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Legacy Member
This drawer set is for drafted plan sheets and probably held old blue-prints at one time. They are probably pre-1950 but can't say for sure. Engineers, public works probably replaced them with newer metal ones with better drawer slide hardware. I' had plans to review that would just about fill the drawer to a 2 inch depth. They get heavy. They are often repurposed by artists, screen printers and for collectables.
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06-20-2015 09:21 PM
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Contributing Member
Local Wally World didn't have Formby's so that has to wait another day. Worked on the handles today. They are copper plated steel and unfortunately both rusted and corroded. Cleaned them off in vinegar, maybe 60% of the copper is left.
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Advisory Panel
So now I know why you are not getting on with the revolver!
A great find. In the UK these are usually known as draughtsman's cabinets, and are very expensive. After years of looking for something affordable, I found two smaller ones that had been fitted as drawer stacks for a desk. Excellent for drawings, plans, maps and the like. I use mine for plastic HO model parts that would end up in a horrible heap in deeper drawers. But these cabinets are not suited for the weight of metal parts. If overloaded, not only the drawer base, but also the fixed separator panels, will sag and set in a bend. This makes it hard to pull out a drawer, as the back jams on the sagging base and separator panel of the drawer above. Keep the contents light!
BTW, the top rail at the back of the drawer is intended to prevent paper curling up and catching on the inside of the framing or being crunched up when you push the drawer in. Sheets should be laid in the drawer with the back edge beneath the rail. Missing rails are worth replacing..
Last edited by Patrick Chadwick; 06-22-2015 at 01:33 AM.
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Legacy Member
Another term for these wood or metal containers is. Cartographers Cabinets. Used to store Ordanance Survey Maps. Also Artwork Cabinets as well as Engineering Blueprints.
There you go guy's! so there are THREE different terms for you to start your searches. In The Differing venues!..........
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Contributing Member
Project on hold for the moment because I can't find Formby's furniture stripper anywhere. Any other suggestions? Home Depot has Minwax furniture stripper and Minwax is said to have bought Formby's, is it the same stuff? Would like to be able to work on it the 4th of July weekend.
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Advisory Panel
You need the thixotropic gel type of paint stripper. Use only with plenty of fresh air, not in a closed room. Heaven knows what it has in it, but if you get it on your skin it feels cool for a couple of seconds - and then starts to burn. So you need rubber gloves and wood-handled natural-bristle brushes to paint it onto the wood - it will dissolve plastic gloves and brushes!
This kind of stripper is offered in two types - water-soluble and spirit-soluble. Use the spirit-soluble type if you can get it. After application and waiting some minutes, scrape off the goo and wash off any traces with turpentine. This does not raise the grain of the wood (as water would do) and leaves a clean wood surface that can be lacquered, painted, or just rubbed over with linseed oil.
Did I mention that wide-open windows are a must? And a roll of paper kitchen towelling to wipe off the scraper. Plenty of paper on the floor is a good idea as well. Best do it outside, if you can. But the results can be excellent, and it is what I use on gunstocks, as it does no harm to metal components or the wood. And you can clean a section at a time - no need to attempt to do the entire surface in one arduous and messy operation!
P.S. I shouldn't have told you all this - it would be more interesting for me if you carried on with the revolver!
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Contributing Member
I already have the majority of the finish off, just wanted the Formby's to get the rest and start the finish process.
Revolver has to wait until this is done. This is taking up way to much room in my living room.
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Legacy Member
I've used a product called Zip Strip on several different wood refinishing projects and it works extremely well. Even used it to strip paint off a car one time. You should be able to get it at most paint stores. Ace Hardware also shows it on their web site.
I have several sets of these wooden cabinets. They are sometimes referred to as flat files. I look at Craig's list from time to time and often see them there. I do not use any liners in my wood drawers. If I had metal ones I would, but it's not really necessary in the wood drawers.
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Thank You to porterkids For This Useful Post:
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Contributing Member
I have located Formby's finally. Plan to pick some up tomorrow so will probably start working on it in the evenings. Did use citristrip again today to get some more of the bulk goo off. Not too much left, hoping for a good result with the Formby's. Lowes, the one place I didn't check stocks it.
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Legacy Member
Can't wait for the after photos. I have a lead on a five drawer wood one that photos indicate similar condition. I would love to find a waist high metal one but no luck yet.
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