How To Repair A Roll Top Desk Tambour: A Personal Experience

Roll top desks are beautiful and functional pieces of furniture that have been around for centuries. They are popular because they provide ample storage space and can be closed up when not in use, keeping papers and other items safe from dust and prying eyes. However, the tambour, or the flexible slats that roll up and down to cover the desk’s contents, can become damaged over time. In this article, I will share my personal experience of repairing a roll top desk tambour and provide some tips and ideas for anyone facing a similar challenge.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Assess the Damage

The first step in repairing a roll top desk tambour is to assess the damage. Look for any broken, cracked, or missing slats, as well as any damage to the track or other components that hold the tambour in place. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need to replace some or all of the slats, or make repairs to the track or other components.

Step 2: Remove the Tambour

Once you have assessed the damage, you will need to remove the tambour from the desk. This can usually be done by lifting the tambour up and out of the tracks that hold it in place. Be careful not to damage any of the surrounding components or the desk itself.

Step 3: Replace or Repair the Slats

If you have identified any broken, cracked, or missing slats, you will need to replace or repair them. Replacement slats can usually be purchased from a furniture repair or restoration shop, or you may be able to find them online. If you need to repair a slat, use wood glue to reattach any broken pieces and clamp them together until the glue dries.

Step 4: Clean and Sand the Slats

Once you have replaced or repaired any damaged slats, you will need to clean and sand them. Use a soft cloth and a mild wood cleaner to remove any dirt or grime, and then sand the slats lightly to smooth out any rough spots or edges.

Step 5: Reassemble the Tambour

Now that you have repaired or replaced any damaged slats and cleaned and sanded them, it’s time to reassemble the tambour. Carefully slide the slats back into the tracks, making sure they are aligned correctly and roll up and down smoothly. If you had to make any repairs to the track or other components, make sure they are also properly aligned and secured.

Step 6: Test the Tambour

Once you have reassembled the tambour, test it to make sure it rolls up and down smoothly and without any hitches or snags. If it doesn’t, you may need to make further adjustments or repairs.

Top 10 Tips and Ideas

Inspect your roll top desk regularly for any signs of damage to the tambour or other components.
If you need to replace slats, try to find ones that match the original slats as closely as possible.
Use wood glue to repair any broken slats, and clamp them together until the glue dries.
Clean and sand the slats before reassembling the tambour to ensure a smooth, even finish.
If you need to make repairs to the track or other components, make sure they are properly aligned and secured before reassembling the tambour.
Be careful not to damage any of the surrounding components or the desk itself when removing or reassembling the tambour.
If you are unsure about how to make any repairs, seek the advice of a professional furniture repair or restoration expert.
Consider using a wood conditioner or protective finish to help prevent future damage to the tambour.
Always handle the slats and other components of the tambour with care to avoid causing further damage.
Keep your roll top desk clean and dust-free to help prevent damage to the tambour and other components.

Pros and Cons

There are several pros and cons to repairing a roll top desk tambour. On the one hand, repairing the tambour can restore the desk’s functionality and provide a beautiful and functional piece of furniture for many years to come. On the other hand, repairing the tambour can be time-consuming and require a certain level of skill and expertise, particularly if you need to make extensive repairs or replacements to the slats, track, or other components. Additionally, if you are not careful, you may cause further damage to the tambour or other components of the desk.

My Personal Review and Suggestion

As someone who has repaired a roll top desk tambour, I can say that it is a challenging but rewarding project. It requires patience, skill, and attention to detail, but the end result is a beautiful and functional piece of furniture that can be enjoyed for many years to come. My suggestion would be to take your time, follow the steps carefully, and seek the advice of a professional if you are unsure about any aspect of the repair process. With the right tools, materials, and techniques, you can restore your roll top desk tambour to its former glory and enjoy its beauty and functionality for many years to come.

FAQs

Q: Can I repair a roll top desk tambour myself?

A: Yes, you can repair a roll top desk tambour yourself if you have the right tools, materials, and techniques. However, if you are unsure about any aspect of the repair process, it is always best to seek the advice of a professional furniture repair or restoration expert.

Q: How do I know if my roll top desk tambour needs repair?

A: You should inspect your roll top desk regularly for any signs of damage to the tambour or other components. If you notice any cracks, splits, or missing slats, or if the tambour does not roll up and down smoothly, it may need to be repaired or replaced.

Q: Can I replace just a few slats on my roll top desk tambour, or do I need to replace all of them?

A: It depends on the extent of the damage. If only a few slats are damaged or missing, you may be able to replace just those slats. However, if many of the slats are damaged, it may be more cost-effective and efficient to replace the entire tambour.