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23rd June 2008, 11:07 AM #1
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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23rd June 2008, 02:44 PM #2
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
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23rd June 2008, 02:47 PM #3
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!
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23rd June 2008, 02:55 PM #4
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.
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23rd June 2008, 03:07 PM #5
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
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23rd June 2008, 03:28 PM #6
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.
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23rd June 2008, 03:40 PM #7...but together with the coffee civility flowed back into him
Patrick O'Brian, Treason's Harbour
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23rd June 2008, 03:50 PM #8
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.
CheersVisit my website at www.myFineWoodWork.com
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23rd June 2008, 04:18 PM #9
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23rd June 2008, 05:41 PM #10
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!
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23rd June 2008, 05:53 PM #11
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
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23rd June 2008, 06:47 PM #12
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.
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23rd June 2008, 06:55 PM #13
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.
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24th June 2008, 02:04 PM #14
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24th June 2008, 03:43 PM #15
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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