bench repair

[pianoman]

Just came up from my shop after prying apart a Starr French pro bench that
was held together, but still falling apart, by 13 screws and 3 braces in
the legs and rails along with the 2 dowels in each rail going into each leg
at 2 sides of each leg.  The client not only wants it repaired but reduced
in size form 14X30 to 12X27&1/2 so that a needlepoint cushion she has will
fit.  Eight of the screws are about #10 or #12's about 3" long so there are
large gapping holes in the square part of the leg also.  I have a feeling
that I am going to lose my shirt on this one.  It is from sometime in the
1940's so the finish is not that great and I am going to have a tough time
trying to disguise where these hole used to be.  The fact that I am going
to resize it will help in getting some fresh wood to work with on the
rails. The top of course will have to be resized also.  I'm trying to come
up with a plan of action to charge her so I don't lose my shirt.  Oh yes, I
have the rack also and it is split at the screw holes in the edge.  I am
going to use epoxy on that.  This is going to be a most interesting
experience though not a profitable on .  It has taken me about 30 minutes
to get the whole thing apart so tomorrow I will have to call her with my
plan of action and estimate.
I guess I am writing this to vent my brain.
James Grebe
R.P.T. from St. Louis
pianoman@inlink.com
"Take me through the darkness to the break of the day"