the-fixit-factory

Indoor Outdoor Furniture Broken Parts Made In Christchurch

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 07:00:28 GMT

Fixing Broken Furniture

Phil from The Fixit Factory near the Palms Shopping Centre in Christchurch is a master at fixing broken furniture . If you have any furniture that has broken parts, indoor or outdoor, bring it in and Phil can make a replacement part for you.

His workmanship is so good that he has received over 45 5-star Google reviews from satisfied customers. In this blog, we will explore Phil's work in more detail, including what sets him apart from other furniture repair specialists, what types of furniture he can fix, and why you should consider using his services if you have any broken furniture that needs repair.

Phil's Background:

He has worked on all types of furniture, from antiques to modern pieces, and has developed a reputation for being able to fix anything. Phil has always had a passion for woodworking and enjoys the challenge of figuring out how to repair broken furniture.

What Sets Phil Apart:

What sets Phil apart from other furniture repair specialists is his attention to detail and his commitment to quality. He takes the time to understand the unique needs of each piece of furniture and works with his clients to find the best solution. Phil is also very knowledgeable about different types of wood and can match the color and grain of new pieces to the existing furniture. His work is of the highest quality, and he guarantees that his repairs will last.

Types of Furniture Phil Can Fix:

Phil can fix all types of furniture, including indoor and outdoor pieces. He has experience working with a wide range of materials, including wood, metal, and plastic. Some of the most common pieces of furniture that Phil fixes include chairs, tables, bookcases , and outdoor benches. He can also fix more complex pieces, such as antique desks and cabinets .

Phil's Repair Process:

Phil's repair process starts with an initial consultation with the client. During this consultation, he will examine the furniture and determine the best course of action. If the furniture needs a replacement part, Phil will take detailed measurements and create a custom piece. He will then sand and stain the new piece to match the existing furniture. If the furniture needs to be reinforced or glued , Phil will use high-quality adhesives and clamps to ensure a strong bond.

Why You Should Consider Using Phil's Services:

If you have any broken furniture that needs repair, you should consider using Phil's services for several reasons. First, his work is of the highest quality, and he guarantees that his repairs will last. Second, Phil is very knowledgeable about different types of wood and can match the colour and grain of new pieces to the existing furniture.

Third, he is committed to working with his clients to find the best solution for their furniture repair needs. Finally, his prices are very reasonable, and he offers a quick turnaround time on all repairs.

Conclusion:

Phil from The Fixit Factory near the Palms Shopping Centre in Christchurch is a master at fixing broken furniture. Phil's attention to detail and commitment to quality set him apart from other furniture repair specialists. He can fix all types of furniture, indoor and outdoor , and guarantees that his repairs will last. If you have any broken furniture that needs repair, consider using Phil's services. You won't be disappointed!

Resurfacing To Make Your Furniture Look New Again

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 06:47:55 GMT

Common Types Of Furniture Damages

The Fixit Factory in Christchurch is a renowned company that offers a wide range of services to help you make your old furniture look new again. They specialise in renovating and resurfacing furniture, removing any damage such as candle burns, scratches, watermarks, dog bites, and general wear and tear.

With their exceptional workmanship and attention to detail, they have established a reputation as one of the leading companies in furniture restoration in Christchurch. In this blog, we will dive deeper into the services that The Fixit Factory offers and how they can help you restore your old furniture to its former glory.

Common Furniture Repair & Resurface Services Offered

The Fixit Factory offers a range of services to help you restore your old furniture, including:

Furniture Resurfacing The Fixit Factory uses the latest technology and equipment to resurface your furniture. They can refinish your old furniture to match any colour or style you desire, giving it a brand new look. They can also apply a protective coating that will help prevent any future damage to your furniture.
Scratch Repair: Scratches on your furniture can be a real eyesore. The Fixit Factory can repair any scratches on your furniture, restoring it to its original condition. They use the latest techniques to repair the damage, ensuring that the repair is seamless and invisible.
Candle Burn Repair: Candles are a beautiful way to decorate your home, but they can also cause damage to your furniture. The Fixit Factory can repair any candle burns on your furniture, making it look new again. They use specialised techniques and equipment to ensure that the repair is seamless and unnoticeable.
Watermark Removal: Watermarks can be a real pain to remove from your furniture, but The Fixit Factory can remove them with ease. They use specialised equipment and techniques to remove the watermarks without causing any further damage to your furniture.
Dog Bite Repair: Dogs can be a joy to have around, but they can also cause damage to your furniture. The Fixit Factory can repair any dog bites on your furniture, making it look new again. They use specialised techniques to repair the damage, ensuring that the repair is seamless and invisible.
General Wear and Tear Repair : Over time, your furniture can start to show signs of wear and tear. The Fixit Factory can repair any damage caused by general wear and tear, restoring your furniture to its former glory. They use the latest techniques and equipment to ensure that the repair is seamless and invisible.

Resurfacing Furniture Process

The Fixit Factory has a simple and straightforward process for restoring your old furniture. The process involves the following steps:

Inspection: The first step is to inspect the furniture to determine the extent of the damage. They will identify any scratches, candle burns, watermarks, dog bites, or general wear and tear on the furniture.
Repair: Once the damage has been identified, the repair process begins. The Fixit Factory uses specialised techniques and equipment to repair any damage to your furniture. They will match the colour and style of the furniture to ensure that the repair is seamless and invisible.
Resurfacing: After the repair is complete, the furniture is resurfaced. The Fixit Factory uses the latest technology and equipment to resurface the furniture, giving it a brand new look. They can match any colour or style you desire, giving you complete control over the final look of your furniture.
Protection: Finally, a protective coating is applied to the furniture to help prevent any future damage. The protective coating will help keep your furniture looking new for years to come.

Benefits of Choosing The Fixit Factory

Choosing The Fixit Factory to restore your old furniture has several benefits, including:

Cost-effective
Restoring your old furniture is much more cost-effective

Music Box Repairs Christchurch

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 03:15:43 GMT

Kiwi Garages Book Excerpts 4

Before I arrived, he had been repairing a nineteenth-century music box that reportedly came over on one of the first four ships carrying English settlers to Canterbury.

The ships - the Charlotte Jane, Randolph, Cressy, and Sir George Seymour- were chartered by the Canterbury Association and left Plymouth in 1850.

The internal mechanism of the music box sits on the bench and looks extremely complex.

It produces musical notes using pins protruding from a revolving cylinder, which in turn 'pluck' the teeth of a steel comb.

Most people wouldn't dream of attempting to take it apart.

'I told the customer, leave it with me for a week and let me stare at it.

I'll find out how it works then I can try to gain an understanding of what I can do to fix it.

Now I'm confident I can.'

As we talk, half a dozen repaired clocks tick away in the background.

Statue Repairs Christchurch

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 03:03:40 GMT

Kiwi Garages Book Excerpts 3

Before I arrived, he had been fixing a statue,

A lady rang Phil recently with an intricate soapstone statue that had fallen and broken into 15 pieces and asked if he could fix it.

A confident Mr Fixit told her to bring it around for a look.

In the 20 mins, it took her to arrive, I'd gone on YouTube and discovered which adhesive to use and what equipment I needed, all of which I had here.

Phil put the statue back together and when the customer picked it up, she was close to tears with the results.

I suggested that it must be very satisfying.

It's hugely satisfying.

As we talk, half a dozen repaired clocks tick away in the background.

Upcycled Items Christchurch

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 03:00:48 GMT

Kiwi Garages Book Excerpts 5

Before I arrived, Phil had Upcycled items to make automotive artwork one-off pieces.

Phil is highly creative. Between repairing family heirlooms and broken stuff, he keeps by making automotive art out of scrap metal.

Initially, he scavenged bins in bicycle shops and garages for sprockets and chains and other discarded bric-a-brac, which he turned into lamps such things as lamps, clocks, garden hose reel holders, racing trophies and signs.

'I sold them on Trade Me at first, he says, but now I sell them on my website.'

Phil's hands seem to have a life of their own and need to be constantly doing something.

As we talk, those hands have been using two pairs of pliers to transform a fork into a fantastic little stand for my mobile phone.

He has an amazing capacity for reinvention, a handy trait in the modern world where people can lose their livelihood with a stranger's mouse click.

I leave him preparing his van to drive to Kaiapoi to pick up a broken grandfather clock and, no pun intended, I'd put good money on it running like clockwork next week.

Check out more upcycled items made into artwork at Fixit Factory Christchurch Workshop click the link below

The Fixit Factory News Article The Star

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 02:57:17 GMT

As far as 57-year-old UK expat Phil Garrett is concerned, his family motto should have been ‘waste not, want not’.

“I blame my grandmother for it back in England,” the Burwood-based owner of The Fixit Factory said.

“She started it all by being diligent about not wasting anything.

“She was, you know, a mother during the war, and she knew about saving things.

“That’s how the recycle/reuse ethic went through my whole family, and I’ve always been fixing stuff for people and myself since then.”

Standing at a refuse centre one day, Garrett said he saw people throwing away some perfectly good furniture.

“I said, you could save that, refix it, but they were just going to throw it in the skip and in the big dump.

“I came home and said, ‘this is wrong’. There’s got to be some way, but when I looked online there was no one doing it, no one doing those silly fiddly little jobs.”

Call Phil and get a free quote [phone] open 10 am till 6 pm 5 days and also open Saturday 3 pm till 6 pm for a free quote

News Article The Star Read More >>

So Garrett took a punt and left his job as an engineer for a production company in Bromley and opened the Fixit Factory four years ago, working out of his garage, fixing anything from much-loved family heirlooms to wobbly dining room table legs to – well, almost anything else.

“Right about the time, those restore TV programmes appeared and the business just took off,” he said.

“I’ve learned a tremendous amount. I’ve met some amazing people and I’ve taught myself all sorts of skills, including repairing clocks , I’d never worked on a clock until I started this and now I’ve worked on hundreds.”

Garrett said the Fixit Factory aimed to be a one-stop shop where people can take almost anything that needs repairing and he – or his extensive list of like-minded experts, engineers or specialists just like him – will figure out a way to fix it.

Already well known for his exploits building motorcycles for land speed record attempts, Garrett said he’s met many skilled engineers and backyard specialists while sourcing ideas and assistance.

“It’s that can-do attitude many people have here, it’s great being around them.”

Garrett said he hit the right part of the wave of online enthusiasm for people wanting to use old stuff again.

“Recognising the qualities of old oak furniture rather than the stuff you buy in IKEA, I think there’s a big revival of that and also the fact that old stuff is often actually built better than the new stuff.

“There is a lot of middle-aged people here who just want to restore something that has wonderful childhood memories,” he said.

He’s had 16-year-old kids from down the street walk in with a bicycle that’s got a flat tire, to 85-year-olds with a precious heirloom they want to be repaired.

“It’s been great, but a lot of it is furniture. Wobbly chairs – people will keep their wobbly chairs for 20 years. You can’t sit on them, but they match so that they’re going to keep them.

“Up to now there hasn’t been anyone local or anyone in Christchurch doing that, and now I’ve repaired hundreds of chairs.”

Garrett said he’s had kids' toys, kid's prams, Tonka toys, candelabras, religious artefacts, rocking horses and kid's trikes, dragon boat components, pedal cars, lampshades, some really old furniture, typewriters and sewing machines come into his workshop, every owner wanting their treasured items put back into working order.

The most unique piece he has worked on was a World War 1 bugle, which the owner said had spent three years on the Western Front.

“It had been squashed and twisted and the metal was so thin it was about to fall apart. And I didn’t hold out much hope, but I did spend a lot of time on it.

“And I have to say, I surprised myself. I really impressed myself by being able to do that.

By John Cosgrove

Call Phil and get a free quote open 10 am till 6 pm 5 days and is also open Saturday 3 pm till 6 pm for a free quote

Click here to go to our website: The Fixit Factory Website >>

Doll Repairs Christchurch

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 02:54:18 GMT

Kiwi Garages Book Excerpts 2

I’ll put the kettle on. How do you have your tea?

Before I arrived, he had been fixing a doll ,

Take that doll, for example. He nods towards an old doll with its head detached, sitting on another workbench.

'When it worked, its eyes moved as it walked. Now, I don't know how I'm going to fix that, but the woman said she didn't care how much it cost to fix.

I know some pieces are missing, so I'll pull it apart, find out what pieces are missing and re-make them.

Often, people will walk up the drive, reverently clutching their broken items and Phil can see immediately how precious the thing are to them.

Toy Bear Fixing Christchurch

Tue, 28 Feb 2023 02:46:48 GMT

Kiwi Garages Book Excerpts 1

I’ll put the kettle on. How do you have your tea?

Before I arrived, he had been fixing , of all things, a battery-operated toy bear that walks and smokes a pipe at the same time.

This lady’s father went to a trade show in Germany when she was a kid and brought this home with him and it hasn’t worked in 30 years he explains.

Now watch this. When he turns the toy bear on it matches across the bench, and actually smokes its pipe, with a puff of real smoke coming out of its mouth!

Isn’t that just the funniest thing? he says.

Turns out there was some corrosion and Phil had to solder some wires back together to fix it.

As we talk, half a dozen repaired clocks tick away in the background.

Remodelling Of Old Furniture

Sun, 26 Feb 2023 04:28:32 GMT

The art of furniture making has been around for centuries. It is an important part of our lives and an expression of our style, taste, and individuality.

The functionality of furniture is important, but its aesthetic value cannot be ignored. Every individual has unique physical needs that are often overlooked when it comes to furniture.

At Phil From The Fixit Factory in Christchurch, the focus is on remodelling old furniture to make it suitable for the individual physical needs of clients. This blog explores how Phil From The Fixit Factory remodelling old furniture with height/length adjustments can benefit clients.

Phil From The Fixit Factory

Phil From The Fixit Factory is a furniture remodelling company located in Christchurch. Phil, the founder, has over 30 years of experience in the furniture industry. He has a passion for creating custom-made furniture that meets the individual needs of clients.

Phil From The Fixit Factory focuses on remodelling old furniture and giving it a new lease of life.

Remodelling Old Furniture

Remodelling old furniture is an eco-friendly way of updating furniture. It is also a cost-effective way of getting new furniture without breaking the bank. Remodelling old furniture is a process that involves taking an old piece of furniture and modifying it to meet the needs of the client. This could involve changing the size, shape, or colour of the furniture.

Height/Length Adjustments

One of the most important factors to consider when remodelling old furniture is height/length adjustments . The height of furniture can make a big difference in the comfort level of the individual using it.

For example, a chair that is too low can cause strain on the knees and back, while a chair that is too high can cause discomfort in the legs and feet. Similarly, the length of furniture can also affect the comfort level of the individual using it.

For example, a sofa that is too short can cause discomfort in the legs, while a sofa that is too long can cause discomfort in the back.

Individual Physical Needs

Every individual has unique physical needs that should be considered when remodelling old furniture. For example, an individual who is shorter or taller than average may require furniture that is customised to their height.

Similarly, an individual who has mobility issues may require furniture that is customised to their specific needs.

Phil From The Fixit Factory takes these individual physical needs into consideration when remodelling old furniture.

Benefits of Remodelling Old Furniture with Height/Length Adjustments

Remodelling old furniture with height/length adjustments can benefit clients in several ways:

Improved Comfort: Remodelling old furniture with height/length adjustments can improve the comfort level of the individual using it. Furniture that is customised to the individual's height and length can reduce strain on the body and improve overall comfort.
Increased Mobility: Remodelling old furniture with height/length adjustments can increase the mobility of individuals with physical disabilities. For example, a customised chair that is at the right height can make it easier for someone with mobility issues to sit down and stand up.
Aesthetically Pleasing: Remodelling old furniture with height/length adjustments can also be aesthetically pleasing. By customising the furniture to the individual's height and length, it can look more proportionate and visually appealing.
Cost-Effective: Remodelling old furniture with height/length adjustments is a cost-effective way of getting new furniture. It is often cheaper than buying new furniture, and it is also environmentally friendly.

Conclusion

Remodelling old furniture with height/length adjustments can benefit clients in several ways. It can improve comfort, increase mobility, be aesthetically pleasing, and be cost-effective.

Get in touch with Phil From The Fixit Factory in Christchurch Click Here to learn More

Fixing Broken And Weak Chairs & Table Joints Christchurch

Sun, 26 Feb 2023 04:28:30 GMT

Dinning Chairs repaired -Woobly-Broken- Bits missing

If you have a favourite chair or table that has seen better days, you may be tempted to throw it out and buy a new one. But before you do, consider the benefits of having it repaired instead.

Phil from The Fixit Factory in Christchurch specialises in fixing broken and weak chair and table joints . Not only can he repair and rejoin these joints, but he can also modify them to make them stronger than ever.

Why Repair Instead of Replace?

There are several reasons why repairing your furniture is often a better option than replacing it. First and foremost, repairing your furniture is usually much cheaper than buying new pieces. Furniture can be expensive, and replacing it every time it breaks or wears down can quickly add up. Repairing it can extend its lifespan and save you money in the long run.

Another benefit of repairing your furniture is that it is often more environmentally friendly than buying new pieces. When you throw out old furniture, it ends up in landfills, contributing to the growing problem of waste and pollution. By repairing your furniture instead of replacing it, you can help reduce your environmental impact.

Finally, repairing your furniture can help preserve its sentimental value. If you have a chair or table that has been in your family for generations, it may be more valuable to you than any new piece of furniture you could buy. By repairing it, you can continue to use and enjoy it for years to come.

How Phil Can Help

Phil from The Fixit Factory has years of experience repairing furniture of all kinds, including chairs and tables with broken or weak joints. He uses a variety of techniques and materials to repair and strengthen these joints, depending on the specific needs of the piece.

One common technique Phil uses is wood glue. If a joint has come loose or is weakened, he will apply wood glue to the joint and clamp it tightly until the glue dries. This helps rejoin the joint and make it strong again.

Another technique Phil uses is to add reinforcement to the joint. He may add a metal bracket or dowel to the joint to provide extra strength and support. This can be especially useful for chairs or tables that are frequently used and subjected to a lot of weight and pressure.

In some cases, Phil may need to modify the joint to make it stronger. This could involve using a different type of joint altogether or making adjustments to the existing joint to improve its strength and durability. Phil has the knowledge and experience to determine the best course of action for each individual piece of furniture.

In addition to repairing and strengthening chair and table joints , Phil can also repair other types of damage to furniture, such as scratches, dents, and broken legs. He can work with a wide variety of materials, including wood, metal, and upholstery, to restore your furniture to its former glory.

Why Choose The Fixit Factory?

There are many reasons why The Fixit Factory is the best choice for furniture repair in Christchurch. Here are just a few:

Expertise: Phil has years of experience repairing all kinds of furniture, and he has seen just about every type of damage imaginable. He knows how to diagnose problems and come up with solutions that will restore your furniture to its former glory.
Customisation: Phil doesn't just fix broken furniture; he also modifies it to make it better. Whether you need a joint strengthened or a piece of furniture customised to fit your space or style, he can help.
Quality: When you choose The Fixit Factory, you can be sure that you are getting high-quality workmanship and materials. Phil takes pride in his work and always strives to exceed his customers' expectations.
Affordability: Repairing your furniture is usually much cheaper than buying new pieces, and The Fixit Factory offers competitive pricing to make it even more affordable.
Convenience: The Fixit Factory Can Help, get in touch today click here to learn more

French Polishing In Christchurch

Sun, 26 Feb 2023 04:28:27 GMT

All Types Of French Polishing In Christchurch

Furniture French Polishing in Christchurch by Phil from The Fixit Factory

Furniture French polishing is a traditional method of finishing wood furniture that involves applying multiple layers of shellac to achieve a deep, lustrous finish. While the process is labor-intensive and requires skill, the results are well worth the effort. Phil from The Fixit Factory is a master of furniture French polishing in Christchurch and has been providing his services for over a decade.

In this blog, we'll delve into the history and technique of French polishing, the benefits of using this method to finish your furniture, and why Phil from The Fixit Factory is the best choice for furniture French polishing in Christchurch.

History of French Polishing

The origins of French polishing date back to the 18th century, when furniture makers in France began experimenting with new methods of finishing wood. Prior to French polishing, furniture was typically finished with wax or oil, which provided a protective layer but did not enhance the natural beauty of the wood.

French polishing, on the other hand, involved applying thin layers of shellac to the wood in a specific pattern that resulted in a deep, rich finish.

French polishing quickly became popular throughout Europe and the United States, and by the mid-19th century, it was the preferred method of finishing high-end furniture. However, as the 20th century progressed, the popularity of French polishing waned, and other finishing methods, such as varnish and lacquer, became more common.

Despite this, French polishing never truly went out of style. Today, it is still widely used by furniture makers and restoration experts who appreciate the depth and beauty of the finish.

Technique of French Polishing

The process of French polishing involves several steps, each of which requires skill and precision. While the specific techniques may vary depending on the piece of furniture being finished and the preferences of the polisher, the general process is as follows:

Sanding: The first step in the French polishing process is to sand the wood to create a smooth surface. The polisher typically starts with a coarse grit sandpaper and gradually works up to a finer grit to achieve a smooth finish.
Sealing: After sanding, the polisher will apply a sealer to the wood to help fill in any gaps or imperfections in the surface. This is typically done with a mixture of shellac and alcohol.
Applying the Shellac: Once the sealer has dried, the polisher will begin applying the shellac. This is done with a soft pad made from cotton or wool, which is wrapped around a piece of wadding. The pad is dipped in a mixture of shellac and alcohol and then applied to the wood in a circular motion. The polisher will continue applying thin layers of shellac until the desired depth and sheen are achieved.
Sanding and Polishing: After each layer of shellac is applied, the polisher will sand the surface to create a smooth finish. This is typically done with a fine grit sandpaper. Once the surface is smooth, the polisher will use a soft cloth to buff the surface to a high shine.
Repeating: The process of applying shellac, sanding, and polishing is repeated several times until the desired finish is achieved.

Benefits of French Polishing

One of the main benefits of French polishing is the deep, rich finish that it provides. Unlike other finishing methods, such as varnish or lacquer, French polishing enhances the natural beauty of the wood and brings out its unique grain and character.

Additionally, because the finish is built up in thin layers, it does not obscure the details of the furniture.

Another benefit of French polishing is its durability. When properly applied, a French polish finish can last for decades.

Get in contact with Phil today or visit his workshop in Dallington near the Palms Shopping centre click here to learn more