Q. On an antique set of drawers, the bottom of the lowest drawer has bowed downward. This is a separate sheet of wood. The body is flamed maple, handmade by my great-great-grandfather, a cabinetmaker.

You're in a rush for work and reach for your favorite trousers you meticulously folded on laundry day, only to find the drawer isn't cooperating with you. Normal pressure isn't enough to make it budge ...