🖼️
The project:
I wanted to make a table for a record player by combining metal and wood. I wasn’t sure how until I found a rusty sewing machine frame. The learning curve was steep, actually it was more a mountain range lol but I’m very pleased with all my new knowledge, skills and of course the table!
- Materials:
- Rusty sewing machine frame
- Spotted Gum fence palings
- Black coated Hex Head Screws
- WD40
- Organoil Tung Oil (50:50)
- Organoil Citrus Terpene
- Gorilla Wood Glue
- Flood Penetrol primer oil.
- Tools:
- Fiskas Pro Hand Saw
- Ozito 1/4 Sheet Sander
- Ozito 18v Impact Driver
- Trojan Socket Set
- Steel Brushes
- Kitchen Scour
- 60-120grit Sandpaper
- Wet/Dry p600 Sandpaper
- Craftright 600mm Bar Clamps.
- Step 1:
The inspiration
I was and still am, amazed that the wheel still turns! And the piece of wood that used to connect the wheel to the pedal is still there! I don’t know if it’s the original one but it adds character.
- Step 2:
Once I had it home, I had no idea how to fix it up. I bought WD40 and a couple of wire brushes. So I began by using WD40 on the screws and bearings in the wheel. As it ran down the frame I noticed it was cleaning it. I found a kitchen scour and began scrubbing with the WD40.
- Step 3:
I know enough about metal to know I had to stop the rust. I chatted to the staff at Bunnings and brought Rustblaster.
I tried a test patch but didn’t like the finish. That’s when I knew I wanted to keep the character of the rust, bumps and chipped black paint.
More research. I found someone who uses Penetrol to keep the look of rusty metal but stops it and prevents corrosion and gives it a light clear coat. Exactly what I wanted. Back to Bunnings I went.
I applied it with a rag, which was super easy with the amount of curves it has and no drips.
To say I am pleased with the result is an understatement!
- Step 4:
While buying the Penetrol I decided to ‘just have a look’ at wood for the top.
I came across a large cardboard box with Spotted Gum fence palings. The swirling grain had me hooked. Yes ‘just having a look’ turned into an hour of texting my sister for measurements and searching the box for the perfect matching boards!
- Step 5:
Hours of hand sanding and I went and bought a sander! Much easier!
I measured, then clamped the wood down with a wooden ruler on to guide my hand saw as I cut.
Once cut, I laid them out and moved them around until I had them matched perfectly. Two of the boards are weathered grey and two have weathered grey strips.
I used Gorilla wood glue and 3 clamps to hold it together. I left it dry for days until I had time to work on it.
Once the clamps came off, I sat it on the frame. It didn’t look right. The top had sharp corners and the frame is all curved.
I cut them off with the hand saw and rounded them using a block of wood and sandpaper.
- Step 6:
I’ve used stain before but didn’t want to hide the wood grain.
Researching again, I decided to use Tung Oil 50:50 mixed with Citrus Terpene. Applied with a rag.
With the first coat I thought I had lost the swirls in the grain but after a few days it looked better, darker but better. I used wet/dry 600 paper in between coats. 2 coats and 1week later I’m in love with the finish! It almost feels soft.
- Step 7:
I kept with the black theme and used Black Hex Head screws to attach the top to the frame.
