One of Those Moments

Reed Spaulding writes:


I had one of those moments yesterday and I thought I would 
share it with the groop.

I have been doing a lot of french polishing lately, it seems that many of the 
items that come into my shop I am able to save the old finish and make a 
customer happy at the same time.  Well I was in the shop working on some 
drawer fronts from a small bow front secretary.  I started by cleaning with 
naphtha and lots of rags, then lightly sanding each front with 320, I follow this 
with some french polishing, but with den. alcohol and a little of the MLC lacquer 
retarder  only.  I am trying to soften the finish down and get rid of some of the 
scratches that have left only those yellow marks.  After they go away I add a 
little oil, shellac and fine pumice and work that round and round until the  
scratches and little dings go away.

Well my 16 year old showed up in the shop and exrpessed interest in the
process.  Before I knew it he was in the closet, pulling out some cotton
batting to make his own rubber. I showed him what to do and he spent the
next few hours polishing on that desk.  "Hey, this is not so hard." he
was heard to say.  I told him not to tell that to anyone else.  "Ancient
Chinese Secret"

It was really rewarding to have my own child show some interest in the
work I do because he was interested, and not just for the money.  
I guess there is hope.


Reed Spaulding
Spauldings Furniture Restorations
Lancaster, NH




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