loved your vid as usual. I love watching you work & all the tips you give. Was great to hear of Canada's furniture making in the early days. Like most countries, it disappeared under the onslaught of cheap rubbish that cost more! Thank you again Trena. :)
Very nice job Trena I wish I could find somebody like you in the uk that would let me come into there workshop and help out and learn woodworking gives me so much pleasure l will be keep watching your videos good lady stay safe 👏👏👍
Trena, can't tell you how I am enjoying your videos! Since you said that we should keep bugging you about being safe, I'll add my little sermon (I'm a retired Lutheran pastor so I'm experienced at that!) I have been fighting multiple myeloma, an incurable blood cancer for 12 years. I, along with many other myeloma sufferers, can't help but think it may have to do with our frequent use of furniture strippers in the past. I was not very careful with gloves or masks when I was doing that. If I had it to do over again, I would always have used those and in a well-ventilated area. I see you have good ventilation so that's a plus. Just don't want to see you have to fight such a battle as mine somewhere down the road.
Yes. I’m definitley going to be more careful. I have heard so many terrible stories. I have always worn ppe but in the last few years I’ve gotten lazy with it. I’m going to smarten up. Thanks to all the scolding. Lol. I hope you can get through this and feel better. His Bless.
While you may not be aware , barrister’s bookcases were part of the original progression of what we call ,”Flat Pack”. That is 5he reason why for the base the front legs were attached as they were and the rear legs could just slip together into the mortises. In. This manner, the base could be easily shipped anywhere. And in some cases, as like today, the entire package could be shipped with instructions to a local person as to how to put it together. Even for lining up the center rail on the top of each shelf unit. Many times the local erector did not use any glue at all. A second fact is that the manufacturers sometimes did not stain the birch shelf or back the same color but left them a lighter birch color. Giving a two tone, cleaner appearance. Such two tone finishes were popular with some case built closing desks. The type that looked like steamer trunk design, having two deep front “doors” and a deep rear section that had a pull out writing surface. These had many interior drawers and pigeon holes.
I remember my dad telling me something like this. I love the detail. I admit I am not an antique specialist, just a repair person but I’ve picked up quite a bit of knowledge from people such as yourself as I have done this over the last 20 yrs. so Thankyou for sharing! I really appreciate it.
I'm learning a lot watching your videos. I have a few pieces of furniture that need some work but was never confident enough to even attempt anything with them. From a painted antique child's dresser with mirror to a few of mother's dining room chairs that need gluing back together and reupholstered to side tables, old school desks, etc. I love vintage furniture. I have a shed full of it that needs work lol. I've bought what tools i see you use that I didn't have and I'm going to start on that little dresser and see how it goes! I has a bit of a chip on the top drawer face so pray for me as I attempt to fix it using a block of wood, like you do! Lol
I have two Barrister Book Cases. One is an Antique and the other one I made using the antique as a pattern. I am proud of both of them and it hard to tell which is the antique.
Hi Trena! Love your videos. I am restoring 2 old dressers, one over 100 years old. You have helped me understand the mechanics of wood slides and overall reconstruction. Thanks!
And also I forgot to tell you I'm from Brooksville Florida I didn't really know where you are but I love watching you fix things it's unbelievable the things you can fix and I also told my husband about you I just wished I could have done this when I was younger 61 and and too old to start now I love watching you keep on doing it
Found your channel and I am hooked! Told my wife I was watching a girl stripping on CZcams😁, she didn't find it funny! Keep up the awesome work! Canadian women rock!
A lot of work, the back leg tenon was pretty cool, always getting new ideas watching you dismantle these pieces. I'm doing and creating Timber frame pieces, benches, tables...So thanks for your knowledge and teaching us all, as well as giving inspiration.
I just found this Channel and I am addicted to it I'll watch you fix anything you make it look so easy I know it's not easy I have binge-watched every since I have found this channel I think I've caught up with all your channels please put out some new stuff I love it
Trena, the algorithms just led me to your channel the other day and I'm enjoying your videos. They remind me of "helping" my late Dad strip and refinish an aircraft carrier of a desk (5 ft x 3 ft) over 60 years ago. It was beautiful wood, some veneered, all painted over in a standard military gray. After the refinishing, it was his home desk until I claimed it in high school, and it is still my daily work desk in my retirement. I've looked for maker's tags a few times, but not found them; it has stood up to heavy use over the years.
That's exactly what i have to refinish, a barristers bookcase! So glad to see this. For my own education I would have liked to see more on how you set the glass back in. And how the hinges work in each.
My parents refinished a set of bookcases like the ones you did. My brother has them now and his wife uses it as a china cabinet. It's very beautiful with her glass and china in it especially when the sun shines on it.
Trena, just found your site. Loads of info and how to. Have been basically binge watching for 2 days now. Thank you. Looking forward to your vids to come. One thing I might suggest is, if possible, when you installed the rear legs on the base, you might try a technique called draw boring the legs and installing a wood pin. It holds tight and would allow for disassembly later if need be. Once again thanks for your vids.
Fully agree about renovation and preservation. Keep up the good work. Love watching you. We have very few renovators in the uk. I have a house full of beautiful furniture handed down 2+ generations, which will probably end up on the "tip" when I die. Children arent interested.
HI TRENA I AM KEN FROM ROCKINGHAM WESTERAN AUSTRALIA, II HAVE BEN WATCHING YOU FOR AROUND A YEAR. YOU ARE MY KIND OF PEERSON YOU LOVE YOUR WORK AND YOU PUT IN THE EXTRA TIME TO MAKE SURE THAT IT IS THE VERY BEST THAT YOU CAN D0. MY GRANDD FATHER TOLD ME WHEN I WAS AROUND SIX YEARS OLD THAT I SHOULD ALWAYS DO WHAT EVER I WAS DOING TO THE STANDERD OF PUTING MY NAME ON IT AND I HAVE BEEN DOING THAT EVER SENCE. I LOVED MY WORK AND IF I GOT TO THE STAAGE THAT I DIDDNOT WENT TO GO TO WORK I STARTED LOOKING FOR ANOTHER JOB . I KNOW THAT YOU WORKK FOR YOUR FATHER AND THAT IS REL,LY SPECIAL,. YOU ARE JUST A GRATE PERSON AND I AM SO LUCKY TO HAVE MET YOOU ON CZcams. KEN FROM DOWN UNDER.
Lol, saw the warning and thought it was a poke in the eye to whingers. We're so spoilt we can't tolerate a small deviation from our expected conveniences. I'm trying to be like Her Majesty Queen Victoria, never complain, never explain. I fail every time 🤷😉
I started, loudly exclaming, "oh, oh, OH!!" When I saw your hair looking Ike it was getting close to the belt sander spool!!! Am I the only one to notice this?
I built a two door barrister style display case for my rocks. The oak doors (glass windows) had to have rounded tops to work. Hard to imagine without a plan. Brass hardware had to be hand made. I made perpendicular tongue and groove 5/8" oak back spaced 1/16".
Something about a palm sander I have a project downstairs not a Repair refinish a repurpose I'm enjoying it slowly I'm not rushing through it. I find myself looking at it in sections and think to myself what would trena do. ❤
With more and more books going digital there is less and less need for bookcases. My library sits at over 600 hardcovers. Which I use constantly, mostly reference, for various projects of mine. Lots of home repair, gardening, cooking, travel, art, auction catalogs, French and Russian language materials as well as lots of the English classics. And some growing shelf space for old vinyls, mostly 33s. But 78s, if I can find good ones. So I'm using more bookcases than ever! But I'm not mainstream. When I visit someone's place I always look around for what books they have/read. But too often there are no books, magazines or newspapers, anywhere. WHAT THE HECK???? To each their own but NO reading material??? At all??? I can't imagine living like that but as I said, to each their own! Meanwhile my bookcases are expanding full of beautiful, handsome books.
Wow. Many of us ARE avid readers but choose a simpler and less materialistic lifestyle. Hoarding is a popular American pasttime and a sickness. I own a few cookbooks and several children's books for reading and rereading to my grandchildren but storing hundreds of adult novels is silly to me. I don't need to possess books. I use my Library card! When THINGS start to provide comfort and joy it's time to reassess priorities imo.
Wow, this is so good and inspires me to do more restoration, repair, etc. work. What factors do you consider when deciding to dismantle the piece? I acquired a rather old bookcase where the previous owner started removing old paint but never completed the work. Also, the very top has water damage so it was removed also. I really want to work on this for my books so your advice is really appreciated.
I LOVE the brackets used to attach the feet. Great design. I feel they’d be strong to support the weight of books. Also, what do you use to neutralize the paint thinner?
Got to say I like that denim shop apron. Ive got an old " Wooden Boat" builders apron Ive had for years and wear it all the time in my shop. Just cant seem to part with it.
Great work again. Subscribed and watching them all. What material do you have on top of your benches? Ive been around several pros through the years and they all seem to have the same "non-marring" soak up the oil or finish bench tops.
Trena, I see now why those back leg tenons were originally not fully glued. It makes it a cross-grain glue-up situation, where typically a full glue stifles seasonal across-the-grain movement. For the same reason, a breadboard edge is only given a dot of glue in the center to allow seasonal movement without splitting. Make sense? Love your work and ethics.
I know a guy who got his beard caught in a belt sander, it wasn't good. Pease tie up that beautiful hair. They are beauties, definitely worth restoring.
Every time you say "clear coat" I think you're talking about car clear coat. I have a coffee table and end table made out of 2X4's that were stained and then shot with car clear coat because my ex-husband's dad restores classic cars. Those tables still shine and never got water damage or anything. My kids even drooled on them a ton, and it never did a thing to the finish.
You have outdone yourself on these pieces. The metalworking's on the inside of the cabinets really good and interesting. Do you ever use tac-cloths to clean prior to spraying?
Speaking of strong beautiful furniture, I was looking for a glass door cabinet/bookcase. And I found some antique furniture from Burma that fit what I was looking for. Its from Burma's English, colonial period. The woman I was working with pulled one cabinet, on 2 legs, across the floor to get at a few others. I was alarmed when she did that, 'oh, this is teak! It is almost impossible to break it as it is one of the strongest woods there is!' The case I ended up getting is all peg and dowel construction, so no nails, screws or glue. Made in the 1880's the shelves do not sag, not the slightest bit. I'm using it in the dining room for china and glasses, etc. After over 15 years the (overloaded?) shelves still have no sag in them, not slightest bit. AMAZING!!! Teak is amazing wood. So if my home were flooded, all I'd have to do is clean it, and the dishes, and it would be back up and running. Teak doesn't rot nor is it bothered by insects! Great stuff! And the style of this piece would look fine in any period home. As well as any contemporary, modern or eclectic one! Investment pieces are a nice way to go, so consider them when you can. They become old friends are a while. Strong and dependable. Quietly standing by, waiting to help, when need! The downsides? It is a very heavy wood. With great strength comes weight. Plus, these pieces are more spendy than Crate and Barrel or Pottery Barn, et al. But you only have to buy it once in your whole life time! Which is a real plus, in my book. So when shopping for furniture look at some of the antique stuff. It is very well made and made with much stronger materials than what is used today. How else do you think it has lasted for the last couple of hundred years? Do you think Ikea furniture will last for even 30 years??? Ha! If an antique piece has lasted the last 100, 200, 300 years it can survive your ownership, too. When you shop at auction houses it is usually the equivalent of shopping at 30-50% off, retail! So look at your local auction houses, and estate sales, for great pieces that will last you your lifetime, and will be a bargin to boot!!! And if it needs a bit of attention, well..... you can have it worked on! 😉 I happen to know of a lady in Ontario who does great work......🤫🤫 😉😉😉! Best wishes to one and all!
I have a question. I have an expensive bedroom suite, when moving one of the drawers were scrapped up against something white. Is there a way to get the white off my mahogany without having to redo the whole piece?
Greetings from the BIG SKY. I built a display cabinet with 2 windows in it that open like a Barrister bookcase. The opening door, vertically, was hard to figure out.
Great work! I just came into a Grand Rapid's Michigan Barrister Bookcase made by Gunn Furniture Company. It is a 4 stack with each stack being a different height. The top has a triangle label on the back with GRM; inside back panels have a stencil of "Gunn Furniture Company, Sectional Bookcase..." I have seen other brands like Globe & Wernicke, also Macey, but little info on Gunn. Anyone here know anything? Thanks
hi trena just found you on here i have a ? may i ask what stripper do you go for and is it powder form or already mixed thanks big dave from over the pond here in the uk
Even if she uses a phone for video it can be in landscape mode, thus filling the screen. Did you not read her GIANT disclaimer in the video title? She goofed on this video and was up front about it. Perhaps you can be more understanding and not make unecessary comments about something she is OBVIOUSLY fully aware of. Geeshe!
Dear Trena, as I saw you taking apart the Barrister bookcase, I noticed that it looked in every detail like my Globe&Wernicke bookcase that I bought in the Netherlands in the eighties. It is a seven piece case, upper finish and base included, and still in very good shape. The parts that contain the bookshelves have a "sticker" on the backpanel that says: The Globe Wernicke Co Ltd OFFICE & LIBRARY FURNISHERS LONDON It must have been made in the UK. It seems that the barrister ones are exact copies of G&W. Can you tell me something about the history of both furniture makers?
I wish I could but I’m not much of a furniture historian. Many viewers are. If it’s broken or needing some love I’m your girl. What I know is from what I have picked up over 20yrs as I work on pieces or if I need to do some research to do a proper job. Cheers
There were a number of manufacturers of these barrister bookcases. Globe and Wernicke were originally two companies that merged. I'm pretty sure the one that is worked on here is from Macey (you can tell by the different door mechanism). They were manufactured by local shops in many cities (under the various brands names) and made in the UK, USA and Canada. SO you can see Globe&Wernicke with labels showing where they were manufactured as well as info on the finish and size. The info on the label varied over time, but usually included codes for size (things like C8 or D9... - indicating how deep C was shallower than D, 8 was 8" tall etc). As I recall Cincinnati, Ohio was one of the US manufacturing sites, and I believe Stratford Ontario was one in Canada. There were a number of styles and options - from tradition to mission style with various glass options - plain, leaded etc.
Very interesting channel, just been looking for what type of stripper you are using? I also follow your Fathers channel. Excellent skills past on to you. Thank you for sharing.
I doubt you'll ever have to 're-invent' the mechanism to move those 'windows' up and down. I found that a round-over bit on my router would let the top of a shelf go up.
OMG someone painted a Barrister Bookcase?? A 3 section plus top and bottom is worth around $1200+ around here. FYI: The black squiggles on the hardware are al original, not sure why, just part of the design I guess.
I love, love, LOVE what you do. My concern is that you start out wearing chemical gloves while stripping paint, then you stopped wearing them. No fume mask neither. Those chemicals aren’t good on your skin or in your lungs. Take care of yourself. EDIT: I’m chuckling because I commented on your inconsistent use of protective gear and you told on yourself about 32:27. We all aren’t trying to be problematic. We want you to be around for a while. Put bright pictures of gloves and mask on every can of any type of solvent or glue. Over time, it will be habit.
There was some good things in this video - but you lost a lot of the value of the piece when you removed the beautiful Japanned finish on the metal bands. The Japanned finish was a premium option on these bookcases. A lighter tough sometimes is best.
Around 59 years ago I bought an antique full size iron bed as a gift for my Mom. I paid $14.50 for it and I had to put it in lay away! Anyway once it got to her house she started to remove the many layers of paint, I think there were 8 or 9 layers, she used lye! It worked, still took about 3 weeks, then she painted it white and painted the embellishments gold. It looked nice, and she was very proud of it. I have it now, I have painted it twice, first time a Forrest green, and now it’s an oil rubbed bronze and looks very beautiful. I really hope it stays in the family but I’m not sure anyone really cares about it like I do.
Oh, dear, do I ever relate! The year I and my two little girls moved back to my home state of Washington from St. Louis, I decided I wanted to make a “family tradition.” Every year at Christmas, I would buy a nutcracker, one for each girl. Every year, faithfully, since 1987, when I barely had two cents to rub together.
Four years ago, my youngest daughter passed away suddenly. During the chaos of setting up a funeral, I mentioned to my other daughter how she’d be getting youngest daughter’s nutcrackers upon my death. (I’d particularly bought Nutcrackers relevant to her husband being a Marine Sargent, etc., so he’d feel included.) When I made the comment, I was really hurt when she snapped back how she didn’t want them. Okay, heard. It was a major slap in the face and the timing was the absolute worst. When I finally got over the sting, I decided I will likely donate the now 70+ nutcrackers to a children’s hospital or other charity where they will appreciate the decorations. Sometimes, you can only do so much.
You’re gonna have a very popular CZcams channel with this content and clarity of instruction 🇦🇺👴🏻
“Trena, smarten up.” There, quoted in full. Just as a personal story, in 2015, at age 53, I suffered from massive blood clots that went to my heart and lungs. To this day, the doctors have no idea why this happened as I did not meet any of the known causes. My father was a construction worker and we had a small farm, so at a young age I was around the occasional chemical smells. As an adult, I worked 25 years as a paralegal so short of paper mites and computer monitor exposure, I wasn’t exposed much either. In short, I wasn’t doing what you are doing. Please, Trena, wear your PPE. If not for yourself, then certainly for your family. You are awesome!
Yes. I’m sorry. But Thankyou for the scolding. I am much more diligent with my mask now thanks to my wonderful viewers 🫠❤️
Hi Trena. Was so great to hear you advocating for restoring family treasures or old pieces to suit modern day tastes- preserve the beautiful old furniture for future generations! Growing up we had an older farm house with larger rooms and high ceilings- unlike the average Aussie home today, unless you're into the modern large big box like structures etc- which is fine if that's your taste! My parents had a beautiful BirdsEye Maple bedroom suite - an amazing heavy wardrobe with a beautiful beveled mirror set in a central door- tall, heavy and superbly made, rich colour and a real piece of art! The 'tall boy'/chest of drawers, heavy and beautifully crafted, was fairly ornate with scrolled work on either side of the drawers- which I can remember lovingly touching as a child- it was so magical to me. Huge extendable cedar dining table, such a beautiful colour , and also tall narrow cedar cupboard with shelves from top to bottom, plus a matching sideboard! There was an old washstand- cannot remember the wood - pale honey coloured - like a desk almost,with drawers on either side, from floor to hip high, to put your things in, and a small narrow shelf to store shaving gear. Either side of where the wash basin went, there was room for crystal jewelry dish/es, combs and hairbrushes etc. I had my Grandma's lovely ?Rosewood bedroom suite- Queen Anne style- just gorgeous; and my sister had our Nan's bedroom suite - can't remember the wood. I was so privileged to grow up surrounded by such lovely old things. No wonder I just love your channel SO much Trena!!! Thanks for the enjoyment.
Thankyou!
Even though I have a Barrister's bookcase that doesn't need repair or refinishing, I enjoyed your video. Thank you,
Thanks for sharing your secrets. Learned tons! Especially how you use toner after stain to even things out .
glad to be helpful!
Yes please make it a habit to wear gloves, respirator, and eye wear to protect yourself. It will pay off a few years from now when your lungs, eyes, and hands are still healthy and disease free.
You're right about the shortage of young people taking up the old trades, so it's great to see someone like you "flying the flag". Even as an old geezer, I'm a strong advocate for female engineers, so I really enjoy seeing a lady restoration worker at work.
Hi Trena, I watched one of your other videos which I loved (The black painted cabinet) so now I am watching your channel from the beginning and your work. Very addictive.
You are so easy to watch and listen too. I have learned a lot already (adding this to what my dad taught me, he was a hobby woodworker. If he could make it or renovated rather than buy new, he would, RIP Dad)
So relaxing to watch your work and love all your tips and trade secrets. My tool and product wish list is getting bigger now 😀 (so when my daughters ask me what I would like for Christmas, I know wheat i might ask for..😄😉)
Brilliant job on the cases.
Please stay safe and wear respirators or a mask when you can (remember)
I will probably comment on all your videos....
Love, Phil.
I love the work you do and I completely agree with you regarding handing down the skills you show so expertly, more than that, you also have great patience and your attention to detail without taking shortcuts. Sadly, very few people share that sentiment, I'm called ancient when I fix things and restore rather then buy new flimsy furniture. Your work is excellent, as they beautiful results show. Please keep doing what you do, and remember, styles change, style doesn't. Stay safe and well, God bless 🙏
Loved your vid as usual. I love watching you work & all the tips you give. Was great to hear of Canada's furniture making in the early days. Like most countries, it disappeared under the onslaught of cheap rubbish that cost more! Thank you again Trena. :)
Those are fabulous. You always do an extra ordinary job. Such beautiful finish❤❤❤
Thankyou
Very nice job Trena I wish I could find somebody like you in the uk that would let me come into there workshop and help out and learn woodworking gives me so much pleasure l will be keep watching your videos good lady stay safe 👏👏👍
Awesome work Trena. I’m a big fan already. Looking forward to more videos.
They both look so good!
Every video I watch I learn something new, your speed and confidence are impressive.
Trena, can't tell you how I am enjoying your videos! Since you said that we should keep bugging you about being safe, I'll add my little sermon (I'm a retired Lutheran pastor so I'm experienced at that!) I have been fighting multiple myeloma, an incurable blood cancer for 12 years. I, along with many other myeloma sufferers, can't help but think it may have to do with our frequent use of furniture strippers in the past. I was not very careful with gloves or masks when I was doing that. If I had it to do over again, I would always have used those and in a well-ventilated area. I see you have good ventilation so that's a plus. Just don't want to see you have to fight such a battle as mine somewhere down the road.
Yes. I’m definitley going to be more careful. I have heard so many terrible stories. I have always worn ppe but in the last few years I’ve gotten lazy with it. I’m going to smarten up. Thanks to all the scolding. Lol. I hope you can get through this and feel better. His Bless.
Now that’s a Macey’s (gear type) cabinet I’d love to have in my home. Nice work!
beautiful oak....lovely to see the wood reappear....great job
Trena, you really did an AMAZING JOB!!!!
Skilled and talented people who lets everyone learn creative and hard work do not deserve thumb down. Good job!
Thankyou
While you may not be aware , barrister’s bookcases were part of the original progression of what we call ,”Flat Pack”. That is 5he reason why for the base the front legs were attached as they were and the rear legs could just slip together into the mortises. In. This manner, the base could be easily shipped anywhere. And in some cases, as like today, the entire package could be shipped with instructions to a local person as to how to put it together. Even for lining up the center rail on the top of each shelf unit. Many times the local erector did not use any glue at all.
A second fact is that the manufacturers sometimes did not stain the birch shelf or back the same color but left them a lighter birch color. Giving a two tone, cleaner appearance. Such two tone finishes were popular with some case built closing desks. The type that looked like steamer trunk design, having two deep front “doors” and a deep rear section that had a pull out writing surface. These had many interior drawers and pigeon holes.
I remember my dad telling me something like this. I love the detail. I admit I am not an antique specialist, just a repair person but I’ve picked up quite a bit of knowledge from people such as yourself as I have done this over the last 20 yrs. so Thankyou for sharing! I really appreciate it.
I'm learning a lot watching your videos. I have a few pieces of furniture that need some work but was never confident enough to even attempt anything with them. From a painted antique child's dresser with mirror to a few of mother's dining room chairs that need gluing back together and reupholstered to side tables, old school desks, etc. I love vintage furniture. I have a shed full of it that needs work lol.
I've bought what tools i see you use that I didn't have and I'm going to start on that little dresser and see how it goes! I has a bit of a chip on the top drawer face so pray for me as I attempt to fix it using a block of wood, like you do! Lol
I have two Barrister Book Cases. One is an Antique and the other one I made using the antique as a pattern. I am proud of both of them and it hard to tell which is the antique.
Omg I love them. They are gorgeous.
Just found your channel and so glad I did. My favorite parts are paint stripping as well as tiniting and camouflaging damage/repairs.
Hi Trena! Love your videos. I am restoring 2 old dressers, one over 100 years old. You have helped me understand the mechanics of wood slides and overall reconstruction. Thanks!
Great. Have fun!
Look at that beautiful wood underneath the paint!
And also I forgot to tell you I'm from Brooksville Florida I didn't really know where you are but I love watching you fix things it's unbelievable the things you can fix and I also told my husband about you I just wished I could have done this when I was younger 61 and and too old to start now I love watching you keep on doing it
Found your channel and I am hooked! Told my wife I was watching a girl stripping on CZcams😁, she didn't find it funny! Keep up the awesome work! Canadian women rock!
Lol
A lot of work, the back leg tenon was pretty cool, always getting new ideas watching you dismantle these pieces. I'm doing and creating Timber frame pieces, benches, tables...So thanks for your knowledge and teaching us all, as well as giving inspiration.
Thanks for tuning In Patrick!
I love love barrister bookcases!
I just found this Channel and I am addicted to it I'll watch you fix anything you make it look so easy I know it's not easy I have binge-watched every since I have found this channel I think I've caught up with all your channels please put out some new stuff I love it
Working on it. Thanks for watching!
Trena, the algorithms just led me to your channel the other day and I'm enjoying your videos. They remind me of "helping" my late Dad strip and refinish an aircraft carrier of a desk (5 ft x 3 ft) over 60 years ago. It was beautiful wood, some veneered, all painted over in a standard military gray. After the refinishing, it was his home desk until I claimed it in high school, and it is still my daily work desk in my retirement. I've looked for maker's tags a few times, but not found them; it has stood up to heavy use over the years.
Awesome memory. Thanks for watching Guy!
I bet the furniture in your house is amazing. You do such excellent work well done .
Wish I had more time for my own stuff
Such a beautiful job! I know your dad is proud.
Thankyou Connie
That's exactly what i have to refinish, a barristers bookcase! So glad to see this. For my own education I would have liked to see more on how you set the glass back in. And how the hinges work in each.
My parents refinished a set of bookcases like the ones you did. My brother has them now and his wife uses it as a china cabinet. It's very beautiful with her glass and china in it especially when the sun shines on it.
They turned out really nice!
Trena, just found your site. Loads of info and how to. Have been basically binge watching for 2 days now. Thank you. Looking forward to your vids to come. One thing I might suggest is, if possible, when you installed the rear legs on the base, you might try a technique called draw boring the legs and installing a wood pin. It holds tight and would allow for disassembly later if need be. Once again thanks for your vids.
Thanks for spelling my name right. Lol
Fantastic job 😊
I love your work
Fully agree about renovation and preservation. Keep up the good work. Love watching you. We have very few renovators in the uk. I have a house full of beautiful furniture handed down 2+ generations, which will probably end up on the "tip" when I die. Children arent interested.
Oh that’s too bad. I would Contact an estate sale organizer and have them take care of your treasures when needed. Cheers!
Very nice restoration clean job.
You did a very nice job on that piece.
You & Thomas Johnson are my heroes
HI TRENA I AM KEN FROM ROCKINGHAM WESTERAN AUSTRALIA, II HAVE BEN WATCHING YOU FOR AROUND A YEAR. YOU ARE MY KIND OF PEERSON YOU LOVE YOUR WORK AND YOU PUT IN THE EXTRA TIME TO MAKE SURE THAT IT IS THE VERY BEST THAT YOU CAN D0. MY GRANDD FATHER TOLD ME WHEN I WAS AROUND SIX YEARS OLD THAT I SHOULD ALWAYS DO WHAT EVER I WAS DOING TO THE STANDERD OF PUTING MY NAME ON IT AND I HAVE BEEN DOING THAT EVER SENCE. I LOVED MY WORK AND IF I GOT TO THE STAAGE THAT I DIDDNOT WENT TO GO TO WORK I STARTED LOOKING FOR ANOTHER JOB . I KNOW THAT YOU WORKK FOR YOUR FATHER AND THAT IS REL,LY SPECIAL,. YOU ARE JUST A GRATE PERSON AND I AM SO LUCKY TO HAVE MET YOOU ON CZcams. KEN FROM DOWN UNDER.
Thanks so much Ken. Cheers!
I wish I would have found your channel before I gave mine away. It was in very rough shape but I bet I could have repaired it learning from you.
Thanks for the warning about portrait mode! I'll skip this one and go on to the widescreen videos. Good stuff in the others, for certain!
Thankyou. Sorry was just starting out in that one.
Lol, saw the warning and thought it was a poke in the eye to whingers. We're so spoilt we can't tolerate a small deviation from our expected conveniences. I'm trying to be like Her Majesty Queen Victoria, never complain, never explain. I fail every time 🤷😉
I started, loudly exclaming, "oh, oh, OH!!" When I saw your hair looking Ike it was getting close to the belt sander spool!!!
Am I the only one to notice this?
Oh dear. Sorry for that one
I built a two door barrister style display case for my rocks. The oak doors (glass windows) had to have rounded tops to work. Hard to imagine without a plan. Brass hardware had to be hand made. I made perpendicular tongue and groove 5/8" oak back spaced 1/16".
I have this lawyers cabinet, fortunately not painted. If I took it apart I'd never get it back working. Nice job!.
I have that exact one (the 2nd). Maybe some day I'll have the guts to refinish it.
would love to see the customers reactions when they pick up their items. Do you own the shop ,Love to watch you
She does. It was her dad’s business. She built a new bigger shop but kept her dad’s name. Not sure if her dad is retired or possibly deceased.
Really works well. Should have bought one sooner.
Something about a palm sander I have a project downstairs not a
Repair refinish a repurpose I'm enjoying it slowly I'm not rushing through it. I find myself looking at it in sections and think to myself what would trena do. ❤
Trena would carry it to the burn pile
Omg those mortise and tenon feet were hilarious.
Right. So huge. Lol
Good job POP
Beautiful
With more and more books going digital there is less and less need for bookcases.
My library sits at over 600 hardcovers. Which I use constantly, mostly reference, for various projects of mine. Lots of home repair, gardening, cooking, travel, art, auction catalogs, French and Russian language materials as well as lots of the English classics. And some growing shelf space for old vinyls, mostly 33s. But 78s, if I can find good ones. So I'm using more bookcases than ever! But I'm not mainstream.
When I visit someone's place I always look around for what books they have/read. But too often there are no books, magazines or newspapers, anywhere. WHAT THE HECK???? To each their own but NO reading material??? At all???
I can't imagine living like that but as I said, to each their own! Meanwhile my bookcases are expanding full of beautiful, handsome books.
Wow. Many of us ARE avid readers but choose a simpler and less materialistic lifestyle. Hoarding is a popular American pasttime and a sickness. I own a few cookbooks and several children's books for reading and rereading to my grandchildren but storing hundreds of adult novels is silly to me. I don't need to possess books. I use my Library card! When THINGS start to provide comfort and joy it's time to reassess priorities imo.
❤️
Wow, this is so good and inspires me to do more restoration, repair, etc. work. What factors do you consider when deciding to dismantle the piece? I acquired a rather old bookcase where the previous owner started removing old paint but never completed the work. Also, the very top has water damage so it was removed also. I really want to work on this for my books so your advice is really appreciated.
Ihr Kanal gefällt mir so gut, dass ich mit jetzt alle Ihre Videos ansehe❤ Abonniert👍
Welcome and Thankyou!
I use the PC products too for my woodworking on old houses.
I LOVE the brackets used to attach the feet. Great design. I feel they’d be strong to support the weight of books. Also, what do you use to neutralize the paint thinner?
Keep always safe John's Furniture R...
Got to say I like that denim shop apron. Ive got an old " Wooden Boat" builders apron Ive had for years and wear it all the time in my shop. Just cant seem to part with it.
Great work again. Subscribed and watching them all. What material do you have on top of your benches? Ive been around several pros through the years and they all seem to have the same "non-marring" soak up the oil or finish bench tops.
Ok just use sheets of mdf but I don’t think it’s the best. It works
Trena, I see now why those back leg tenons were originally not fully glued. It makes it a cross-grain glue-up situation, where typically a full glue stifles seasonal across-the-grain movement. For the same reason, a breadboard edge is only given a dot of glue in the center to allow seasonal movement without splitting. Make sense? Love your work and ethics.
Which reminds that I was looking for a Barrister bookcase.
I know a guy who got his beard caught in a belt sander, it wasn't good. Pease tie up that beautiful hair.
They are beauties, definitely worth restoring.
Every time you say "clear coat" I think you're talking about car clear coat. I have a coffee table and end table made out of 2X4's that were stained and then shot with car clear coat because my ex-husband's dad restores classic cars. Those tables still shine and never got water damage or anything. My kids even drooled on them a ton, and it never did a thing to the finish.
Lol nice
Wish you lived near Barrie, Ontario. I have a dinning set in black walnut
The part I like best is stripping the wood. There is nothing uglier than painted wood. Good wood has to be seen!
You have outdone yourself on these pieces. The metalworking's on the inside of the cabinets really good and interesting. Do you ever use tac-cloths to clean prior to spraying?
Not really. Sometimes when I am varnishing
Speaking of strong beautiful furniture, I was looking for a glass door cabinet/bookcase. And I found some antique furniture from Burma that fit what I was looking for. Its from Burma's English, colonial period. The woman I was working with pulled one cabinet, on 2 legs, across the floor to get at a few others. I was alarmed when she did that, 'oh, this is teak! It is almost impossible to break it as it is one of the strongest woods there is!' The case I ended up getting is all peg and dowel construction, so no nails, screws or glue. Made in the 1880's the shelves do not sag, not the slightest bit. I'm using it in the dining room for china and glasses, etc. After over 15 years the (overloaded?) shelves still have no sag in them, not slightest bit. AMAZING!!!
Teak is amazing wood. So if my home were flooded, all I'd have to do is clean it, and the dishes, and it would be back up and running. Teak doesn't rot nor is it bothered by insects! Great stuff! And the style of this piece would look fine in any period home. As well as any contemporary, modern or eclectic one!
Investment pieces are a nice way to go, so consider them when you can. They become old friends are a while. Strong and dependable. Quietly standing by, waiting to help, when need!
The downsides? It is a very heavy wood. With great strength comes weight. Plus, these pieces are more spendy than Crate and Barrel or Pottery Barn, et al. But you only have to buy it once in your whole life time! Which is a real plus, in my book.
So when shopping for furniture look at some of the antique stuff. It is very well made and made with much stronger materials than what is used today. How else do you think it has lasted for the last couple of hundred years? Do you think Ikea furniture will last for even 30 years??? Ha! If an antique piece has lasted the last 100, 200, 300 years it can survive your ownership, too. When you shop at auction houses it is usually the equivalent of shopping at 30-50% off, retail! So look at your local auction houses, and estate sales, for great pieces that will last you your lifetime, and will be a bargin to boot!!! And if it needs a bit of attention, well..... you can have it worked on! 😉
I happen to know of a lady in Ontario who does great work......🤫🤫 😉😉😉!
Best wishes to one and all!
I have a question. I have an expensive bedroom suite, when moving one of the drawers were scrapped up against something white. Is there a way to get the white off my mahogany without having to redo the whole piece?
Trena, what stripper do you use? Great work!
Swing proffesional liquid
Greetings from the BIG SKY. I built a display cabinet with 2 windows in it that open like a Barrister bookcase. The opening door, vertically, was hard to figure out.
Had no idea those kinds of bookcases were so complicated.
They can be a can of worms for sure cheers!
Great work! I just came into a Grand Rapid's Michigan Barrister Bookcase made by Gunn Furniture Company. It is a 4 stack with each stack being a different height. The top has a triangle label on the back with GRM; inside back panels have a stencil of "Gunn Furniture Company, Sectional Bookcase..." I have seen other brands like Globe & Wernicke, also Macey, but little info on Gunn. Anyone here know anything? Thanks
How do you keep your nail polish looking so nice when working with chemicals and sandpapers?
hi trena just found you on here i have a ? may i ask what stripper do you go for and is it powder form or already mixed thanks big dave from over the pond here in the uk
Swing paints professional liquid
Are you using your phone for the video,because the viewing area is very small. PS. I enjoy your videos. Thank you. Roger
Even if she uses a phone for video it can be in landscape mode, thus filling the screen. Did you not read her GIANT disclaimer in the video title? She goofed on this video and was up front about it. Perhaps you can be more understanding and not make unecessary comments about something she is OBVIOUSLY fully aware of. Geeshe!
Dear Trena, as I saw you taking apart the Barrister bookcase, I noticed that it looked in every detail like my Globe&Wernicke bookcase that I bought in the Netherlands in the eighties. It is a seven piece case, upper finish and base included, and still in very good shape. The parts that contain the bookshelves have a "sticker" on the backpanel that says:
The Globe Wernicke Co Ltd
OFFICE & LIBRARY FURNISHERS
LONDON
It must have been made in the UK. It seems that the barrister ones are exact copies of G&W.
Can you tell me something about the history of both furniture makers?
I wish I could but I’m not much of a furniture historian. Many viewers are. If it’s broken or needing some love I’m your girl. What I know is from what I have picked up over 20yrs as I work on pieces or if I need to do some research to do a proper job. Cheers
Thanks for your prompt reaction, maybe one of the viewers of the comment section knows more?
There were a number of manufacturers of these barrister bookcases. Globe and Wernicke were originally two companies that merged. I'm pretty sure the one that is worked on here is from Macey (you can tell by the different door mechanism). They were manufactured by local shops in many cities (under the various brands names) and made in the UK, USA and Canada. SO you can see Globe&Wernicke with labels showing where they were manufactured as well as info on the finish and size. The info on the label varied over time, but usually included codes for size (things like C8 or D9... - indicating how deep C was shallower than D, 8 was 8" tall etc). As I recall Cincinnati, Ohio was one of the US manufacturing sites, and I believe Stratford Ontario was one in Canada. There were a number of styles and options - from tradition to mission style with various glass options - plain, leaded etc.
I see you're still not wearing your mask when painting, your lungs won't last forever doing that!! Love your show!!!!
This was an older vid. I smarten up I. The more recent vids. Lol. Thanks for watching!
Very interesting channel, just been looking for what type of stripper you are using? I also follow your Fathers channel. Excellent skills past on to you. Thank you for sharing.
My dad doesn’t have a channel. Lol. Check out the vid on the products in use. Cheers.
I doubt you'll ever have to 're-invent' the mechanism to move those 'windows' up and down. I found that a round-over bit on my router would let the top of a shelf go up.
Hi Trena; what is the brand of wood hardener do you use?
Portrait Mode... It's not a problem. Just rotate the monitor. 🖥
Lol, I like your attitude!
Trena you do beautiful work. But you scared the hell out of me when you were using the belt sander and your hair was dangling near the belt.
Sorry.
OMG someone painted a Barrister Bookcase?? A 3 section plus top and bottom is worth around $1200+ around here.
FYI: The black squiggles on the hardware are al original, not sure why, just part of the design I guess.
Ya. But I didn’t like them lol. Why they did that who knows
I love, love, LOVE what you do. My concern is that you start out wearing chemical gloves while stripping paint, then you stopped wearing them. No fume mask neither. Those chemicals aren’t good on your skin or in your lungs. Take care of yourself. EDIT: I’m chuckling because I commented on your inconsistent use of protective gear and you told on yourself about 32:27. We all aren’t trying to be problematic. We want you to be around for a while. Put bright pictures of gloves and mask on every can of any type of solvent or glue. Over time, it will be habit.
Yep I have gotten a lot better since this vid for sure. Thanks sherryl!
Where did you get your work apron?
👍👍😎✌️
What paint thinner do you use?
Varsol
Minute 32:12. You asked and i(WE) agree with you. WEAR PROTECTIVE GEAR
+1 - I cringe when I don't see you wearing a respirator when using the stripper and I'd always be wearing safety glasses in the shop.
Just one thing could l ask you can you please film in landscape not Portrait we can see so much more thank you 😊
Yes sorry for a few that got stuck portrait. Still learning. Thanks for watching!
Love youre channel. Hate the music
Oh dear. Sorry
There was some good things in this video - but you lost a lot of the value of the piece when you removed the beautiful Japanned finish on the metal bands. The Japanned finish was a premium option on these bookcases. A lighter tough sometimes is best.
I understand but my customer hated the look so I had to remove it. Cheers!