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  1. #1
    Join Date
    Oct 2004
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    Question Rocking Horse restoration advice please

    Guys, I have a circa 1940 Roebuck rocking horse to restore for SWMBO.
    It's much loved, and very very special to SWMBO. And I need assistance with some restoration tips please.

    Once restored it'll be repainted in original colours, with the base remade, probably in Jarrah.

    1. Under the paint, is a layer of what looks like plaster (but is quite hard). It has fine cracks running all through it ,so I've decided to remove all that layer back to bare timber. What should I use to refill any holes/divets that remain? I could use timber putty but I think will be a bit soft (ie not withstand wear and tear into the future). I have some builders bog at home that I thought would be good for filling a couple of places that need reshaping. Good idea or no? Other suggestions?

    2. Once patched and sanded, I'm considering subbing out the painting to a professional spray painter to ensure a nice finish. Good idea or not? What do you think that'd cost?

    3. Any suggestions for suppliers of restoration parts (mane, tail, bridle, saddle etc) greatfully received.

    here is a photo of it as it was received, and some progress pics as sanding back progresses.

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  3. #2
    Join Date
    Feb 2007
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    I don't know a lot about rocking horses but as it is old it may be worth a bit. I would seek advice from people in the know before getting stuck in. The antique dealers in you'r area may be the place to start.

    Regards
    John

  4. #3
    Join Date
    Aug 2003
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    Perth, WA
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    Go to your local library and get a book titled "The Complete Rocking Horse Maker" by Anthony Dew.

    This will tell you all you want to know about rocking horses.

    The book, a DVD and all the best tack and accessories can be bought here
    http://www.rockinghorse.co.uk/

    Also see
    http://www.rockinghorses.com.au/rock...storations.htm

    Growing old is much better than the alternative!

  5. #4
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    Oct 2004
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    Thanks guys. In regards to what it may be worth - to SWMBO it is absolutely priceless (nothing like pressure huh?!). Our child will be the 3rd generation to (hopefully) get many hours of pleasure from it. The directive I've been given, is to restore it as per original as much as possible but being mindful of the cost.

    In scouring the net it looks like the finish was Gesso, then paint. I've found a couple of local suppliers (I know Anthony Dew is regarded as the best, but importing his stuff from the UK is outside the budget to restore this horse, so it'll be local suppliers only).

    I'm guessing I'll be sourcing Gesso, but I've got no experience applying it. All tips welcome. As for painting - same story. SWMBO wants a dappled finish as per original so I'm looking for tips on how to do that too.

    Timbernut.

  6. #5
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
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    Northern Sydney
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    Hi TimberNut,

    You might do well to talk to Renaissance Rocking Horses (I think his name is Chris Woolcock), located in Windsor in Western Sydney.


    Here is a link to the Restoration Kits he sells, which include all of the leather bits, tails, etc.

    I did a 'make a rocking horse class' with him - was an absolute blast for a weekend...

    He does horse restorations as part of his business, and has done some levely ones too. I don't know much about how he does consulting for other people, but he does a great job on some pretty cactus horses, so I reckon he's at least worth a call.

    I've attached a photo of the horse I made at the course... If you went to the Sydney show, you might have seen the one that was almost identical to mine in the woodworking comp alongside Wongo's entry. It wasn't mine, but I'd bet anything it was someone who had done the same course as me! They're (including mine) not as good as wongos either, in case you're wondering!


    Cheers,
    Dave

    EDIT: Just saw Sprog's post... sorry I had my post open for a fair bit while composing it and looking for photos... so... what he said ;-)
    Last edited by Ozkaban; 23rd June 2008 at 03:11 PM. Reason: 'cos I'm a muppet.
    ...but together with the coffee civility flowed back into him
    Patrick O'Brian, Treason's Harbour

  7. #6
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    Oct 2004
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    Hey Ozkaban,

    Yes, Chris at Windsor was one of the 2 I've short listed for parts.
    The other is Doug Colvin in Kingsgrove. I know I can order from Chris and he'll post, but SWMBO is pretty keen to see the stuff pre-purchase. I'll probably go and see Doug one Saturday and see what he can supply me, and take it from there. Unfortunately after ringing him today, I can't say that he sounds overly helpful, so tips/pointers will have to be via questions here I guess. Hence, looking for a woodie who can advise here, their experience applying gesso.

    SWMBO and I went to WWW show and yes, she took a close look at the rocking horses there. I didn't realise one of them was Wongo's (damn). But I guess we were inspecting the horses a lot closer than the cards with builders names on them .

    Yours looks awesome. Here's hoping I can do this one justice, especially considering the close family scrutiny it'll get due to the history of it.

  8. #7
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    Quote Originally Posted by TimberNut View Post
    Here's hoping I can do this one justice, especially considering the close family scrutiny it'll get due to the history of it.
    Here's the 'Close Family Scrutiny' that really matters... My then 1 1/2 y.o. daughter testing it out when I brought it home. BTW, it's still in the loungeroom, and has been ridden several times weekly for the last 2 1/2 years

    Cheers,
    Dave
    ...but together with the coffee civility flowed back into him
    Patrick O'Brian, Treason's Harbour

  9. #8
    Join Date
    Nov 2003
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    Timbernut,

    If you want to do it properly then you should get them from Anthony Dew. His accessories are the best by a long way.

    I have his book, DVD and other materials you need. You are more than welcome to borrow them.

    PM me if you want to talk.

    Cheers
    Visit my website at www.myFineWoodWork.com

  10. #9
    Join Date
    Nov 2003
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    Nice horse Dave. You have a very lucky girl there.
    Visit my website at www.myFineWoodWork.com

  11. #10
    Join Date
    Aug 2003
    Location
    Perth, WA
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    Quote Originally Posted by TimberNut View Post
    In scouring the net it looks like the finish was Gesso, then paint.
    I'm guessing I'll be sourcing Gesso, but I've got no experience applying it.

    Timbernut.
    Gesso

    Anthony Dews book tells you all about gesso, how to apply and then how to paint your rocking horse.

    Take up Wongos wonderful offer to borrow the book etc. It will tell you everything you need to know.

    Growing old is much better than the alternative!

  12. #11
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    Nov 2003
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    Sprog have you built one yet?


    In my opinion it is unnecessary to use gesso. It is a traditional method but I think modern paints are just as good if not better. 2 under coats, 2 top coats and 2 coats of polyu will do it for me.
    Visit my website at www.myFineWoodWork.com

  13. #12
    Join Date
    Jan 2008
    Location
    Haberfield, Inner West, Sydney, NSW
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    Hi Timbernut,
    Beaut horse, great project.
    I'm fully with Wonga re: Gesso. Traditionally this was used as a primer-predominately to lay down a base for the paint and to 'cover up' any joins or imperfections, since it's thick, but as Wonga said, a good quality primer will do a better job now, given that advances in paint products have come as far as man going to the moon and back since plaster was broiled up with rabbit skins to make gesso! If you find a primer suitable for timber and one that is compatible with the intended paint, you should be right.
    As for the accessories, I'm sure Renaissance could help you.
    Good luck and let us have a looksee when you've done!
    Cheers,
    Clare.

  14. #13
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Location
    Gold Coast
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    We recently called in to see Chris at Renaissance Rocking Horse at Windsor. We had traveled to Bright in Victoria for a short holiday and took the opportunity to have a look at at a few rocking horse makers on our trip.

    We were impressed with Chris and unfortunately we did not spend a lot of time there as we had to get to Scone and travel the Putty road before it got too dark.

    He runs classes that are booked out for three years, he repairs old rocking horses and my wife and I were impressed with his ability to make them . He can supply all the individual parts required and his wife is into old worlde furniture and dolls. they not only talk the talk but walk the walk as well.

    We were impressed enough that when we got home we rang him and ordered one to our colour and specifications. It has not arrived yet, but because they are all individually made delivery is about three months. Sooner, if you want it in a hurry.

    His prices are very reasonable for the quality of the work produced.

  15. #14
    Join Date
    Aug 2003
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    Perth, WA
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    Quote Originally Posted by Wongo View Post
    Sprog have you built one yet?
    Hi Wongo,

    Not yet

    Got the book, got the DVD, got the enthusiasm, now I just need some time.
    Not enough hours in the day now I am retired

    My Grandson is 4 now so I will have to get into it very soon.

    Growing old is much better than the alternative!

  16. #15
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Location
    Melbourne
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    TimberNut, rocking horses are very collectable... even 1940s models, so you may want to think long and hard before getting stuck in with modern filler/primers and synthetic spray paints.

    I would be inclined to research the topic extensively before lifting a tool in anger. I understand the rocking horse has immense sentimental value to your wife and she undoubtedly has no intention of parting with it, but it would be very easy to devalue it with the incorrect choice of finishes which really would be a shame.
    .
    I know you believe you understand what you think I wrote, but I'm not sure you realize that what you just read is not what I meant.


    Regards, Woodwould.

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