CONRAD: I really do like this dining set.But I just don't know. I don't know if I can do a good job with it.
SALESPERSON: It really isn't hard, sir. You just have to follow the instructions.
CONRAD: What instructions?
SALESPERSON: We will give you a detailed instruction manual if you buy the table.
CONRAD: I see. But can I understand the instructions? I'm a foreigner, you know.
SALESPERSON: Don't worry about that. Your English seems very good.And our instruction manuals are very clearly written. It's easy!
CONRAD: Could you tell me now some of the things I need to do?
SALESPERSON: Of course.First, you must sand the furniture. You sand it to make the wood smooth.You start with heavy-grade sandpaper. Then, you move to finer-grade sandpaper.
CONRAD: Do I have to sand every inch of the table?
SALESPERSON: The better you sand it, the better the finish will be.
CONRAD: Alright.
SALESPERSON: Then, after you sand it, you use tack cloth to wipe off any dust or sawdust.
CONRAD: Sawdust? SALESPERSON: Yes, sawdust is the tiny particles of wood.You could call it wood dust. You must wipe it off.The wood should be very clean before you put the varnish on.
CONRAD: That makes sense.
SALESPERSON: Then you apply the varnish, which is very easy. It is like painting.
CONRAD: And I can choose any color?
SALESPERSON: Yes, we have many colors to choose from, sir.
CONRAD: And after the varnish?
SALESPERSON: After the varnish dries for 24 hours,you can put another coat of varnish on. Or you can put the finish on.The finish is hard and clear. It goes on top of the varnish.
CONRAD: And then?
SALESPERSON: Well, when the finish is dry, the table is done.
CONRAD: It all sounds very complicated.
SALESPERSON: It only sounds complicated. It's really very easy.A lot of people here in America finish their own furniture.It's a good way to save some money. And a lot of people even enjoy it.
CONRAD: Well, I will look around your shop some more. I need to think about it.
SALESPERSON: Alright, sir.
康瑞德：我很喜欢这个餐桌。但是我就是不知道，我不知道可不可以做得好。
店员：先生，这真的不难，你只要照着说明来就可以。
康瑞德：什么说明？
店员：如果你买这张桌子，我们会给你详细的说明手册。
康瑞德：我懂了。但是我看得懂吗？我是外国人。
店员：别担心，你的英文似乎不错。而且说明手册都写得很清楚，很容易的。
康瑞德：你现在可以告诉我自己动手做的部分吗？
店员：当然可以。首先你要磨一磨家具，使木头平滑。先用粗颗粒的砂纸磨，然后再用细颗粒的砂纸。
康瑞德：桌子的每一寸都要磨吗？
店员：你磨得越仔细，成品就越完美。
康瑞德：好的。
店员：然后磨好之后，用有黏性的布擦掉灰尘和木削。
康瑞德：木削？
店员：是的，木削是木头的微小颗粒。你可以说它是木头灰尘，必须擦掉它。在你上修饰漆之前，木头要是干净的。
康瑞德：有道理。
店员：然后你擦上修饰漆，很简单，就像油漆一样。
康瑞德：我可以挑任何颜色吗？
店员：是的，我们有很多颜色可以选，先生。
康瑞德：上完修饰漆之后呢？
店员：在上完修饰漆 24 小时之后，你可以再上另外一层修饰漆，或是上亮光漆。亮光漆是固定用的，而且透明，用在修饰漆之后。
康瑞德：然后呢？
店员：等到亮光漆干了，桌子就完成了。
康瑞德：听起来很复杂。
店员：只是听起来复杂，做起来很简单。美国很多人都自己做家具。这是省钱的好方法。很多人就是喜欢自己来。
康瑞德：我还要再四处看看，我需要考虑一下。
店员：好的，先生。 |