Furniture Refinishing

There is a large backlog of projects awaiting me this Spring.  I decided last week to start with the dining room table.  I bought this Cherry, gate-leg table shortly after we moved here in about 1990.  It was in pretty good shape at that time and was used in our dining room which was used approximately three times per year.  When we moved to 819 in 1999 (dates are approximate) this table was used much more often as being the main table for dinners.  The finish on the table was varnish.  Often we would put a glass of water or pop on the table and with the condensation or spilling, the finish would be compromised.  We also would use the table for projects that were unsuitable for such a finish.  We, as a family, do not have the sensibility of proper care for nicer furniture.  We would do better with the kind of furniture one might find in a day care.  Maybe made of plastic.  Sturdy and even nearly indestructible.  Yet we still want it to look pretty good. 

I've stripped and refinished three smaller tables using Homer Formsby's Wood Refinisher and some form of polyurethane.  The results have been quite good.  The tables have a nice looking finish and one can put a bottle of beer or can of pop on the tables without worry of removing finish or leaving rings.  So now I'm in the midst of removing the old finish from the table top.  Some of this is done chemically, some physically (scrapers) and some physically (electric sanders).  When I get all of the old finish off and have sanded off as much of the old water stains as possible.  I will apply the polyurethane/stain combination.  

Today I was at a point that required a trip to the local hardware store.  Since I was on the road anyway, I had the opportunity to stop at my favorite adult beverage replenishment retailer.  In the old days, one would pick up a 6-pack.  Years later the 12-pack came into vogue.  Today, 2011, an observer in Fenton could have witnessed Ken Lamson carrying a 30-pack of PBR to his camper van.  I thought, "If anyone asks I'll say this is how I judge my physical condition.  Can I carry a 30-pack to my van?"   

I've seen my first Robin of the season this morning.  I have a supply of beer in the house and the materials are at hand for my first Spring project.  All is well with the world and I hope to see all of you very soon.  Better hurry because the 30-pack is going fast.