A long time ago, when my mother’s father (Grandpa Nat) moved out of his apartment into assisted living, all the grandchildren came to collect his things. Some took many items: his organ, couches, dishes and bedroom sets. I remember taking just four things: A set of candlesticks, his encyclopedia, a small notebook with his hand-written notes from being an aircraft mechanic, and his old flip top style desk. The desk was run-down, but charming, with a bookcase above, flip down writing surface and some organizers slots, with drawers below.
I used the desk for many years – in my bachelor pad it was the place I organized and paid my bills. Each time I would use it, I would think about my grandfather, who was a gentle fellow, always thoughtful and caring. He taught himself to play violin and organ, and was truly a nice man. He did not hear well, but was inventive and curious. There’s no doubt that my willingness to try new things came from his DNA.
The desk was in our guest room when we lived in Larchmont, but has languished in our basement since we moved to White Plains. Cam moved into an apartment in Philly this year and asked if she could use the desk. I decided it would be a great family project to fix it up. The desk contains both mahogany and veneer, and I have never attempted to refinish a veneer before. The last few weeks were spent rough sanding the drawers, and today Cam and Ali assisted me in some additional rough sanding of the base, removing hardware and preparing it for a refinish. We’re basically taking it down to the bones.
I will follow up with progress as we go!
Update: 3/28/25
Update: We have officially completed all the sanding! Starting with 100 grit, then 120, 150 and finally 220 making the mahogany smooth. It feels great!
Cam and I also checked the stain color on a recent visit, and it looks good. We are all set to clean the shop and start the finishing process!
