Seat Varnishing Helper

If you know a good tip or technique to help get through a construction "stumbling block", please post it here. If you have questions concerning building problems, please post them on the "Builders' Forum".
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ealger
Posts: 387
Joined: Sat Aug 14, 2004 5:14 pm

Seat Varnishing Helper

Post by ealger »

It's always a challenge to finish seat frames and thwarts when both tops and bottoms must be covered at the same time. Hanging parts from the rafters is traditional but finding enough space in a cramped shop can be exasperating.

A custom fixture can be made from cardboard. Find a piece about 6" longer and wider than the part to be finished. Turn up both ends and at least one long edge about 1" to stiffen the base.

Cut 4 stand offs made of MDF or wood about 2" wide and 3" to 6" tall. Cut a 3/16" slot in one end, of each of the 4 stand offs, to receive a #8 screw driven into the ends of the part being finished. I use 1 1/2" pocket screws and 1/2" MDF left over from my molds.

Hot glue the 4 stand offs to the base and brace with bits of cardboard and hot glue.

To use, place your seat frame right side up in the stand off slots. Varnish or epoxy the top of the frame first. Then grab the screws on one side, left and right, and pick up the frame. Invert it and place it back on the stand offs upside down. Varnish the bottom. Pick up one side again and invert, right side up. Pick up any runs.

If you like, after inverting right side up, to insure no drips are on the top, you could invert right side down again for a dust free finish!

It just takes a few minutes and worth the effort.

http://s12.photobucket.com/albums/a237/ ... ture/?sc=6
Ed...
Ed Alger
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