LumberJocks Woodworking Forum banner

Working with reclaimed oak

3K views 12 replies 7 participants last post by  Firefighter 
#1 · (Edited by Moderator)
I have the chance to get some reclaimed oak that was taken from an old barn. I want to build a dining table/bench and master bath vanity. I have seen reclaimed furniture with the saw marks intact, but a finish that still feels good. I know it won't be a glass smooth surface, but what do you do to make the table top suitable for a table top while maintaining as much character as possible? Thanks for any ideas! Also, what is a reasonable price to pay for this material? 1×6, 1×8 and 4×4. I think lengths are random.
 
#6 ·
Depends. One: on how much you remove with the plane. You can always "Skip-plane" and just knock the marks down a bit. Two: Use a scrub plane. And leave THOSE marks instead.

One can smooth the marks out entirely on the areas where the marks won't show. I tend to get 80% of the marks off, makes doing any joinery work a little easier.
Table Wood Rectangle Drawer Varnish


A blanket Chest made from Reclaimed White Oak, stained a dark walnut by the owner.
Brown Wood Rectangle Floor Composite material


And a better look at the top.. Lot of the saw marks from being resawn were planed off. Still some left.
 

Attachments

#8 ·
Here's what I do to retain the "reclaimed wood" look.

Hit it with the orbital sander or finish sander with a high grit, like 220. Dont work up to the 220 using lower grits, just hit it with the 220 until you get it mostly smooth to the touch, while keeping the "character" of the saw marks, dings, etc.

But LIGHTLY, cause ROS's can take off a lot of material. Just run it over each spot for a few seconds.

Then hand sand 320 and go to 400, hitting all the nooks and crannies to eliminate any splintering. The surface will not be completely flat, there will be high and low spots, but thats part of the charm. And then just finish directly, i'm partial to Watco Danish Oil. Wet sanding with diluted danish oil using 400, and let set for 30 mins, then wipe off and repeat, and repeat, until the pores are filled, and then 600 or higher to achieve that glass like finish.

But if you want a more rustic finish, just sand to 320 and even to just 220, but hand sand after using the power sander. And dont wet sand, just let the oil soak in for about 30 mins, then wipe off. Or were you thinking of using a poly or lacquer?
 
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Top