The Furniture Doctor: A Guide to the Care, Repair, and Refinishing of Furniture

Sure, it has some good details in it, but I would not suggestion to anyone, except maybe a beginner...and only if you picked it up for a few dollars. I don't generally comment on pictures in a book, but I will here. They were awful! They were a bit stick figure-esque. Sometimes good pictures are helpful for those that are visual learners and they can add good details. These pictures actually seemed to detract from the information.I am far from a professional, but enjoy woodworking and refinishing furniture. I feel like there are better books out there...or watch some YouTube videos.

A entertaining read, heavy on humorous anecdotes and thrifty ideas but light on best practice. If you're just trying to squeeze a few more years out of a hand-me-down kitchen table, Grotz can probably help you, and make you laugh while you work. If you're trying to preserve a family heirloom with real value (either monetary or sentimental), think long and hard before you follow any recommendation from this book. Many of the tricks The Furniture Doctor uses will make the next round of repairs vastly more difficult and much more expensive (and don't fool yourself, old furniture alway has a next round of repairs coming, usually when the next generation inherits). If you really like the piece of furniture you're working on and want to pass it along to your children and grandchildren, find another doctor and get a second opinion.

This is a 'bible' for the average amateur and full of good tips for both the experienced and fussy wood worker. I've used it for more than 30 years. Whenever I have a problem I start my research with this book, and I usually come back to it again after looking at a number of other sources. There are suggestions that you'll not find anywhere else. The humor is a delight. However Grotz wrote most of this before the development of many current ideas about how to preserve antiques. I imagine that employing some of his suggestions might lead to a reduction in the market value of an item. However, I don't think it will ever lead to a reduction in your personal enjoyment of the piece.

Im so glad to have a copy of this book again-I used to borrow it from the library-havent seen it in years, and have missed it BADLY!It is just a fun read, besides having alot of great information presented in a really delightful manner. Mr Grotz has a very low-to-the-ground type of style that is refreshing-he demistifies the entire subject of antique furniture and its care. If you are dealing with MAJOR museum quality antiques-this aint the book for you, but if, like most of us, you are just collecting a houseful of affordable, cool 'old stuff'-this is THE book to have!

Bought this book inthe 1970’s. Lost it in several moves. As a retiree rebuilding old furniture it is as relevant today as then! Many witty comments ie.: suggested (tongue-in-cheek) that a locomotive be used as an appropriate weight in gluing a repaired back together.

I first came across this book many years ago when it was first published. I have used it many times. It's full of good information. If you are looking for steps 1,2,3 and specific directions, there are others out there but this is book is packed with many facts and debunks a lot of myths regarding refinishing and care of furniture. I've loaned this book out a multitude of times upon request. I didn't get it back the last time so now I've had to re-purchase a copy for my own use.

For an amateur this offers a lot of good tips and even someone with experience might learn (or re-learn) a few things. It was written in 1989 so some of the products mentioned might seem dated but his advice, writing style, and humor will make this a valuable addition to your library.

Somewhat dated

Well written, highly informative.

Great

I bought my first furniture doctor 45 years ago. This copy was for my next generation. What you need to know about fine finishing of furniture.

Fast delivery and great book!

Great reference book.