...She comes along slowly =) I have completely restored the pockets and irons. I got a set of Brass Finished rail irons from a guy out West but did the Leather-work myself. Reconditioned, re-dyed, and re-shined em back up. All those years of polishing boots really paid off here
The further I got into the restore I finally came to the conclusion that the majority of the veneer would need to be replaced eventually. Figured this was the perfect time to do that. I bought a book on veneering and contacted a supplier out in Missouri (or Montana..cant remember.) I have stripped her completely down to the original wood used in construction and will be re-veneering her in Spanish Fiddleback Cedar. Believe it or not, the original wood she is made of is solid Ash. If it were better grained I would have been tempted to finish that and not veneer it. However my wife said I would regret doing that and that I should stay with my original concept. She will (of course) be right in the end <grin.>
I still need to get the rail bolt covers but have found a set of originals that I will be getting after the first of the year. I also am wanting to get the original BBC base molding and have found it brand new. However, it will be more expensive to buy the amount I need than all the veneer combined. So veneer first, then the molding. The molding is right at $8 per foot. I will end up needing 30 feet of it
However, if I am going to do it then I am going to do it right!
The Slate will be the next major project. I got lucky and won an auction with 32 of the original bolts that go to her. I needed 2 <grin.> I have plenty of extras, lol. I have talked to Glen (RealKingCobra) and he gave me a few tips on repairing the rail bolt recesses in the slate (you will remember there are 2 recesses that have no nut to receive the bolt and 1 that seems plugged.) That will be my "middle of the winter and bored" project
I will finish everything off with a Dye Stain to really bring out the fiddle-back in the wood and Simonis Green. I believe I will put a hand-rubbed lacquer finish (as that is what was originally on it in 1905.) She will still shine, but more matte than a poly finish would leave.
Also, I contacted the seller of the table from back when (CP Dean Company.) I had them make a new plaque for her. I was not happy with their new design. The font was different as well as a couple of other things I didn't like. So I have been restoring the original plaque. The raised lettering is proving difficult to work around, but i am patient. I am a very happy person with my project and go to whatever lengths necessary to do it right the first time.
I will send ya pics after she has new veneer on her.
~Roy
