How do I remove the glued on felt from an old antique tool and die tool chest?

I have my grandfather's old wooden tool and die tool chest that I want to use as a jewerly box. The felt lined drawers are dirty, oiley and badly worn. How do I go about removing that old lining which looks like a felt of some kind. Is there some kind of solvent that I can use to help loosen it?
Has anybody done this procedure before?

Hmmmm, sounds like you have a very interesting item there, I love old tool chests. I was going to tell you to just soak the felt lining with water, as it probably is old hide glue that will dissolve, but on second thought, that may harm the old wood in the chest drawer bottoms. Maybe try very carefully, to wet just small sections at a time and see if the glue loosens. Then again, maybe the best thing to do, if the lining is glued down tight, is to just cover right over it with new lining. Good luck and would like to know how you make out and if I come up with more ideas will try to get back to you.
PS: you will have to wait till the water soaks into the felt, a slow process.

2008-03-17 16:20:08 by MadeinUSA | Posted in Maintenance & Repairs


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