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Collectibles-General (Antiques)/Foundry Cart for a Coffee Table

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Expert: - 8/21/2008


Question

Foundry Cart
Hi,
I have an old foundry cart from the late 1890's.  It looks to be made of oak planks and cast iron hardware and I wanted to use it as a coffee table.  I like all of the "charm" to it with all of the cracked planks, dents and discoloration from different things that have been on it.  Really all I want to do is sand down any areas that are sharp or could cause splinters and protect the top to avoid stains while protecting the original integrity of the piece.  The sides all have stamps on them with the name of the foundry etc that I will not touch and want to leave the cast iron part as is.  Just simply have the top as a usable space, protect it and not have it change much from the original state.  Can you recommenced how I could do this and what I should use to sand the small areas etc.  I have attached an image of a similar cart to mine.  Thanks you.
Regards,
Chad

Answer
Hi Chad
Nice to hear from you.
Great project.
If you like what was done in the picture you sent its a fairly easy thing to accomplish.
My main concern is that the wood be very clean before any thing is applied to protect it.
I think it would be advisable to wipe it down with mineral spirits before sanding.
Just dampen a rag and try a few swipes with that to see if a lot of dirt is present.
If there is, it absolutely must be removed as you only plan on sanding the rough areas.
You may even have to resort to a scrub brush dipped in the mineral spirits to get the wood clean.
Then three coats of Minwax fast drying poly is a satin sheen.
I note the iron in the pictured cart has been painted. Flat black oil based is a good choice if you want to paint that.
Once again clean the iron with a rag and mineral spirits.
Get a sanding block and 120 grit sandpaper to do the sanding.
Good Luck with this
Regards
Eileen  

Eileen Cronk

Expertise

I can answer most questions about the repairing and refinishing of all your old furniture items (the things we call antiques). I can also give you advice on what wood items to choose and what wood items to avoid at auctions, flea markets etc. I DO NOT give appraisals on antiques as this is not my field of expertise.

Experience

I have been repairing, refinishing and of course buying old furniture for the past 30 years. On any given weekend I can be found at auction sales or flea markets searching out a good buy. I have taken several courses in this area over the years, but I find "Hands On" learning to be the best teacher. I can help you avoid the pitfalls and problems of this wonderful rewarding craft.

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