Replies

1. 
   sschefer | May 24, 2002 07:51pm | #1

   Sounds to me that if it is tempered hard board (masonite) then it might be designed to be removed. If it's slate it can probably be lifted out also but you may need some help.

   Steve - in Northern California

1. 
   sorethum1 | May 24, 2002 08:01pm | #2

   How would it be removed?

1. 
   sschefer | May 24, 2002 08:08pm | #3

   Check underneath the table to see if it is fastened in any way. If not, then it may just need a few taps from underneath. Lay the table on its side and pop it a couple of times from underneath with a rubber mallet. Don't get carried away bangin on it, if it loosens up then your in luck, if not, then clean it up as best you can, fill in the chips, dents and dings with epoxy and refinish.Steve - in Northern California

1. 
   sorethum1 | May 28, 2002 05:49pm | #4

   Slate.  I'm convinced it's slate (it takes chalk perfectly).  Although the desktop looks removable (exposed screws/brackets), I'm inclined to sand it smooth if possible and repaint it with chalkboard paint, which I just learned about.  Someone suggested wet sanding, but I can't find a reliable source for information.  I also am not familiar with using epoxy to fill divots.  If I did remove the slat inlay, I'm not sure I could adequately replace it with similar material, or wood.  Once I overcome this issue, it should be a manageable project.  Thanks, Todd

1. 
   sschefer | May 28, 2002 06:25pm | #5

   Don't use chalkboard paint ! It will ruin the slate permanently. This stuff is for phony chalkboards not real ones. If its that bad, pull it out and replace it with something like tempered fiberboard and paint that. It will give you the same feel, nearly the same durability and you can paint it whatever color you want. Save the slate for another project, its not that hard to cut to a different size.Steve - in Northern California

2. 
   Gretchen | May 29, 2002 02:43pm | #6

   Agree on not using the chalkboard. I don't have a clear idea about what the surface looks like but if indeed it is a piece of slate and removable, why don't you turn it over to expose an unused (hopefully) surface.Gretchen

3. 
   sorethum1 | May 29, 2002 09:05pm | #7

   Love the idea of flipping it, and I'm going to try.  I also found a helpful voice at Vermont Structural, who said it could be sanded with a grinder, and cleaned with acetone.  He strongly recommended I keep the top because they make such nice writing surfaces.  The top is attached with screws/brackets, so I guess I'll start by removing the screws and see what happens.  Thanks, Todd

4. 
   Gretchen | May 31, 2002 08:08pm | #8

   I might add that my children had a desk about 30 years ago with a top set in as you describe.  It looked like slate but was in reality formica.  You, of course, are in much better place to discern what it is.Gretchen

5. 
   sorethum1 | May 31, 2002 09:42pm | #9

   I gave it the slate test:  I wrote on it with chalk.  Worked just like it did in school.  I'm pretty sure it's slate, but this weekend I'll try removing it and let you all know.  Thanks, Todd

6. 
   sorethum1 | Jun 04, 2002 06:17pm | #10

   Gretchen (or maybe it was Steve), it looks like you were right, it's apparently masonite over plywood.  Now, as I discuss on the General Discussion board, I have to decide what direction to go.  I can't just remove the top layer easily, as it is pretty well glued.  Thanks, Todd

   Edited 6/4/2002 11:20:24 AM ET by SORETHUM1

7. 
   cuttoff | Jun 04, 2002 06:29pm | #11

   Oh, didn't realize it was glued in... Hmmm. You may be back to the epoxy and paint idea.

8. 
   Gretchen | Jun 04, 2002 11:35pm | #12

   Gretchen (or maybe it was Steve), it looks like you were right, it's apparently masonite over plywood

   As I said, I think this is exactly the desk my son had 30 years ago!!. You could just go ahead and get that piece out anyway you can--chisel it out--and replace with another piece. I have a formica top bar that looks exactly like slate (or approximately).  Or put a board in and cover it with felt or leather.Gretchen

9. 
   Alan | Jun 05, 2002 12:05am | #13

   Todd,

   There is an easier way to get the old masonite out than chiseling.  Buy a cheap, sacrificial, flat-bottomed router bit, set it to the depth of the masonite and go to town.  You can work back and forth or (my favorite) start in the middle and spiral your way out.  Make sure you wear a mask and eye protection at the least--a full face shield would be better.  Don't use a good bit; whatever you use won't be good for much of anything afterwards.

   Alan

10. 
    forestgirl | Jun 05, 2002 05:16am | #14

    Sounds like fun!  Abstract routering, a new concept :-))forestgirl -- you can take the girl out of the forest, but you can't take the forest out of the girl   ;-)