Dorset Finds

Doing your taxes? If you're like me, you want to have some excellent procrastination tools handy. I mix my Cost-of-Goods-Sold calculating with virtually visiting some amazing collections of cool things. Try the Dorset Finds board on Pinterest.

Metal Patch

I've mentioned how we give industrial sewing machine tables a new life as adjustable desks. Often, the original tops for industrial sewing machine tables were wooden butcher block made from some type of hardwood, usually maple.  Unfortunately, that top had a huge hole where the actual sewing machine sat. Useful for sewing, but not useful for the table's second life. Usually we replace that top with other wood. Sometimes, though, Keith will patch the original hole with pieces of angle iron. He uses a chisel to set in the metal so that the angle iron patch is level with the wood.  Very sweet.

Coal Chute Top

Speaking of change, here is a scroll saw table with a top that used to be part of a coal chute. Former power tool base, meet previous pipeline to power.

All Things Adjustable

People were shocked when we gave up our desk jobs and changed our lives so completely. To us, the desire to change our lives seemed so natural that it was not really a change, it was just part of our long term plan. Of course, our plan was more  "and then do something completely different." The detail about selling antiques came later.  Apparently, when faced with "what would I do if only I could make a change..," others would not choose to buy used things and try to sell them.  Go figure. 

People don't always like change, but furniture doesn't even consider it.  Most furniture is not adjustable, and wasn't designed to be. Here is a wonderful industrial sewing machine desk that grows as you grow.

Skinny and Folds

Remember when I wrote about the Brooklyn Flea and preferences for apartment furniture?  Well, this desk is skinny and it folds.  Plus when it is unfolded it is stable and sturdy. Very cool.  More photos at walkerantiques.com

Skinny Desk

Did you live in an apartment as a kid?  We didn't. We each lived in 2 story 1960s suburban colonial houses, not huge like some things you find today, but large enough not to worry about the precise size of the furniture.  So our experiences selling to the happy crowds at the Brooklyn Flea were eye opening.   Before we went to Brooklyn, a nice vintage furniture dealer told us that skinny desks were always of interest. We nodded but didn't really get it. Now we do, or at least we're better at it. It's like the food rules.  Space is tight. Buy furniture, but keep it narrow or tall. Mostly folding.
  

Apologies to Mr. Pollan. More photos at walkerantiques.com.